10/25/23 Yep, it's again that time. Without a destination, here we go!
We're not in a hurry, so we don't need to put in long days. Today's goal is about 8 hours, and that means we don't have to leave real early. An 8:00AM lift was scheduled for the Stillwater Bridge, but oh, oh ... no lift operator is there! After a few calls, it was determined that "someone" forgot. Eventually, an operator was sent and we got to look at the Bridge for an extra half hour ...
Whew, we made it through! The weather wasn't too cold, so the ride was nice. We snuck through the shallow spots at the Kinnenick River, and made it through the Prescott Bridges, on to the Mississippi. We didn't have a wait on Lock #3, and were out on to Lake Pepin. There were some nice colors ...
Prior to departure, we knew of a little part that needed fixing. The spring to one of the push rods was broken and needed to be changed. We had the part and decided to put it in while moving, but upon installation, one other part broke. Oops! So ... family to the rescue!! Marcia drove to pick up that part and Eric and Bear drove it all the way to Alma, WI. It saved our bacon! Here's the location ...
Here's the broken part ...
And here's the Delivery Team ...
Mission accomplished!
10/26 We tied up at the Alma Courtesy Dock. It's a great spot, and just below the Lock. It's a misty, rainy, foggy morning, and it looks to be that way all day. But, we zip right in to Lock 5 with no wait ...
There's many cameras and posters along the way ...
Another train for me to watch ...
10/27 Off to another rainy, foggy morning.
It was another good day for locking without waiting, and that sure makes things easier. Dubuque is the destination, and an early arrival is nice.
10/28 In the Spring, we were detained by flooding and closed Locks. We had to park it at Clinton for a few weeks while we waited. Jean and the Crew were so very nice, and we talked as we went past and she sent a few pics ...
It was too early in the day to stop, but it'll be a definite on the way home! We pass a ski hill ...
And the prettiest little town on the River ... Lansing, IA ...
Once again, the Locks had no wait and we made it to the Quad Cities ...
10/29 It's getting colder! Brrr! We're off prior to the tow traffic backing up at Lock 15, and down to Burlington ...
The City has put in a great floating dock. We'd like to get off and in to town, but it's cold and rainy, so it's a Football Sunday!
Our view of the Burlington Bridge ...
10/30 We don't have every far for today's travel, so it's an easy 7:00AM start time. Keokuk Yacht Club and Robbie Means is the destination ...
