Monday, July 16

View of Mississippi from Hoopie's

Main Drag - Kimmswick, MO. (pop 200)

Post Office - Kimmswick, MO.

Anheuser Estate Museum - Kimmswick, MO.

Dockage at Hoopie's Marina

Charlie & Fern - Hoopie's Marina

The Gateway Arch - St Louis

Chain of Rocks Lock - Mississippi

We left our slip at 9:00 am to begin our 60 mile cruise to Kimmswick, MO. & the World Renowned Hoppie's Marina.
For the first several miles leading to St. Louis we were the only boat on the river.  Near Portages des Sioux, MO., we noticed the Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine.  It dominates the shoreline and required closer inspection.  Soon after passing Alton and the Argosy Casino (where we didn't roll the dice), we entered the Mel Price Lock.  With only a 20 minute wait for it to be prepared for our lock-through, it was relatively painless.
We we not so lucky at the Chain of Rocks Lock where we were delayed for over an hour to lock due to the barge traffic.  These Mississippi locks are huge and take awhile to fill & empty.  In the near 100 degree heat it seems like forever.
As we approached St. Louis, The Gateway Arch came into view.  Forty seven years old in 2012, this famous landmark rises high above the Mississippi as a memorial to the western migration of our forefathers.  The barge traffic was quite heavy throughout this highly industrial stretch of the river.
We arrived at Hoopie's fuel dock by 1:30 pm.  We had to top off our fuel tanks as this is the only place to get gas for the next 247 miles.  Since we only get about a mile to the gallon and the White Label holds 310 gallons, it will be a close call.  We were soon greeted by Fern who is a legend in the boating world for sharing her decades long expert knowledge on this part of the Mississippi and other rivers to come.  With note pad in hand, Charlie hung onto her every word - jotting down several helpful pieces of advice and information.  She also shared with us a wealth of information about her town of Kimmswick (pop. 200).  Apparently the whole town shuts down on Mondays, so we will not have the opportunity to take in the great shopping (?) & fine dining - damn!
The historic Anheuser Estate Museum is located on the river next to Hoppie's - it was donated & endowed by the family to the town of Kimmswick.  Other famous neighbors included the founder of 7up & Paul Harvey.  He liked to frequent Hoppie's even though he was not a boater.  Fern used to tell him, "just don't talk and no one will know who you are."  She is quite a character &
 as she puts it - "Hoppie & I have been really lucky to have had such nice neighbors".

Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine

Dockage at Hoppie's is made up of three 100-foot long barges tied to the shore with cables.  There is a nice onshore breeze and we have a great view of the Mississippi, although we do get rocked a little by the passing barges.  This place is the best of "local color".