30 August, 2021. St. Louis MO extremely congested with massive barges, tows and water traffic

 

43 SM; 5 hours and two locks

We were more than ready to head south down the Mississippi.  While Alton Marina offered very nice amenities, heat and lack of breeze made for an uncomfortable stay.  Watching and studying the weather to determine impact of Ida as we continue south.  Our 200 mile stretch of the Mississippi will not be impacted by the hurricane, but the Ohio river and certainly the Cumberland river might. Preparations complete we untied the lines at 0655 and eased out of the marina slip and into the south flowing Mississippi waters.  I had called the Mel Price lock, 2 miles ahead and they reported no delay.  Approaching we raised the lock tender on the radio and were told no delay as the lock was prepared for our arrival.  Easy in and about 20 foot descent and we were cleared to exit.  A little further down river we arrived at the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.  Current increased another 1.5 MPH.

Junction of Missouri and Mississippi River

Speed increasing as we passed the river junction and entered the Chain of Rocks canal leading to the Chain of rocks/LOCK 27.  This diversion by-passes a shallow area with rapids along the river.   We waited an hour and fifteen minutes while commercial traffic cleared the lock before we could enter.  Only about 12 feet descent and we exited the last lock on the Mississippi and were St. Louis bound.

Doors opening on last lock on Mississippi

Aft doors that raise up to close lock

Current now adding nearly three mph to our speed over the ground as we approach St. Louis.  River traffic is impressive with both banks of river lined with barges and tows moving back and forth.  At the arch there is a web cam looking west toward St. Louis.  We were able to capture a screen shot as Serenity rushed pass.  Kim’s web cam capture video

Tiny Serenity just south of Arch

We wanted to travel about 80 miles down river today, using the extra speed to shorten the travel day, but Mother Nature had other plans.  An intermediate safe stop along the river was available if weather threatened.  Ahead the visual signs of thunderstorm development was occurring, confirmed by checking my weather radar app.  For an hour or so, it seemed that the cells were moving eastward and would clear our path before we arrived.  But as the afternoon heating continued, it was clear both visually and on radar that we would soon be surrounded by thunderstorms.  An hour ahead was Hoppies Marina services.  Hoppies has been on the river as a river camp and marina for nearly 40 years, but has been wiped out numerous times due to flooding.  It just recently reopened this spring after being out of service due to the 2019 floods.  Making 10 MPH it was a race to beat the weather.  I called Hoppies on the phone letting them know we were two miles north.  They had folks ready to catch our lines upon arrival.  With lightening and thunder just south, we arrived and secured at 1315.  About 30 minutes later heavy rain and lightening began and continued for the next 4 hours.  (Map)

Hoppies today, is three old rusty barges secured to the right descending bank of the Mississippi River providing both gas and diesel.  There was electrical power but we just paid for dockage.  Not much here anymore, but we are safely secured, out of the channel.  Kim’s Hoppies video. 

Hoppies barges

Serenity secured at south end

Rain slacked up around 1700.  Daughter of grandfather Hoppy who established this place over 40 years ago came down at 1730 and gave us a good river brief.  Provided insight of safe anchorages as we continue our travel down the Mississippi.  About sunset the rain stopped and it was a cooler, thought a damp evening.  Might be fog tomorrow morning delaying our departure.  We will push southward toward the Mississippi-Ohio river junction 160 miles ahead.

6070 SM traveled; 2050.9 hours hobbs