A Ray of Hope
We're off at first light. Today's strategy is to throw caution to the wind and money at the problem--which is so unlike us. Anyway, the throttle is set at 2200 rpm; which promptly decrements our savings account by $8.75/hr (for diesel). Ouch! Compare that to our normal 1600 rpm cruise and $2.50/hr. Still, it's worth it. Between the falling river level and the increased rpm our average speed jumps to 4.9 mph--40% faster than yesterday. We're flying I tell ya!
Ask a river greybeard about wing dams and you'll likely receive a long stare and a knowing nod. "They sure can ruin your day." is the usual, not so helpful answer. Wing dams are rock jetties that extend from the bank well into the river. Their purpose is to keep the channel from silting up. From a mariner's perspective, the fun comes when the river rises and the wing dam lurks just below the surface. Here's a picture of Mini-Ne in midst of many wing dams.
Wing dams to the Left and Right
Here's what the water looks like at the chart location above. See any wing dams? Me either.
Submerged Wing dams to the Left and Right
Now here's where it gets fun. Staying in the channel guarantees slow going. Conversely, you're rewarded with greater boat speed the farther out of the channel you venture.
We prefer going faster and are willing to take small chances to do so. Our risk mitigation strategy is to stay in water which is at least 20' or deeper. What could go wrong...
Well, as it turns out, a lot. Approaching one wing dam the depth sounder goes from 20' to 8' in a flash; Nellie's depth alarm sounds; and my life flashes before my eyes. Fortunately we cleared the wing dam with 4-1/2' to spare. But, this exposed an obvious flaw in my strategy: wing dam heights aren't published. Bottom line, I need to do more research before attempting more wing dam roulette.
A Mississippi Sunset
Today's cruising strategy (except for the bit with the wing dam) really paid off. We made 69 miles in 14 hours underway. This got us to the Kaskaskia River, MM118, where Nellie's safely tried to a lock wall. It'll be good sleeping tonight! Total mileage is now 3,494. DBH
