Alton Illinois is not much of a thriving town. Other than being a suburb of St. Louis, Alton’s historical importance is that it was the site of the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas and where Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, was born and raised.
It is also the site of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam. We toured the Museum and the lock while we were here. It was very interesting viewing a lock from above and not just from the inside.
We left Alton Marina at 7:30 this morning to get through the first of 2 locks for today before a couple of barges that were on their way up river. We made it through that lock without difficulty, but man is this water filthy. There are giant tree size logs and other crap floating all along the river which we have to dodge. It is taking both of us on the lookout for debris. In fact, while I am here typing this a giant log just hit into the side of us as it traveled down the river. I have a feeling it’s going to be a very loud night.
As the trip progressed we got to Jeremy’s “For The Love of God Go Left!” corner. Bruce and Diane get that. Anyone else, ask me and I will fill you in. We went left which kept us going along the route rather than falling down the Chain of Rocks.
From here we headed to the second lock of the day where we had to hover for over an hour and a half waiting for 2 other barges to lock up before we could go down. Why? I don’t know as it is a 2 chamber lock and we could have very easily been down, it’s only an 11 foot drop, and out of everyone’s way as we had to wait for about 30 minutes for one barge to even get to the lock. Even as it is, we locked down in the small chamber while a big barge was locking up in the big chamber. I don’t know the logic there.
After The Chain of Rocks Lock we traveled through St. Louis and what a mess that was with all the tugs and barges traversing the river to and fro. Michael took the helm for that journey. It just freaks me out too much and he volunteered.
Welp, we finally made it to our stop for the night, Hoppies Marina, which is just a barge on the side of the river to tie up to for the night. They do, however have electric and fuel is available, but we are good until we get into Paducah Kentucky. It’s not much but believe it or not, it is a highlight of the Looper experience.
Hoppie’s is in Kimmswick Missouri. It seems to be a cute little tourist stop with all kinds of little shops and a few restaurants.
Tomorrow we head out for Kaskaskia lock where we will either tie up on their seawall or anchor in their pool. We do not go through this lock, just by it.
Welp, that’s it for now. Check back with us after the eclipse. Love to all, Gina and Mike
