Mel Price Lock and Dam, one of the two large locks that we transited on the Mississippi. We saw many tows and barges but shortly before we left the mighty Mississippi, we met a "42 pack" - 6 barges by 7 barges! It's unbelievable how these Captains maneuver these monsters.
We passed St Louis quickly taking numerous photos of the Gateway Arch, wich reflects St Louis' role in the Westward Expansion of the US during the 19th century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson's role in opening the West and to the pioneers who helped shaped the history of the West.
Thomas Jefferson's vision to spread freedom and democracy from "sea to shining sea" inspired Eero Saarinen's masterpiece of modern design. The Arch is constructed of 630 feet of stainless steel skin, covering reinforced concrete nearer the base and carbon steel and rebar higher up.
Strangely enough St Louis offers no docking for vessels to visit the Arch or other city attractions. They have no waterfront like many cities. We wonder if it's because of the fast 3.5 - 4 knot current on the River (or more swift after rains or during the spring runoffs).
Our trip down the Mississippi River was pleasant and picturesque. I had been anxious about this part of the trip for months after hearing so many wild tales; however, we had good weather and encountered very little debris when traveling.
There are few pleasure boat facilities on the River. Our next stop was at Hoppie's Marine Service, tying up to floating barges for the night, and then meeting the famous "Fern." She is a bit of a character but from previous accounts, I expected meeting an even more colorful woman! She has spent her last 30+ years on the rivers. She meets with every boater that stops by, to share her tips and insight on traveling the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland and Tenn-Tom. She says she simply tells us what other boaters have asked her for years. She gave us some "pearls" that weren't in the reference books that we had!
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