Tucked In In Keokuk
Before telling today's stories I needed to finish up one from last night. Keokuk Yacht Club's guest dock is very exposed. Several members told us that heavy thunderstorms were expected and recommended moving to their fuel dock. Better protected it is, but it's also down a narrow, shallow canal lined with houseboats on one side and covered slips on the other. Seeing as we'd already been aground three times, and really didn't want to add to the day's total, I dropped the dinghy and sounded the canal. What I found was a soft silt bottom with at least 4-1/2' of water over it. Perfect, Nellie draws 3-1/2'. The canal is tight for a boat Nellie's size, but it sure felt good to be tucked away when the thunderstorm came through.
Army Corps Channel Marker Depot
Two days ago we spotted Army Corps tugs laying down yet more wing dams. Today we pass an Army Corps depot chock-a-block with channel markers. I'm confused. What kind of organization lays out traps and then does their best to warn their prey of the traps' existence?
Sir Robert, Our Mate in Lock 18, at Rest Along the Right Descending Bank Above Lock 19
What happens when an innovator retires? In the case of Lock and Dam 19, the tug traffic backs up. The retiree's computer program reduced the chamber's fill time from 45 minutes to 20. The problem is that the software crashed and no one can get it working.
Mayflies Everywhere
It was an 83 mile trip through four locks today. Nellie's safely moored in the Two Rivers Marina in Illinois (mile marker 282). Louisiana, MO, the closest town, is just across the River. Sixty miles south is the confluence of the Illinois River and the end of what has been a most enjoyable downstream run. Total for the trip is now 499 miles. DBH
