Welcome to civilization again, if only for a short while. After barreling through “the stretch of nothing” we made it to a town to resupply, refuel and rehearse the BarrelRaftBoy story in Cape Girardeau, MO. Heading out from Hoppies fueling station, south of St. Louis, we travelled 100 miles of natural river through wilderness and, for the most part, only barges. On a single tank of gas, the 7 gallon, we putted, floated and stretched this fuel out for 75 miles increasing only our miles per gallon. Averaging 4 mph since leaving the last lock and dam on the Mississippi, we’ve been able to crush a 50-mile day and the rest 40’s as compared to 20/25 daily average through the Upper Mississippi.
The river between St. Louis and Cape Girdardeau is full of commercial business with mining, quarries, fishing, barge transportation as well as a plethora of birds and pristine white sand beaches. Many wing-dams line the now single channel river; these rock walls jet out of the water every couple hundred yards. We’ve enjoyed the sand bar refuges that are created from their backwaters. The sand has become finer, softer, whiter and retains less heat than we’ve experience previously. Although the fishing lines haven’t been in the water as much, fishing conditions are improving; behind the wind-dams tend to support pockets of feeding fish.
Barges are getting coming at us in larger configurations, tugboats are supporting 20, 24, 25 barges at a time. The larger the vessel, the more water displacement causing wakes up to four feet and thirty minute long swells. Look how choppy the water is after this barge passes. Today, we decided to hunker behind a winddam to avoid two very large barges.
Great blue heron line the river, feeding along the rocky banks. They let us get within a hundred yards, but then fly back to their trees when we creep by.
Sunsets and sunrises continue to impress us each morning and night. Our schedule follows the sun, so we are pushing off from the sandbars around 6:00am each morning and anchor down come 8:00pm. We never raft at night, and will continue not to. Barge traffic seems to increase overnight, I know this because I woke up in the middle of the night wet from their wake and struggled to push the 4,000 pounds raft off the sand after the barge washed a pontoon ashore.
Posting here in Cape Girardeau while Rob grabs groceries, on-lookers have been admiring us all day. Sharing the story never seems to get old because people respond so positively with compliments about the integrity of the raft, how far we made it “you started in Minnesota?!” and “the size of that dog.” Interesting how some overlook the wooden raft on plastic barrels and only ask questions about the dog.
Jean, Betty and Grace provided the boys with a great gift today, taking us to the gas station to refuel. Thank you guys tremendously for the ride, hospitality and saving our arms.
Cairo, IL at the Ohio River confluence await us 53 miles down river, where we hope to find even more river current speed and the Lower Mississippi!
Water clarity: about 6 inches
Skullys listening skills: Improving…slightly
Confederate flags seen so far: 3
Amount of gratitude for our supporters: TONS
By your readings I am discovering it is not the freedom you feel nor conquering the challenge of the river that is the reward. It is the good people you meet at every landing and experiences you are earning along the way that truly make the Mississippi and your journey mighty. I am truly enjoying your trip so mentally making one of my own …Thank you.
My husband and I were traveling from Columbia, MO to eastern NC. Stopped at the Cape for lunch and a view of the mighty Mississippi. Saw your raft and was immediately intrigued. Got to meet you and Skully briefly. Love your adventure spirit! Good luck. Will be following you on-line.
We met you guys last night in Cape. We’re all so impressed by your sense of adventure and your friendly nature. Stay safe Barrel Raft Boys. We’ll be following your journey online.
Talked to a friend in California yesterday and gave her your website address for her and her grandson to follow. We met during a trip to Cornwall Eng in 1997, the morning after princess Di died. We have corresponded every since. You never know where you will find a friend.
Guys, we commend you for doing this Journey with your pal Skully. We saw you as you were leaving last night from Cape river front and we looked your site up immediately to find out about your story. Paddle on guys, looking forward to reading more about your adventure during the days and weeks ahead. Be safe in your travels as well.. God bless you and he will take care of you.
No more locks!! You guys will never be the same 😉 safe travels
It’s a wonderful life when you stay free from entrapment!
YEAH!