Daily stats

Start: 7:30 AM- Alton Illinois
Finish: 3:30 PM - Kimmswick Missouri
Time: 8:00
Daily dist: 44 miles
Total dist: 149 miles
Companions: None
Weather: Overcast in morning becoming clear in the afternoon - warm
Notes: My first go at locking through a lock. Passed the St. Louis arch at about noon.

Yesterday I traded a few miles of downstream progress in order to sleep in comfort but the payoff of starting the day fresh and ready was worth it.
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Dave's sailboat in morning light
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Alton bridge from marina
Today I had my first experience of locking through on two different locks which was intimidating yet thrilling. The sheer size of the lock doors and walls made me feel like a flea on a St. Bernard’s back. The sight of a kayak in December was a bit of a surprise as one of the lock operators exclaimed “You’ve got to be kidding!“ when I pulled the rope to signal that I was there to lock through. Once I was clear of the second lock I was finally on the free flowing Mississippi and I could feel the pull of the current taking me south. I stopped to take some pictures at the marker where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet and sort of regretted the decision because the bank was soft mud into which I sank up to my knees.
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Huge lock gates in Lock number 27 the last on the river
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Just after noon I passed the famous St. Louis arch and made great time as the clouds cleared and I set up my first camp on the shores of the Mississippi.
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First camp on Mississippi
 


Comments

lyn stachovak

12/13/2009 8:50:10 pm

It's great to see these new pictures. So the locks went well? You know that lock operator had a story to tell when he got home... Your camp site looks cozy.

 

Portage dug

12/13/2009 10:51:02 pm

The lock looks impressive.
I will have to send out a photo of the Wisconsin River Lock here in Portage. I could also include a bit of history from THE PORTAGE. If anyone is interested.


 

Steve Holtzman

12/14/2009 12:57:05 pm

Glad to hear you're back on the water. The "Old Farts" were beginning to think this was as drive around the country. Heck, all of us could make that trip.

We're still in awe of you Jake and wishing you the best of luck, smooth water, fair winds and following seas, and comfortable sleeping arrangements for the rest of the trip.

 

Dave J

12/14/2009 2:57:59 pm

We'll be watching your progress here in STL. Sorry we didn't get out Sunday and meet up with you. Hope you have a decent set of cold weather gear because it looks like days in the 40's and nights hitting the freezing point are ahead until you can finally work your way into Louisiana.

 



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