Big Boys on the Miss

As we left the theater at Chase Park Plaza Cinema (downtown Saint Louis in the Historic Park Plaza Hotel), a short elderly man standing near the exit doors wearing round eyeglasses, a plain suit and red vest and red tie smiled at us.  “How did you enjoy the movie?” He asked (We’d seen “Judy”—the story of Judy Garland played by one of our favorite actresses, Renee Zellweger).  We got into a discussion and learned that this man was the organist for the theater’s silent movie showings (current silent movie:  Phantom of the Opera).   Back in the silent movie days, this man’s father was a traveling organ “trouble-shooter” for movie theaters and worked for the Wurlitzer Company.   How interesting is THAT??!!!

Nine vessels left Alton Marina (Alton, IL) this morning to make the 7 a.m. opening in the small chamber at the Mel Price Lock (via prior arrangements with the Lockmaster).  Cruising downstream on the Mississippi River approaching the lock, we were well aware (via VHF communications on channels 14, 13 and 72 with the Lockmaster, Tugboat Operators and our cruising group, respectively) of the trawlers and sailboats around us, large barge awaiting entry to the large lock, the large barges coming from behind us, as well as the barges and pleasure craft preparing for lockage upstream.  The current was another thing to contend with.  The Mississippi River level is at flood stage which means at least a 4 mph current.  With this, maintaining complete control of Velsignet as she approaches lock walls or bridge supports—places where water tends to rush—is a must.

Today is giving us a welcomed clear and sunny day.   Our 3 days in Alton were cloudy and yesterday’s all-day rain was down-right dreary.  However, a trip to St. Louis to visit the Missouri History Museum and attend a movie was just the ticket to lift our spirits.

This was our sunset at Alton Marina the day we arrived, Thursday 10-24-19.  The photo in the marina looks so calm.  However, to get into the marina, Velsignet had to gun it against the current of the mighty Mississippi, under the Hwy 67 Bridge inside the marina's break wall.

Alton, IL is a struggling town with plans for improving its community.  This is a very nice walking/biking bridge that connected the marina/waterfront (across a busy highway and several railroad tracks) to its downtown area. 

Yesterday we visited the Missouri History Museum.  A highlight for us was the Pulitzer Prize Photographs exhibit; Ken Trimpe...we thought of you and how you tell stories through your photography!  These award-winning photographs included scenes that were heartwarming, thought-provoking, shocking, disturbing and unbelievably difficult to comprehend.

The History Museum informed us about the US's westward expansion and the history of St. Louis.  Because Mike had read the book "Undaunted Courage" (thank you, Dave and Marti for lending him the book!), we'd hoped for more info and artifacts involving the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

This statue of Thomas Jefferson is said to be the first monument in the US dedicated to Thomas Jefferson (long before the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in DC was built).

When we headed out early this morning, there was a fog over the river.  We could hear via the VHF the barge operators communicate with concerns for the pleasure boats in front of them...

This is inside one of the locks as we were tied to one of the floating bollards awaiting to be locked down the river.  We took the photo because unlike other locks, this lock had a upstream gate that lifted up to the water level (rather than a closing gate).  The structure you see that spans the width of the water just above the water level is this lifted gate.  By the way, the pleasure boats were locked through in the "small" chamber!  Next to us was a larger chamber for the large commercial barges we're seeing on the Mississippi.

At 10:15 a.m., Velsignet passed by The Arch of St. Louis.  We noted the time because there is a camera that photographs vessels that pass by the structure.  When we access the website and locate our photo, we've been told we need to know the date and time.  The Arch was built to commemorate St. Louis's role in the US expansion to the west; it became the "Gateway to the West."

This huge dredging vessel for the Mississippi River was located outside the Mel Price Lock.  While the total length of the Mississippi is 2,348 miles, we will travel a little over 200 miles as we complete the Great Loop.  As we cruise along the stretch between Alton and Cairo, we expect the depth of the river to average about 50'. 

As we approached The Arch, we had to pay attention as we went through the bridge supports as the current is fast on this river at flood stage.  We usually cruise at about 7-8 mph; Velsignet (at the same RPMs) is cruising at 12-13 mph!

This was taken as the sun was coming up and the fog was still in front of us as we left the Mel Price Lock.
One aspect of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers that we did not anticipate or expect is spotty and unreliable cell phone coverage.

This photo shows the pleasure craft coming out of the small lock chamber.  To the left is the large chamber.  These locks operate 24/7 and are well lit and well managed.

Once underway, Brenda sat down to enjoy her first cup of coffee for the day!

This photo gives you a sense of how wide the great Mississippi River is.  The higher water levels lends itself to more debris in the water, so constant watch of what's in the water is necessary.  It's a calm day.  The movement of the water is the current.

This is an old but famous-to-Loopers marina called "Hoppies."  Hoppies has suffered huge damage from the flooding of the Mississippi and this season was not open for business.  The Mississippi is not a pleasure-boat friendly river, meaning there are few facilities to get provision or fuel; Hoppies was once the last stop for fuel before Paducah on the Ohio River.  Now Alton, IL is the last stop.  This is a consideration for Looper Boats:  One must have a Looper Boat that holds enough fuel to cruise the 250 miles between Alton, IL and Paducah, KY.

While in Alton, we gave Velsignet a good cleaning and took photos of her.  We'll soon complete America's Great Loop and Velsignet will be going to her new owners....whoever they may be.  To let other's know that she's for sale, we're putting together photos and details to share.

This is Velsignet's Salon.  In terms of a boat, the kitchen is a good one to prepare meals.
If you're thinking about doing America's Great Loop, consider a Mainship 400.  Velsignet has been and still is an easy and good boat for us on this journey.   Not too big (fair marina fees).  Not too high (gets under most bridge).  Not too deep (less running aground worries).  Single engine (fuel efficient).  We're lucky to have found her!