The Mighty Mississippi River
Schuyler officially exited the Illinois River which converged with the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis. The Mississippi River begins in Minnesota and ends in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, after 2,340 miles of winding through 10 states. Although different sources have varying lengths, the Missouri River is acknowledged as being the longest river in the US, flowing through 7 different states before emptying into the Mississippi.
Roger and Jo left me in Alton, Illinois yesterday after 8 days aboard for a short stay in St. Louis followed by a few more days in Chicago before heading back to the UK. It was great to have them on board, especially since I hadn’t seen them in 4 years. I was nice to have the help through the locks on the Illinois River.
I was a little apprehensive about dealing with the locks solo but managed the first two yesterday without difficulty. The first lock I encountered was 1,200 feet (366 m) long and 110 feet (33.5 m) wide - and Schuyler was the only boat in the lock. I thought that the locks on the Illinois River were large at 600 feet long!
Only 2-3 more days on the Mississippi before a northward turn on to the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois for about 50 miles.
With Roger and Jo enjoying our last dinner together at Alton, IL
A colorful sunset at Alton
Passing in front of the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The stainless steel arch stands 630 feet tall and was completed in 1965.
Roger took this picture rom their hotel of Schuyler passing by the arch.
There I am, the little boat passing and big river tow.
A barge being loaded with sulphur.
My quiet little anchorage at the Meramec River.
A bald eagle near Kaskaskia lock wall.