Last Night's Anchorage at MM12
Last night's anchorage was great, at least until 12:30am. That's when the rising river and the wake from a tug colluded to dislodge Nellie's anchor. Being roused from a sound sleep by the anchor alarm isn't pleasant. It's then a mad scramble to collect your wits, confirm the anchor is dragging, start the engine, and get the situation stabilized. We did, we lived and Nellie's fine.
Bicki's 'Good Sport' Face
We normally cruise at 1600 rpm, about 7 mph. If we're in a hurry, cruise speed is 1800 rpm, about 8 mph. All day today we cruised at 2000 rpm, about 9 mph.
Why all this talk of boat speed? Because at one point Nellie was turning 2000 rpm but going 1 mph--meaning the current was 8 mph against her! That's a big current.
Where's all the current coming from? Rain. There have been seven inches of rain in the last three days and it has swollen the river and raised the water level by eight feet. Note to self: avoid cruising on any parts of the Mississippi near flood stage.
Bicki's "This is a Great Anchorage!" Face
After last night's anchoring drama, tonight's goal is for someplace more sedate. We think we found it. The jury's out, but there's reason to hope.
Today's 39 Tough Fought Miles
Anchored in the serene and tranquil Castor River Diversion Canal, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, near Mississippi MM 49. It took 11-1/2 hours to go 39 miles, making our average speed 3.4 mph. Total for the trip thus far is 3,425 miles. DBH
