Thursday, September 18, 2014

Kaskaskia Lock

We had planned to make a short 20 mile trip to Alton today. Our plans changed last night when we talked to 4 other loopers. They were leaving at 7 AM, so we decided to leave with them to travel down the Mississippi River. They had planned to stop at the famous Hoppies. We didn't feel that Hoppies had much to offer so we kept going. We ended up traveling 100 miles and tied up to the lock wall at the Kaskaskia Lock. Because of the swift downriver current we were able to travel at 13-15 mph. There was still some debris in the water, but it was pretty easy to avoid. It's very peaceful at this lock and we can bring Hooper to shore by dinghy to a nearby park.

We plan to leave early tomorrow, but aren't sure how far we can go. We have heard that 10 miles downriver the Coast Guard has closed the river because a tugboat had sunk early this morning. Supposedly there is a salvage barge on the way to clear the area. It's been difficult to get accurate information. I guess we'll find out tomorrow.



Loopers on the move. That's Serenity, Average Looper & Summerland. Navigator is in the lead in front of us.

Limestone cliffs along the Mississippi



Clark Superbridge in Alton, Illinois

Melvin Price Lock

Waiting to enter the lock




Entering Chain of Rocks Canal


Entering Chain of Rocks Lock



St. Louis




The Arch


Hoppies



Rock quarry on the Mississippi 


Kaskaskia River

Kaskaskia Lock





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