The current, in normal conditions, runs between 3 and 4 mph.....but for us it is running @ 5 mph. The weather can make or break this journey and it is looking good for us.
Early morning departure....7AM with four boats leaving Grafton Harbor Marina
We are the 4th boat
Grafton Harbor Marina....nice place
Beautiful bluffs near Alton
Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine
This 50 foot shrine was built after the disastrous flood of 1951 as gratitude for the water stopping just short of flooding the village of Portage des Sioux.
Flock of the American White Pelicans
Later Date....Bayport MN...joins our group
Piasa Bird from the water
Aton Belle Casino Boats
Mel Price Lock and Dam with a 23 foot drop....lots of trash
Lee Ann Ingram....northbound
Entering the Chain of Rocks Canal
Good Directions....rapids the other way
Lots of barges waiting
But....we are next after the Northbound comes up
30-45 minute wait
Want me to help Captain
Robin B Ingram.....3x5...northbound
Chain of Rocks Lock and Dam....12 foot drop....Last lock on the Mississippi
Gates open....Big Barge waiting to enter
Leaving the Chain of Rocks Canal back into the Mississippi
Here we come.....downtown St. Louis MO
Brings back lots of memories
Beautiful homes
What a view from the river
Hoppies Marine Services
This is the only place to get fuel for the next 107 miles and the only marina for the next 228 miles. Dockage is at three 100 foot barges tied into a high stone cliff with cables. The town of Kimmswick is within walking distance.
We are met by Hoppie, daughter Deb and others to get 5 boats pointed upstream, and tied. Lots of current and wind......
Freedom comes in after us
We have a port tie....Saddi has a new ramp built in Grafton
Because this could collect at your stern if you were pointed downstream
Daily "river" briefing
Fern knows the Mississippi River
Michelle and Dave......Sheli and Steve
Cary and Martha
They help with the Sunday evening potluck....delightful ladies
Fern and the Captain....what a treat to finally meet her
Gas boats fill up....diesel boats can make GTB......afternoon spent with Fern and she tells us about the Mississippi River....She and her husbands are legends!!!!
Potluck dinner this evening.....59 miles.....total of 1656 this season....
The following boats are traveling together....Nanseann, Freedom, Just Us, Puraa Vida, Later Date and Snailmail....so there will be six going to Little Diversion to anchor tomorrow night.....110 miles....6:30AM departure.....
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