Good Morning and pardon the "gaps" in this blog..we've been internet challenged. It's a gorgous day on the Mississippi river in Alton Illinois across from St Louis, Missouri. Beautiful old town with gorgeous mansions on high bluffs overlooking the river. We're meeting fascinating people, including a couple from Russia who built their own boat and have been cruising the states for years. They charge $1.00 if you take a picture of their boat and another $1.00 to hear about their story..we couldn't afford them
Small town America has been so interesting and we're seeing a part of this country that we'd never take the time to see if we weren't floating past the towns slowly down the river. There are challenging times, too when good "listening" skills come in handy.
When passing a tow boat and barge on the river its up to the "pleasure craft" to communicate with the tow boat for passing priviledges. So the communication should sound like this Us..."North bound tow at willow bend, this is the south bound pleasure craft approaching, how would you like us to pass?" The answer..."wellilladykiponcuminontheunwisle" Translation "Well little lady, keep on coming on the one whistle (our port side). Most of the captains of these boats hail from Louisiana in Cajun country...We normally just listen for the "one whistle" or two whistle and then go for it.
This picture was taken at Hardin Illinois where 5 Looper boats stopped for the evening...The restaurant is called "Mels river front Restaurant" and he's famous on the river for his smoked food..wonderful unique place!