Departure and the first days

Tuesday, October 1

We started our new journey at 6:45am as the sun was about to peak over Catfish Point. Bill from Hel'en High Water and Ann & Dave (and Sophie) waved farewell. A lovely send off from Windmill Marina. 

Our Empty Slip

Goodbye Janet, Fred and Sarah

Leaving D Dock

Bill from Hel' N High Water

Dave, Ann and Sophie

One last look at the WMA gas dock and office...

Our buddy boat, Misstickle, putted out of Afton Marina right on time and we were off.

Beautiful cruise down to Prescott saying goodbye to the Saint Croix River, a very special piece of water to us for so many reasons.

Approaching Prescott Bridges

Misstickle

Goodbye, St. Croix

Then a big left turn and on the Mississippi River to Red Wing, Lake City, Lake Pepin, Winona and Wabasha to Alma,WI. for our first night. We tied up to the town dock and it was very comfortable except that the train tracks were about 30 feet from the docks...very loud throughout the night but, even so, I slept well. After a tiring day of 81.2 miles and 2 locks we closed up our initial day.

 Boat and crew working well.

Wednesday, October 2

Stayed at Lansing, IA tied to a wall. We put in a long day of 87.5 miles and cleared 5 locks with an hour and a half wait at one of the locks. Because of the delay we ended up coming in to Lansing as the light was failing. Moments of concern but all was went. We don't plan on any more night adventures.

Cute town and an awesome Quiktrip that had fresh fruit and veggies. 

and yes...Warren is still with us

American Queen came by early this morning

Thursday, October 3

Stayed at a free dock in Cassville, WI., after a day of 57.1 miles and 2 locks. The docks were short, plastic and flimsy but our night was spent without any rocking from tow traffic or troubles of any kind. In fact, tow/barge traffic has been minimal all along this stretch.

Fired up the generator and had all the comforts of home on a free dock...that's what I'm talking about!!!

Friday, October 4

Stayed at Dubuque Marina, a lovely new facility, after a very short day on the river (27 miles). Severe weather was forecast so we ducked in early. Took a long, long shower and did laundry. Shared cocktails with Looper acquaintances, Marc and.Michelle, on Marc's Ark and many of their friends who boat on this beautiful part of the Mississippi River.

Saturday, October 5

My camera has died. I will be taking photos with my phone and hoping they will load into the blog easily.

We are making good progress. We found out that Lock #17 is closing on October 7 so we'd like to clear it before that. When locks close for maintenance it can cause a bottleneck. If tows and barges are part of the jam up delays can be extensive. 

4:30 PM  We just arrived at the free dock in Port Byron, IL making it a 82.3 mile and 2 lock day.  We were very lucky with the locks...breezed right through.  Today was quite dreary with rain and wind...we drove from inside almost all day.

We might go to Sneaky Pete's here in town for a cocktail.

until next time

Christie