October 16, 2022

 Alton, Illinois to Kimmswick, Missouri (Sunday Oct. 16th)

We were discussing whether or not Kip was going to cook breakfast, and I said we should probably wait until after the 8:15 a.m. update meeting.  Kip went to chat with the people in the Cutwater boat.  The boat radio came to life and the Lockmaster stated "Pleasure crafts wanting a downriver lock should be at the lock by 8:00 a.m."  WHAT!  --- It was 7:45

Kip came back to the boat, and I told him what I heard.  He was wondering what was going on because all of a sudden people were running down docks, pulling in lines, turning in marina keys, holy heck was breaking lose.  After speaking with several other loopers (and amid the confusion), the Lockmaster came back on the radio and stated that we should be at the Lock 26 by 8:30.  There is still a blockage downriver, but they are getting boats through on one side of the channel, which is slowing everyone down.   Nine of us got through the Lock and made our way to St. Louis, Missouri.

Lock 26 didn't shut the lock door - a small wall came up from under the water.

We realized at the Lock that we forgot to leave the marina key, so we will have to mail it back or get charged $75.00.  I also learned how to understand another "Kip Speak" - when he says "Oh, that would be a good picture" it means "Get the camera and take a picture of that."  

Going through Chain of Rocks to Lock 27.

This part of the river is not like the north and there are very few boaters or marinas, mostly tows and barges driving through.  There are also abandoned buildings, empty tow and barge pieces, equipment, and abandoned metal objects and debris all along this stretch.

And sometimes you see unexpected things!

Coming into St. Louis we saw a huge tow and barge!  It was four across and 8 long!

Our first glimpse of the St. Louis arch.

We arrived safely at Hoppies.  All nine of us parked along an old barge.  

We walked to the Anheuser Estate and looked around.  

We also found out that we are not the ONLY ones who have a red and green can in our driveway!

One of the other boats took this picture for us.

There was a long meeting about what is awaiting us down the river, and discussions on the best plan were had.  Kip and I made supper around 7 p.m. and tucked in at 9:00.  We drove 45 miles today.  It was a very stressful but exciting day.