Day 2 – 10/5/2023

Starting location: Kimmswick, MO

Weather: Heavy rain changing to sun in early evening, low 70s

Ending location: No change

Statute Miles: 0

General Summary:

After a delicious pastry breakfast we did a last minute trip to a local Target and a grocery store since we still had the truck and needed a few things. On the way, we checked out another local boat ramp to see if conditions were any better at Flamm City Public Boat Ramp. Nope! At least there was a nice hike there where we got to walk in the woods and stretch our legs a bit. We then returned to the marina, unpacked, rested a bit, then used our boat shower to get ready for dinner. What a treat LaChance Winery and Restaurant was! Indoor and outdoor seating. Was sunny and warm by evening so we ate comfortably al fresco. Cocoa, our dog, was also welcome outside with us. All the wines are made from local grapes by this winery. We got a flight and settled on a pinot noir, blind pick. Great steak dinner. Most special, though, was the building. Built 7 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence it was frequented by Ulysses S. Grant during his training days in the military. On return to the marina, Hoppie’s daughter, Debbie, was giving Loopers updates. She was very generous and informative but clearly after many years dealing with our kind had an edge that inferred we were all crazy or stupid, or both. Turns out the cadre of Loopers trying to get through the just opened Chicago locks approached 200 and the commercial traffic had priority. Not only that, but Paducah, KY, the next fuel stop, was going to be closed for fuel and water for a month starting the following week. In addition, many of the anchorages between here and there were too shallow for most boats or non-existent due to the current water levels. This was going to cause major stress fueling and finding places to stay in the near future. We decided to get going early the next day, happy we were ahead of things and have a small draft.

Boater information:

If you get a chance to hear from Debbie, Hoppie’s daughter, TAKE IT!