Hoppies to Kaskaskia Lock

We only had 42 miles to go today so we made a leisurely start at 9 am.  The Mississippi here is very wide and runs very fast.  We were breaking the Trawler Sound Barrier at 12.4 mph – almost needed a neck brace to counteract the G forces.

There were dozens of tows, and some were 30 barges – 5 rows wide by 6 barges long.  Most of the captains were very courteous and we managed to stay out of their way.  The four other boats we are with, and Reunion, docked at Kaskaskia lock.  It’s just off the Mississippi about 100 yards and it’s the lock that maintains the level of the Kaskaskia River and keeps it navigable.  They probably get one boat a day going through so it’s a good place to tie up alongside the pier behind the staging wall.

Because we are miles and miles from AnyWhere we are sharing dinner tonight.  One couple has a whole salmon they will grill, and the rest of us are bringing salads and the extras.  It’s just warm enough to be beautiful, and its sunny for a great relaxing afternoon and evening.

Overlook

With a view of the river