Bon Voyage!

We set sail (no sails, however,) at 10:45 am this morning from Alton Marina, IL.

Moments later, we were preparing to enter our first lock & gate facility (the Melvin Price Lock & Dam Complex.) Fortunately, the traffic volume was low. There were two other pleasure craft already in the lock as we arrived (the lock was open and essentially ready/waiting for us.)

Our friends Rob & Pat joined us for the first leg of the trip. The extra hands aboard have been a blessing (especially in wrestling with the ropes and such during our first time through a lock.)

There was still a pretty strong current (and winds) pusing us around in the lock, until the upriver gate closed. Things then calmed down a bit...

In all, it went as good as we could be expected. Down 10 feet in a few minutes -- no issues.

We followed one of the other pleasure craft for the next few miles, and into the Chain of Rocks canal, and then into the next lock (Chain of Rocks.)

This one went MUCH smother (we are no loger locking rookies.) And, again, the lock was open and ready/waiting for us -- lucky we are!!!

As we exited the lock, and took a tun on the river, the Gateway Arch came into view (pretty impressive, I must admit.) It was at about that moment that we learned that Kelly's parents and aunt/uncle were down at the St. Louis Riverfront, waiting for us to pass by.

We honked and waved as we passed them -- no traveling at about 10-11 knots of speed (thanks to the push of the river's current down below the dams.)

Another hour later, and we were passing Jefferson Barracks, and then going under the 255 bridge. There was a LOT of tug traffic on the river above and around St. Louis. But, below STL, we passed one tug, and then had the river to ourselves... :-)

As we were cruising, we heard a Coast Guard announcement that the River was closed down-river from us (near the Hoppies Marina.) Apparently some guy went into the water from the shore, and went under...

All types of rescue units were responding to the scene. By the time we arrived at the area, the river was again reopened, but they were still searching for a body. :-( The Hoppies Marina is the headquarters for the search crews. So, as we arrived at Hoppies (our first stop on this trip,) the place was hopping, but also very melancholy.

Kelly decided that we should stay here for the night. So, we topped off the gas tank while we have the chance. and we are going to give everything a once-over double-check while we were here.

We have found a few MINOR issues/inconveniences already. Just normal "settling in" issues... (Thankfully.)

Gotta run, Cheers,

Nick (& Kelly)