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Friday, 10/13:

We were thrilled to see Jonathan and have as our overnight guest! On this day, he turned 20.... We had a blast with him, he is so funny. Happy Birthday!

Saturday, 10/14:

Several loopers gathered at the Alton marina to prepare for the long ride on the river system. It is the end of the boating season and most marinas between Illinois and Kentucky are starting to winterize boats, close up for the winter or make upgrades for next season.

Sam, a boat captain, on Traveler organize a group of 10 boats to lock through the first of two locks (Melvin Price Lock aka #26). Sam communicated to the flotilla, a plan to depart the dock no later than 6:35am for a 7am "lock through". We woke Jonathan up and sent him on his way (to our dirt home in Wildwood).

As Jonathan was leaving, our next VIP guests arrived: John Mills, Bobby Kaye (John's son-in-law) and Lucas Kaye (John's grandson). Bobby & Lucas traveled with us from Alton, IL to Hoppies Marina (Imperial, MO) where Lisa Mills picked them up. John continued on with us to Paducah, KY.

Melvin Lock, aka #26 (Imperial, MO):

The first lock was challenging to say the least; with the winds it took us a while to secure Summer Place to the wall; but we did it. We were one of two boats to attempt a port side tie. This set the tone for the day. It was damp and cold; however, Lucas kept us pretty entertained.

Pictured above: Melvin Price Lock and Dam is a dam at river mile 200.78 on the Upper Mississippi River, about 17 miles north of Saint Louis, Missouri. The collocated National Great Rivers Museum, explains the structure and its engineering.

Chain of Rocks Lock & Dam, aka #27 - (Venice Township, Illinois):

Second lock of the day: Two barges arrived before our flotilla, the lock master took the two barges and 3 of the 10 pleasure crafts. It was suggested that those of us waiting should tie up to the wall at the entrance to the lock.

We continued to have issues with the wind. Captain Joel got as close to the wall as possible; however, I struggled to get a line wrapped around the bollard. After two attempts (of me missing), Joel was able to get close enough for John to assist. John unsnapped the isinglass (plastic windows) and used the boat pole to get a wrap (line around the bollard).

It took about 45 minutes for the barges to "lock thru". After they locked thru, we decided to try for a starboard (right) side tie and succeeded. After a couple of attempts, the other boats went to the port (left) side. They rafted to fellow loopers (see picture 2) as needed. It was a challenge for all; but, we were all able to secure the boats.

Lock #27 was only a 22 ft drop so the turn around was quick, less than 45 minutes for each group.

The Arch:

It's not everyday you pass the St. Louis Arch by boat. We were ecstatic to get a picture of our boat in front of the Arch! Spartina took our picture and we returned the favor. Of course while doing this, a barge approached and called out on the radio asking what was going on? Don't think he was too happy with us since we were in his waterway :-)

Side note: We traveled 6K miles to get this picture - LOL

Hoppies Marina:

We arrived at Hoppies around 2pm, just in time to watch the Tennessee / Texas A&M football game. Before doing so, Debbie: The dock-master, had a Captain's meeting. She shared details on what to expect for the next few days while traveling the river system to Green Turtle Bay (GTB - is our home port and where we will cross our wake).

During the captain's meeting, Lisa picked up Bobby & Lucas. John continued on with us!

This time of year, the river water is low and there are not many places to stop between Hoppies and Green Turtle Bay (GTB). Hoppies is the last stop for fuel (before Green Turtle Bay). Side note: We purchased fuel in Alton because we knew it was 270 miles between fuel stops.

Picture below is Hoppies marina, Seriously, this is it! I thought the guys were joking when they said this was the marina!

Power for the night, safe?!

A marina with "character"...

Pic 2: Debbie had a Captain's mtg explaining expectations of the River.

Hoppies is near Kimswick, Missouri which has a well known restaurant called "The Blue Owl". The Blue Owl is known for their desserts.

Due to the Witches' Night event, we were unable to walk into the town.

In Bavaria, the feast day is sometimes called Hexennacht (Dutch: heksennacht), literally "Witches' Night," on which revelers dress as witches and demons, set off fireworks, dance and play loud music, which is said to drive the witches and winter spirits away. We wanted no part of this, so we stayed put on the boat.

^ Picture above: Guys watching football on the upstairs deck. Karen was on her way to join the ladies downstairs (in the warm cabin).

Capel shared a bottle of Scotch gifted to him from Dove as a thank you for leading our flotilla (1).

Funny Story: the glass door was so clean, Dan ran into it a couple of times. Good thing he had a hat on; otherwise, he would have probably hurt his nose. Of course, each time he did it, the guys just laughed & laughed.

Side note: The next day when we saw Dan, he said he dreamt he kept hitting his head on the glass - LOL

Sunday, October 15

First of all, Happy Birthday to Jeromy Horsley (nephew) and Amelia Carr (niece), I hope you both had a great day!

We left Hoppies marina at 8am and had a great run to the Kaskaskia River Lock and Dam. On this day, Summer Place traveled with Arabella, Crustacean, Long Gone 2, and Spartina. We stayed at the lock wall, there was no place to go; however, nice to have a quiet evening!

VIP, John loves history. It was great traveling with him and learning about the area. John & Lisa have a house on the bluffs.

Kennett Castle

Selma Hall also known as Selma Farm and Kennett Castle is a historic mansion and estate located in Jefferson County, Missouri along the Mississippi River. The mansion was designed in the style of Castello di Vezio by George I. Barnett and constructed in 1854 at a cost of $125,000 for Ferdinand Kennett.

Earthquake of 1812

The 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes (/ˈmædrɪd/) were a series of intense intraplate earthquakes beginning with an initial earthquake magnitude of 7.2–8.2 on December 16, 1811, followed by a moment magnitude 7.4 aftershock on the same day. Two additional earthquakes of similar magnitude followed in January and February 1812. See Random Information & Miscellaneous Stuff to learn more about the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes.

Rush Tower (above):

The community had a post office and the Rush Tower school was located approximately 1.25 miles to the west on what is now Missouri Route AA.

In 1809 John Nicholas Maclot built a "shot tower" on the 200 foot cliff above the river. The process involved dropping molten lead globs which would solidify as they fell into pellets of the correct size for use in the muskets used in the War of 1812.

John's neighborhood:

A highlight of this leg of the trip was seeing John & Lisa's house from the water. Lisa and the grandkids waited for us to pass. They waved and took pictures of our flotilla.

John & Lisa's house, I like this first picture because it looks like an arch in front of their house.

Pictures of the flotilla (compliments of Lisa Mills)

There was some concern whether there would be enough room at the Kaskaskia River Lock and Dam. We were the first of 10 boats to arrive at the wall. Boats: Arabella, Crustacean, Chantiel, Darlin' Lea, Grace, Long Gone 2, Slack Tide, Spartina, Summer Place and Who Dat. We all fit on the lock & dam wall, only one boat had to raft.

No power or water at the lock wall; however, we were able to run the generators.

Monday, October 16

Picture above was taken just before we left for our next stop, "Little Diversion Canal". Side note: We were a little nervous about the next stop as there were reports of low water and the chance we would not have enough room to anchor (if other boats beat us to the spot).

"Little Diversion Canal": Most people / loopers do not like this stop. It is a challenge to get in and out of the canal due to barge traffic and water currents. After a nice ride, we arrived around 1pm. We didn't have any problems with the water levels.

We rafted 3 boats together: Arabella, Long Gone 2 and Summer Place and the other boats rafted together: Crustacean, Little Darlin' and Spartina.

Bill from Crustacean (one of the other 3 boats rafted at this anchorage) took the picture below with his drone.

Love this picture below (from Left to Right): Long Gone 2, Arabella & Summer Place

Tuesday, October 17

Woke up to extreme fog which delayed our departure. Rule of thumb is to "stay put" during fog. It is not safe to be on the river during fog with barge traffic, logs and other obstacles.

Once the fog burned off, we were on our way!

We made our way to the Olmstead Lock & Dam and anchored just above the lock in hopes to make the first lock (on the next day). Capel from Arabella agreed to contact the lock master at 6:30 am to establish a time for our flotilla to lock through.

We were given permission by the lock master to anchor near the lock & dam; but, to stay at least 500 yards from the dredging equipment. We anchored 3 sets of 2 boats each. Summer Place rafted with Arabella / Spartina rafted with Long Gone 2 / and Darlin' Lea rafted with Crustacean.

Pictures: Compliments of Crustacean (his drone shots), In picture 1, we are paired up in 2's.

The Olmsted Locks and Dam is a lock and wicket dam on the Ohio River at river mile 964.4. The project is intended to reduce tow and barge delays by replacing the existing older, and frequently congested, locks and dams Number 52 and Number 53. The locks are located about 17 miles upstream from the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers at Olmsted, Illinois.

The Olmsted has been operational since August 2018 while the removal of Locks and Dams 52 and 53 should be completed around 2022. The project is both the largest and the most expensive inland waterway project in the United States.

Wednesday, October 18 - First off, Happy birthday to my sister, Jane. We are the same age for 1 week! I hope you had a wonderful day.

Capel made contact with the lock master at Olmsted and communicated to the flotilla by radio that we would (all) lock through at 7am. It was a great travel day. Weather was nice and sunny! There were no winds; making it easy for us to lock through.

Locked through Olmsted Lock & Dam, picture below:

Notice in picture 2, there are two bollards, I was able to grab the lower one. The lock has 2 chutes.

We arrived in Paducah and secured a spot at the city marina along with 10 other boats. Paducah has a nice town with several places to eat. We arrived mid-day and had time to get off the boat to walk a bit.

Paducah is also the home of the "Quilt Museum". I didn't go; however, the other ladies did. They really enjoyed it.

Today was John's last day with us, he was a huge help this week! He helped with some locks, lines and the work needed at the stern. He took care of wiping the windows down each day for Captain Joel see (during the fog).

Lisa picked John up at the Paducah dock; but, not before treating us to dinner at the PBW (Paducah Brew Works). It was a good pizza place (in an old bus station). It was a nice dinner, Thank you John & Lisa for the treat! Lastly, Thank you John for all your help. You are right! YOU ARE NOT JUST ANOTHER PRETTY FACE!!!

Thursday, October 19:

375 days, we DID IT, crossed our wake! It is hard to believe. We left Paducah City dock this morning around 8am and approx. 4 hours later, we arrived at Green Turtle Bay. Our slip assignment is Pier 7, slip 16 (at least until January). We couldn't be more pleased.

Darlin' Lea took our picture (waiting on the lock). This is the last lock of our loop, just one mile from Green Turtle Bay, our home port!

We completed 144 locks (included 2, entering and departing, Windmill Harbor in Hilton Head). It's hard to believe today is the day! We traveled 6,051 miles by waterway.

It hasn't sunk in; however, it was emotional as we pulled in. Our friends from "The Farmer's Daughter" (Tyson & Wendy, pictured here) were there to greet us. Carlos and Jim from Pier 7 and Tyson caught our lines. Wendy recorded the flotilla entering Green Turtle Bay (GTB). She also took pictures of us as we docked. Thank you all for your help and especially taking the time from your busy schedules to make our day even MORE special!

I teared up, when I saw our friends at the dock to greet us. What a day! After getting power lines set up, Wendy took our "Gold" picture! Yes,... we are GOLD Loopers. Do you know more people climb Mt. Everest than those doing the loop? We picked up some mail, walked over to Pier 5 to take a peak at The Farmer Daughter's boat. What a beautiful boat with a lot of room. So happy and excited for Tyson & Wendy! We can't wait to follow your journey.

The Other Woman (Jenny & Danny) also crossed their wake and invited "all" loopers for drinks and appetizers at the Thirsty Turtle. It was good to end our trip on such a "high note". Thank you, Jenny & Danny for the appetizer and drinks.

Dan & Chris worked on their boat most of the day and weren't able to join us at the Thirsty Turtle. They joined us for docktails on the fuel dock at GTB. We had a bottle of champaign, Compliments of our dirt home neighbors: Thank you, Denny & Shelia. We have one more bottle of champaign that Jane & Ron gifted us! We will have that before we leave on Sunday! Thank you, Jane & Ron.

Friday, October 20

This is day 1, after crossing our wake! Doesn't feel like it's over, probably won't sink in until we officially go home (which will be Sunday, Oct. 22nd).

We took the boat to the fuel dock for a pump out, completed some laundry and started packing up the boat for the winter.

Closed out the evening with dinner at Patti's Settlement. It was a great night with wonderful company. The Baggett's, Jan & Craig, brought our truck to Kentucky (THANK YOU!). We are looking forward to Kelli's wedding (next year). Rob & Jaime are at GTB for the weekend, it will be nice to catch up...... just like old times! We were excited to have such a great group to dine and celebrate the crossing with.

Chris & Dan (Long Gone 2), Joy & Pat (Spartina), Mike & Trish (Darlin' Lea). We were missing Arabella (they had to make a trip to Georgia).

From Left: Joel, Tracy, Rob, Jaime, Joy, Pat, Mike, Trish, Chris, Dan, Jan & Craig

If you are ever near Grand Rivers, KY, you must try Patti's Settlement's dessert (known for their pork chops and 17 desserts):

Each room is decorated differently, we just happened to be there during the time they have it decorated for Christmas.

We spotted some more loopers while at Patti's:

Bama Breeze, Permanent Vacation and some of their friends.

I plan to do one more post before closing this out. Perhaps pull together some of our favorite places while on the Loop!

Random Information & Miscellaneous Stuff

This week was an extra treat, we had several VIP's, not only did Jonathan join us for one night, we also had John Mills, his son-in-law, Bobby and grandson, Lucas. Here are the faces of Lucas!

Logs:

People gather logs and leave at the edge of their property (and wait for the river to rise to take them away). Boaters do not like this because logs float and /or get stuck on debris in the waterway. We call this event deadheads which can damage our props.

Dredging:

Dredging is the act of removing silt and other material from the bottom of bodies of water. As sand and silt washes downstream, sedimentation gradually fill channels and harbors. This material must be periodically removed by dredging.

More celebration photos (after crossing our wake):

1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes

STRANGE HAPPENINGS

The New Madrid earthquakes were the biggest earthquakes in American history. They occurred in the central Mississippi Valley, but were felt as far away as New York City, Boston, Montreal, and Washington D.C. President James Madison and his wife Dolly felt them in the White House. Church bells rang in Boston. From December 16, 1811 through March of 1812 there were over 2,000 earthquakes in the central Midwest, and between 6,000-10,000 earthquakes in the Bootheel of Missouri where New Madrid is located near the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

In the known history of the world, no other earthquakes have lasted so long or produced so much evidence of damage as the New Madrid earthquakes. Three of the earthquakes are on the list of America's top earthquakes: the first one on December 16, 1811, a magnitude of 8.1 on the Richter scale; the second on January 23, 1812, at 7.8; and the third on February 7, 1812, at as much as 8.8 magnitude.

THE MISSISSIPPI RAN BACKWARDS

After the February 7 earthquake, boatmen reported that the Mississippi actually ran backwards for several hours. The force of the land upheaval 15 miles south of New Madrid created Reelfoot Lake, drowned the inhabitants of an Indian village; turned the river against itself to flow backwards; devastated thousands of acres of virgin forest; and created two temporary waterfalls in the Mississippi. Boatmen on flatboats actually survived this experience and lived to tell the tale.

GETTING OVER CRACKS

As the general area experienced more than 2,000 earthquakes in five months, people discovered that most of crevices opening up during an earthquake ran from north to south, and when the earth began moving, they would chop down trees in an east- west direction and hold on using the tree as a bridge. There were "missing people" who were most likely swallowed up by the earth. Some earthquake fissures were as long as five miles.

EARTHQUAKE PHENOMENA

Sand Boils The world's largest sand boil was created by the New Madrid earthquake. It is 1.4 miles long and 136 acres in extent, located in the Bootheel of Missouri, about eight miles west of Hayti, Missouri. Locals call it "The Beach." Other, much smaller, sand boils are found throughout the area.

Seismic Tar Balls Small pellets up to golf ball sized tar balls are found in sand boils and fissures. They are petroleum that has been solidified, or "petroliferous nodules."

Earthquake Lights Lights flashed from the ground, caused by quartz crystals being squeezed. The phenomena is called "seismoluminescence."

Warm Water Water thrown up by an earthquake was lukewarm. It is speculated that the shaking caused the water to heat up and/or quartz light heated the water.

Earthquake Smog The skies turned dark during the earthquakes, so dark that lighted lamps didn't help. The air smelled bad, and it was hard to breathe. It is speculated that it was smog containing dust particles caused by the eruption of warm water into cold air.

Loud Thunder Sounds of distant thunder and loud explosions accompanied the earthquakes.

Animal Warnings People reported strange behavior by animals before the earthquakes. They were nervous and excited. Domestic animals became wild, and wild animals became tame. Snakes came out of the ground from hibernation. Flocks of ducks and geese landed near people.

Paducah (day before crossing our wake): Outside wall: Catniss, Darlin Lea (rafted), Crustaceon, The Other Woman (rafted), Livin' Life and Annie B,

Inside wall: Arabella, Summer Place, Beach House (rafted), Spartina and Long Gone 2

Maps of the Trip:

Saturday, October 14:

Alton Marina (Alton, Illinois) to Hoppies Marina (Imperial, Missouri)

Sunday, October 15:

Hoppies Marina (Imperial, Missouri) to Kaskaskia Lock & Dam (Brewerville, Illinois)

Monday, October 16:

Kaskaskia Lock & Dam (Brewerville, Illinois) to Little Conversion Canal (South of Cape Gireardeau, Missouri)

Tuesday, October 17

Little Conversion Canal (South of Cape Girardeau, Missouri) to Olmsted Lock & Dam (Pulaski County, Illinois)

Wednesday, October 18

Olmsted Lock & Dam (Pulaski County, Illinois) to Paducah City Marina (Paducah, Kentucky)

Thursday, October 19:

Paducah City Marina (Paducah, Kentucky) to Green Turtle Bay (Grand Rivers, Kentucky)