Day 6- Locked in: A Masterclass in River Patience

We began the day threading our way through a gauntlet of bridges, four in total, each spanning 60 to 64 feet, and one lock, all within the first 90 minutes. It was a high-stress, high-coordination morning. At Lock & Dam 15, the lock master was a marvel of efficiency. He opened the gates, locked us through, signaled the highway to close, and swung the traffic bridge open. I’m fairly certain he even phoned ahead to the railroad swing bridge, which opened just as we approached. Whether it was stellar service or sheer luck, it felt like the river was rolling out a red carpet.

Our plan was to pass through L&D 15, 16, and 17 today. But at L&D 16, we hit a wall, or rather, a 15-unit barge and its tug. It took them a full two hours to lock through. We watched the entire operation from behind, unable to pass. The tug matched our speed and course, making sure we stayed put. I get it, he’s running a business, and time is money for his crew and company. Still, watching him navigate tight corners with such a massive vessel was a masterclass in seamanship.

As we waited, I found myself admiring the scenery: sweeping sand beaches and elegant bridges lining the riverbanks. I kept thinking how much Crystal and Rugby would love these endless sandy playgrounds. If our stretch of the Mississippi had this kind of shoreline, I suspect we’d see a lot more boaters out and about.

I’ve included a few more photos of the grand homes we passed, though I may stop posting those soon. The scale and opulence of riverfront real estate here is astonishing. These homes are palatial, each one a testament to the wealth tucked along the Mississippi’s edge.

Dinner tonight? Courtesy of Camp Cook Peter Darula, who continues to impress. If you’ve seen the photos, you know we’re dining like royalty. He’s got serious culinary chops.

That’s it for today. We’ll be back with more on Friday.