It is now Tuesday the 11th. We talked to the other boats and Toucan was staying in Grafton, so we said our good-byes to them. It has been great to travel with them. I will miss Rick's sense of humor. We had decided to leave at 9:00AM. Paddy Wagon went up to St. Charles to get fuel, so we slowed down so they could catch up. We entered at mile 218.0 where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi River. It was another great day for cruising and a short day only 59.5 miles. Our first lock came at mile 200.8 the Mel Price Lock and Dam. Just before it was the statue of Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine. Lucky for me Bev was able to get the picture which I will add. Luck must be on our side today. We were able to go straight into the lock with no wait time. This was a 23ft drop but seemed to go by very quick. The junction of the Missouri and the Mississippi meet 5.5 miles down stream. We headed for the Chain of Rocks Canal and then our second lock at mile 185.0 Chain of Rocks Lock and Dam. Here we went in to the right, smaller chamber. Most of the floating bollards were not working properly or missing. It was a 27ft drop, not to bad. from there we passed a number of bridges and then we were approaching St. Louis. Really not pretty to come into by boat and lots of barge traffic.
As we approached the arch in St Louis at mile 180.0, we cruised by and got pictures of each of us. It was kind of fun.... We continued on down the Mississippi with only 21.5 miles to go to Hoppie's. We called in and Fern answered and told us where to go. we topped up with fuel and headed to our spot. After we all were settled in we when for a walk into town. It was a small town but with a lot of history behind it. The few streets were lined with quaint shops. We went to the Blue Owl Bakery. The owner us very hospitable. We all picked up a couple of sweets and headed back to the boat. Fern what to talked to all of us so we met her under her little tent on the docks. Fern is a nice and very knowledgeable woman. hard working and a heavy smoker, but probably in better shape that most. She guided us through each and every important turn or area that we should know about. Her detail is amazing. After that we headed back to our boat. Belinda came by to let us know that it was Bev's birthday tomorrow and that maybe we could surprise her and cook her dinner. So between Belinda and myself we have everything to make dinner for 6. Rickshaw invited us back to their boat for a dice game called Farckell. We played this game for awhile and it was fun. Belinda won and after that she treated us all to a little of her favorite ice cream. What a great day.... Back to ours boat and off to bed....
As we approached the arch in St Louis at mile 180.0, we cruised by and got pictures of each of us. It was kind of fun.... We continued on down the Mississippi with only 21.5 miles to go to Hoppie's. We called in and Fern answered and told us where to go. we topped up with fuel and headed to our spot. After we all were settled in we when for a walk into town. It was a small town but with a lot of history behind it. The few streets were lined with quaint shops. We went to the Blue Owl Bakery. The owner us very hospitable. We all picked up a couple of sweets and headed back to the boat. Fern what to talked to all of us so we met her under her little tent on the docks. Fern is a nice and very knowledgeable woman. hard working and a heavy smoker, but probably in better shape that most. She guided us through each and every important turn or area that we should know about. Her detail is amazing. After that we headed back to our boat. Belinda came by to let us know that it was Bev's birthday tomorrow and that maybe we could surprise her and cook her dinner. So between Belinda and myself we have everything to make dinner for 6. Rickshaw invited us back to their boat for a dice game called Farckell. We played this game for awhile and it was fun. Belinda won and after that she treated us all to a little of her favorite ice cream. What a great day.... Back to ours boat and off to bed....
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