We Get Underway at Sunrise
White Pelican (credit Bill Hubick)
Suddenly we're seeing lots of white pelicans. They're hard to miss as they're huge. Among North American birds they're only second to the California condor for the largest wing span. They're migratory and go as far as Canada in the summer. In winter the Mississippi birds can be seen as far north as St. Louis. They must not mind the snow, brrr. Unlike brown pelicans, white pelicans don't dive for food. They hunt alone in deep water or cooperate, in shallow water, by herding minnows. Funny, the things you can learn by reading a cruising blog ;-)
Fort Madison Bridge Opens
Fort Madison is the last double swing-span bridge left on the Mississippi. The lower level accommodates side-by-side train tracks while the upper level carries a two lane road. When the bridge tender asked us to expedite our transit I called down to the engine room and asked for more power. In response, I heard Scotty, in his Scottish brogue say, "Aye Captain, I'm giving you all she's got!" I know the bridge tender was impressed when Nellie jumped from 5-1/2 mph to 6.
A Pump Out--the Quintessential Dirty Job
Postcard from 1945
Tonight we're in Bluff Harbor Marina, Burlington, Iowa. A total of 38 miles today and 3,786 miles for the trip. Our average speed was a very fast 5.7 mph. We'll enjoy it while it lasts. DBH
