We pulled out of harbor
Imperfect conditions,
Brucey reluctant
I had contrition.
Wind from the South
Our course from North,
We bounced along
Keeping our course.
Six diesel cylinders
All pulling well,
We bounced along
Pushing through swells.
Six hours later
Took down the mast
Pulled into Chicago
It was a blast.
After the lock
Which dropped us 6 feet,
Under multiple bridges
Was really neat.
Seeing sky scrapers
And thousands of people,
Passing under bridges
Even a steeple.
Trump building ahead
Strategically placed,
Lined up with the river
With towering grace.
Most interesting part
Of our trip to date,
I wished we could stay here
But it was too late.
Lots of boat traffic
But NO traffic lights,
In downtown Chicago
Just didn’t seem right.
Great lakes behind us
Now that’s a relief,
The rivers are flatter
I’ll hear less grief.
Over the next
Several hours we see,
Industrial sights
And lots of trees.
A couple harry moments
With barges so long,
They hog the whole river
With thrust that is strong.
Even my trawler
Which weighs quite a bit,
Gets pushed around easily
Could give me a fit.
Now as we sit here
At Seneca city,
Not moving along
Seems like a pity.
Storms coming through
But safely at dock,
Wish we could motor
Through Marseilles lock.
The locks are all backed up
With barges and tows,
The lock-master tells us
We better not go.
So now as I think about
What I should write,
I stare out the window
And ponder our plight.
Keep up the journaling! Very interested in this adventure. I’ve mentioned to Steve, a time or two, that I’d like to travel the Mississippi some day. He is keeping an open mind about it.?
Your trip looks very interesting. I must say that I had wondered why you’d be interested in making such a voyage. I’m enjoying the trip from my living room.