Mississippi River - 10/06/05

Today we're tied up to a barge, on the Missouri side, in the Mississippi River called "Hoppies". We missed the famous "Pie Lady" in the North Channel when she retired but we were able to visit "Hoppies" before Hoppie and Fern give it up. It is a down home, "glad to meet you" kind of place. We walked into the small town of Kimmswick. It has the feel of an old west town. It has an old metal bridge that was built in 1856, lots of gift stores and many friendly people.

At 4:30 every day Fern has all the boaters, who are headed further down the river, grab their chart books, paper and pens to sit down with her while she passes along pertinent information about conditions on the river going south down the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. She told us of the rough spots, the hidden dangers, the places to anchor and not. We learned about how the river can rise 3-4 ft overnight and about wing dams and why certain spots are so turbulent. There were 5 boats represented and everyone was busy jotting down every word she said. All this for the price of one night's dockage. I think many of us became more conscience of the dangers that, until now, we blissfully ignored. It was a restless night's sleep for us and a little anxiety began to surface as we digested Fern's warnings and instructions. the next morning we heard that other boater's were affected the same way.

I think at this most unusual place we became aware of how incredible circumstances had brought all of these people, from all walks of life, to venture out on their boats, of many shapes and sizes, to travel on these rivers and grab a bit of adventure and see a small part of the world. Here, we all converged to share in this unique experience along side a barge, on the banks of a very small town, as the guests of Hoppie and Fern.