Kimmswick, Mo

We got an early start this morning.  After Mary decided to go up to take a shower at 5:45, three other boats and John talked to the Mel Price Lock and were told that if we could all get there by 6:30 we could lock through.  Well, when Mary returned from her shower in record time we were number three of the four boats under way for the lock and made it without any problems.  We were also able to get through the next lock in the same fashion.  We dropped a total of 35 feet today.

Southern Belle

We really enjoyed traveling through St. Louis, Eric grew up in  Bellivile, Il which is a suburb of St. Louis and he and Christy lived in St. Louis for a couple of years after they were married.  We thought Eric would especially like these pics of St. Louis from the mighty Mississippi.

We docked at Hoppies before noon.  Hoppies is the last marina (not really a marina) for the next 238 miles. while not a really a marina it is an experience that all Loopers will always remember.  

Fern's daily briefing.

The town of Kimmswick is the second oldest town i the sate with 44 original building listed on National Registry of Historical Places.  We had Lunch with Kerm & Chris from Southern Belle at the Blue Owl, it was quite good and very crowded.  We then walked around the town and found a couple of items that will be sent to the grand daughters.

Fern, the harbor mistress, holds a daily briefing session at 4:30pm every day, that is well attended by all Loopers.  She had quite a bit of useful information on what we will experience in the days to come.  The session was well attended and quite informative, many notes were taken.  After our afternoon briefing by Fern we made plans with Kerm and Chris for tomorrow's leg of or trip.

Most likely we will be out of cell coverage and not be able to update the blog until we arrive at Green Turtle Marina in Kentucky in several days.

Until then,
John & Mary