Tuesday, October 19, 2021 (Alton, IL - Imperial, MO)

Good morning Alton!  What a beautiful sunrise.  As we passed under the Alton bridge I couldn’t resist taking a picture of how the structure is amazing.  But in the blink of an eye we are waiting to pass through one of the biggest lock and dams I have seen.  It is called the Melvin Price Lock and Dam.  The small tug and barge that we waited for seemed so small compared to the lock structure.  

Yes, another really nice Lock Master!!

This drop was about 30 feet.  When the gate opened to leave, look what was waiting  to rush in.  At first we didn’t think there was enough room to float by the barge but no problem.  Normally the tug and barges wait farther away from the gate.  

Further down the river is an area that the Corp of Engineers dumped rocks in the main channel of the Mississippi in order to raise the water level. This is called the Chain of Rocks.  For a better explanation google Chain of Rocks.  Go figure!!! There is however another smaller channel that flows perpendicular to the main channel that you use.  There is even the big sign “Lock” with an arrow to guide you to the correct channel.  Not everyone reads!!!!!! Unfortunately, as we speak, there is a 44 foot sailboat hung up on the rocks and has been there for 2 weeks.  Two passengers were rescued but they have had numerous issues trying to get the boat unwedged from the rocks.  Evidently today a large barge with a crane arrived from Florida to try and lift the boat.  What a bad day boating for them!!!!  It’s an interesting story but I wouldn’t want to pay the bill.

As we travel we started to talk to several other boats that display their Looper flag.  So we all boated together to our next stop. We have been waiting to get to St.Louis, MO to see the Arch from the water.  We were not disappointed.

She is beautiful and such a task to build.  I had forgotten how industrial the river is now and so many huge barges.

It’s been a good long day and we finally are south of St. Louis.  We have heard so much about our next overnight stop and sort of knew what we were getting into.  Sort of!!!!!!  Hoppies Marina where you get fuel, tie up and that’s about it.  We did get electricity which was a complete surprise.  You basically tie her up good and solid because the barges go by all night.

The owner’s daughter gave us newbies a tutorial of what to expect from here on out.  Basically she scared the bejesus out of the women present except me.  I will be ready when the sun comes up and lets get this boat floating.  Lol!!  Hopefully we sleep.  See you tomorrow.