M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I River!; September 25, 2011

Link to anchorage off the Mississippi River via Google Maps

We are anchored in Brickhouse Slough on the Missouri side of the river.
Picture shows the opening we came through off the Mississippi River.
Alton, Illinois is just across the river.

Entering the Upper Mississippi River 

White chalk cliffs

Click to read interesting article on the statue

Hurricane Island; September 24, 2011

Link to anchorage in the Illinois Boonies via Google Maps

If you want to be alone, go to Hurricane Island

Depth clearance gauge on bridge support  

La Grange Lock & Dam; September 23, 2011

La Grange Lock & Wicket Dam

8th and final lock on the Illinois River, going down

2 hour wait while a tow boat with 8 barges locked through

First 6 barges coming out of lock

We wondered how the barges went through without being pushed.
Lockmaster explained that straps on the barges attach to the horizontal cylinder,
you can see in this picture, and pulls them through.

Once the barge is out and hooked back together, the lockmaster calls on the radio
 "Southbound PC (pleasure craft) has a green light"

The lock was so huge, we could just float during locking
and didn't have to tie off to the wall

"Wicket Dam"
Folds down when the river is high and locking isn't necessary