Yep, it's THAT time again! Time for Lady Chateau to head south. The summer season is completed, and we can now be on our way.
It's very sad to be leaving, but there's new adventures ahead! First, it's time for a little fuel ...
The 2025 Crew ...
Beautiful little Stillwater ...
And through the Bridge ...
It's an easy ride to Prescott, and through the rain and transportation bridge ...
Our first day is an easy one. Not too many miles to travel and only two Locks. Here, we're headed out into Lake Pepin ...
We found our spot at Alma, WI, after making it through Lock #4 and enjoyed a great dinner!
10/16 The day started so nice as we pass by the tall Wisconsin bluffs ...
Later, the rain started coming in and it's not much of a picture, but here's the view from the wheelhouse ...
The Locks were very timely and we made it to Lock #8 for our overnight tie. They're so hospitable and kind at the Lock, and we really appreciate the location!
10/17 Today has us sailing past one of the prettiest little towns on the River ... Lansing, Iowa ...
There's only three Locks, and we made very good time on all of them. That brought us to Dubuque and an overnight next to more trains (yahoo!) ...
10/18 We're off for another reasonable day. Although the wind be
a-blowin', the temps are good as we head into Lock #12 ...
a-blowin', the temps are good as we head into Lock #12 ...
The tender at the Sabula Bridge got us right through, and down towards Lock #13 ...
Beautiful, smooth sailing through Pool #13 ...
Through Lock #13 and just below is the city of Clinton. We were held captive at the marina in town a few years ago because of high water. The Lock was shut down because the river level was going into the electric motors. To prevent damage, the motors are removed, and then, no operation.
Here's our view from the slip ...
October 23, 2025
(Blog entry by Michele Arnoldy)
For the first time, I, Michele, climbed aboard Lady Chateau, not as a guest, but as her crew. This fine Lady welcomed me with open doors with all the comforts of a home.
I was joined by an experienced team - Captain Randy, the owner and navigator of the Lady Chateau, and Captain Howard, a seasoned mariner with a many stories from his own helm.
Under their watchful eyes, I dove into the world of yachting. I learned how to:
Set fenders and tie off with spring line
Navigate through lock after lock securing vessel in the lock
Pass another moving vessel "on the 1 or the 2"
Keep the vessel ship-shape
Handle radio calls with proper protocol
And the most thrilling lesson - driving an 80 foot yacht
Amid the lessons and the laughter, one crew member stole the show; Sadie.
Once a land-lover, she has mastered the art of yachting;
doing her business on a patch of artificial turf placed on the bow, navigating the steep spiral staircase, maintaining the noble "no bark" rule, taking her deck-walks, and soaking her her daily quota of head pats and belly rubs.
As we glide Southward through the heart of America, I can't help but marvel at the beauty of God's creation - the endless skies, mirror-stilled waters, and the red and golden hues of the autumn shoreline. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness His masterpiece being on board the Lady Chateau. I'm deeply honored to be a small part of her story.
Stay tuned - the adventures with this Lady has only just begun.
Crew wakes early, before sunrise. And often puts in a long day.
Captain Howard taking a much deserved nap.
Without the ability to exercise, fiber becomes a necessity. Ha!
The required life vest, for the line handler, with particular locks, can be a challenging accessory to put on.
Sunday November 2, 2025
Sunday November 2, 2025
(Author Michele, AKA "M")
Wake-up call: 4:14 a.m.—also known as “zero dark hundred.”
Oddly enough, the early hour feels right when you’re on the water. There’s something sacred about watching the sky trade its darkness for light, knowing you’re among the first to greet the day. Today feels like a good day for a good day.
Oddly enough, the early hour feels right when you’re on the water. There’s something sacred about watching the sky trade its darkness for light, knowing you’re among the first to greet the day. Today feels like a good day for a good day.
We navigated two locks today. The second might have been mistaken for a Bachman’s display pond—vibrant greenery, serene water...and a minefield of drifting logs just waiting to test the reflexes of our propellers.
Captain Randy handles most of the navigating, though the support crew heroically steps in when the Captain’s compass points toward “nap.” After 12 hours of travel, even a seasoned skipper deserves a little shut-eye. Sadie, ever the generous deckhand, graciously surrendered her bed to the cause—though her expression suggested she might be logging it in the complaint book.
Standing—or sitting—at attention for long hours challenges any body, at any age. On land, Captain Randy kicks off each day with a six-mile run. But river life slows his stride to one run a week, leaving him noticeably restless—both literally and figuratively. When the boat’s engine hums, his legs still think they should be moving. Randy discovered the perfect antidote to his mid-voyage fidgets: dancing. Who needs a treadmill when you’ve got a good playlist and a boat that already rocks to the rhythm?
Featured in today’s video is Captain Randy’s trademark ensemble: a sweatshirt so seasoned it could have its own logbook and Adidas pants vintage enough to qualify as collectibles. It’s all by design — one outfit, endless practicality. No time wasted deciding what to wear, no stress over engine-room mishaps, and an easy switch to shorts when the day heats up. Laundry? A suggestion, not a schedule. Somehow, he makes it all look perfectly captain-casual.
Sadie and I spent the afternoon soaking up the Alabama sun and soft river breeze. I couldn’t be prouder of her—she’s mastered all her “business affairs” on a humble 3x3 patch of plastic grass. Adaptable, flexible, and utterly unflappable, this little pup has proven herself a true river dog… with an undeniable crush on both captains. Of course, who could blame her? They spoil her with affection at every turn. She is now a true lady of the Lady Chateau.
Captain Howard at the helm, giving Randy a much needed rest.
💙 M
Monday November 3, 2025
(Entry by M)
Agenda for the Day: Wake up at 3:30 a.m.—because apparently, that’s a thing. 😳
“Hotel California Lock”—you can check in any time you like, but you can never leave.
Early starts help us beat the “lock jam,” where boats can wait anywhere from minutes to hours. Randy once spent ten days stuck in a lock thanks to low water levels. Ten days. I’d have re-named the lock by then.This morning, before the sun had a chance to yawn, Captain Randy steered Lady Chateau into dense fog so thick I couldn’t see tmuch beyond the bow. He, however, navigated with calm precision, trusting his electronics to do their magic. It’s equal parts impressive and nerve-wracking to witness.
An image of the dense fog isn't interesting...but 3 hours later as it lifted....
Yesterday's shores of Alabama.
We waited 2 hours to enter our last lock of this journey.
Grand total of 41 locks. That's a lot of up and down...
Our last lock offered up a farewell gift of a spectacular red sky.
We finally reached our destination at 9:00 p.m.—a weary crew after a 17-hour day on the water. Captain Randy, ever the overachiever, capped the night by cooking us dinner. After a long day of locks and waiting, it was the perfect ending: good food, good company, and a boat that finally stood still.
Sweet dreams. Good night.
💙 M
