Clinton RR Swing Bridge, Circa 1908
Today's first obstacle is the Clinton RR swing bridge. This is a really busy bridge so getting through can take some time. It's only a mile downriver from our the Clinton Marina so we make the VHF call while still at the dock. "At least 15 minutes," the tender tells us.
Flowers in Muscatine
Boat maintenance chores fill any slack time, so I grab two, big pipe wrenches and head for the lazarette. The new rudder packing is leaking. Tightening the gland should take care of the problem.
A Friend from Yesterday, the Jennie K.
The numbers are against us today. We arrive at Lock 14 to see the Jennie K. She's already through 14, two miles ahead of us and chugging for Lock 15. We do eventually catch her, but not fast enough. Lock 15 clears the Jennie K. in ahead of us. Just as we prepare for the two hour wait Jennie K's skipper tells us to go on ahead. He adds with a smile, "I wish I was on a rec boat." We thank him vociferously.
Lock 15's Camera Catches Nellie Emerging (Photo courtesy of Joe Glinski, Our Villa 37VT56)
Our View Inside Lock 15 With the Exit Gates Almost completely Open but the Bridge Fully Closed
Muscatine's Clark-Blackwell Mansion Sits Atop a High Hill Giving it a Magnificent View of the Mississippi
The scenery along the River is noticeably changing. The vertical rocky bluffs, which have been our constant companions since Minneapolis, are giving way to undulating and mostly flatter lands.
Clinton, IA to Muscatine, IA
It took 7-1/2 hours to get past three locks, three bridges, and cover the 64 miles between Clinton and Muscatine. Our trip's total is now 324 miles. Nellie is safely moored at the Muscatine Municipal Marina, mile marker 455. DBH
