Alton Marina in Alton, IL to Hoppies Marina in Kimmswick, MO
Day #89: Up at 5:15 A.M we prepared the boat for departure. At 6:30 A.M. Mike called the Melvin Price lock via phone and we were given the green light to get underway heading toward the lock. We were underway at 6:45 A.M. we lost a bumper on the way out of the marina as it caught on the dock. There were a total of 6 boats that left Alton Marina. At 7:00 A.M. we entered the auxiliary lock of the Mel Price lock (Lock #9) with "Baytripper", "Blue Moon", "Optimystique", "Houligan again" and "Maggie". At 7:15 A.M. we were cleared from the lock as we were lowered 23 feet. As we entered the Mel Price Lock there was debris in the water and this continued throughout our trip. The current was extremely strong with Mike having to constantly be aware of where the boat was heading. We were constantly trying to avoid trees and branches. At 8:35 A.M. we entered the Chain of Rocks Lock #27 (Lock #10). We were clear heading southbound at 9:00 A.M. and we were lowered 12 feet. At 9:20 A.M. we were at Port of St. Louis. At 9:24 A.M. we traveled past the St. Louis arch. At 10:30 A.M. we were traveling 13.2 miles per hour at times getting up to 13.9 miles per hour. As we approached Hoppies Marine, Debbie (Fern's daughter) and Ray directed us into tying up at on the barge. At 11:15 A.M. we were secure at Hoppies Marine in Kimmswick, MO We traveled 42.4 miles today (1,017 miles for the total trip). At 12:15 P.M. we headed to the Blue Owl for lunch we were joined by "Houligan again" Ray and Caryl when we got to the restaurant. The owner came over to welcome us to Kimmswick and to the Blue Owl. Mike had chicken and dumplings and I had southern fried chicken. The Blue Owl is well known for it's desserts so I bought pumpkin cheesecake that Mike and I are going to split. At 2:30 P.M. we headed over to "Baytripper" where we discussed our travel plans for the next few weeks. We also played cards enjoying the air conditioning. We went to the captain's talk with Debbie (Fern's and Hoppie's daughter) she talked about the trip from Kimmswick to Green Turtle Bay Marina. There is a possibility of fog in the morning so we are going to see what it looks like before we leave and that will determine how many miles we travel tomorrow. We connected with Bruce and Bev on their boat for a bit with drinks and snacks. Back to the boat for blogging and reading.
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| "Parrot Bay" exiting the Melvin Price Lock (thanks to Bev for taking this picture). |
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Chain of Rocks this is the where you do not want to go as there are rocks that will wreck your boat. You need to follow the sign (see below).
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Believe or not people to do always follow the sign. They end up having to have help to get your boat out of trouble.
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This is the chain of rocks canal this is what the sides of the canal look like as you travel down to the lock.
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There were numerous eagles both juvenile and adult.
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The St. Louis Arch
"Parrot Bay" traveling past the arch.
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Trip from Alton, IL to Kimmswick, MO
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"Parrot Bay" tied up at Hoppies.
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| "'Baytripper" coming into the fuel dock at Hoppies. |
"Parrot Bay" tied up to the barge.
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| Mike helping Patty to go between two barges to go to lunch. |
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| Very popular place for Loopers to eat. The owner even came over to welcome us. |
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At The Blue Owl: Bruce, Ray, Caryl, Patty and Bev.
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Patty's lunch Southern Fried Chicken dinner.
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| Heading back to the boat down the ramp to the floating barges. |
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| Debbie (pink shirt) is Fern and Hoppie's daughter, hosting the captain's talk. |
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| Captain's talk at Hoppies. |
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| Not good when the buoys go floating down the river. |
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| Another view of Hoppie's from "Baytripper" |
