Grafton proved to be a fun time on Saturday night and besides being the first time we have gotten in before dark so far this trip, we were also able to enjoy the town and the remainder of the afternoon. Today we got on the river around 0800, the mighty Mississippi River. And boy was it mighty. We had about a 3-4 knot following current the entire day. It was great to be running 600-800 rpm's and see 10-14 knots SOG. At around noon we passed through St. Louis, MO. The arch thing was pretty cool and it was weird to see big buildings after all of these woods and country haha. It was another hot one as the high in St. Louis was 84. I got a little sun burned! The weather forecast looks great for the next ten days with only a 40% chance of rain on one day. We are staying at Hoppies in Kimmswick, MO which is absolutely awesome! The marina is like an old barge on the side of the river that was converted to a dock back in the 30's. The people here are so nice and a trip in to town takes you back in time. I love how friendly everyone is and the pace of life is just my type...niiiiice and slooow. Everyone says I must miss Chicago but I tell them that Chicago is always hussle hussle and while it is a great town I love places like Hoppies. Tomorrow will be another 100 mile day on the Mississippi, but with no more locks for two days and a following current we should make really good time and save a whole bunch of fuel.
Here are some pictures from the last few days:
Rocks just south of Grafton on the Mississippi River:
One of the many tugs that we must avoid (4 loads wide, 4-5 loads deep)
The dock/barge that is famously known as Hoppies. Kimmswick, MO
St Louis, MO. Mr. Chips leadin' the way.
Mr. Chips early sunrise north of Starved Rock.
Yours truly workin' on the tan and my river beard. St Louis, MO
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