Sleeping on a sand island just north of Cairo, IL the boys are saying goodbye to the Upper Mississippi today. When the Ohio River joins up with the Mississippi, we switch over navigational books and restart milage indicators. 958 miles lay ahead, snaking and bending its way through Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

**Since the river speed is picking up, we are estimating that our arrival to New Orleans will be in the next 3 to 4 weeks! To anyone who’s interested in meeting us down there, keep checking back for a more accurate date once we get closer or contact us and we’ll keep you posted. Right now our set date is the weekend of September 13 at the latest!**

Barge traffic is increasing and the river is widening. While getting passed by these huge vessels, we surf just outside of the navigational channel to give them the room they need.

And giving the barges something back.

Bald eagle on the sandbar island we slept at.

Had to search for drift wood to build the fire to make our s’mores.

Skully photo collection for the dog followers. CAUTION: contains graphic images

Days into the trip:  35

Bald Eagles seen:  too many to keep track

Sandbars slept on in a row:  4

Campfire S’mores:  lots (better with dark chocolate)