Ole Man River

September 13, 2010

Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine built after 1950 disastrous flood as gratitude for not flooding Portage des Sioux

After three restful nights at Grafton Marina, we left Sunday bright and early at 7 AM with Lady in Red, Magoo, Mas Buenos and Merried with Her to conquer the Mississippi.  We knew we had to travel about 55 miles which shouldn't be a problem but we also had two locks to get through. So far our technique of calling the lockmaster on the phone to find out the lock's status had worked well and we had had no delays.  We were hoping for the same results again.  Mel Price Lock and Dam 26 was clear and we sailed through without a hitch.  Fifteen miles later we came to our last lock on the Mississippi, the Chain of Rocks Lock and Dam 27.  Just the name of it made be become wary and for good reason-it was being worked on so we had to float around outside the entrance for three hours before we were locked through with a commercial 8 barge and tow.  You have to look carefully at the picture to see the barge and tow on the right and us pleasure boats on the left.

Chain of Rocks Lock

They don't want anyone getting lost on the Chain Of Locks Canal!

The St. Louis' Gateway to the West was thrilling to see from the water.  St. Louis looked like an interesting city but there is absolutely no where to tie up to visit it.  The waterfront is all industrial with barges and tows and more barges and tows.

Gateway to the West

Riverboat casino outside St. Louis

We pulled into Hoppies Marina around 4:30. This rustic marina is the last marina for the next 228 mile.  The dockage is made from three barges tied with cables and we are learning to appreciate any place we can safely tie up for the night.  Fern Hopkins, the owner, sits all loopers down and describes the dangerous rapids and bends on the river and explains safe anchorages.  She is legend and her words are highly respected by all.  We all diligently marked up our charts and took special notes...we greatly respect her expertise and will follow her directions to the letter!

Fern Hopkins-River Expert!

Hoppies Marina

Marina Lounge Area

Magoo, Lady in Red, Mas Buenos, Merried with Her and Tony M enjoying scones, celebrating Art and Sandra's 41st anniversary at Hoppies

Fern's first suggested night's stop is at Kaskasdkia Lock, off the Mississippi  so that's where we are for tonight. The lockmaster is allowing us to tie up to the wall as long as we don't climb the ladder to get out or tie onto the handrails.  Again it's rustic with no water or power but it's  quiet and we're safe.  There is some dredging going on in our backyard but it's interesting to watch.  Buddy goes for dinghy rides to shore for exercise and bathroom breaks!

KasKaskia Lock wall for the night

Think of us tonight!