Rita

I forgot to tell you about this pleasant man I met in Alton. His boat was just around the corner from ours. He has a houseboat, and on his ‘front porch’ he had a the coziest little set up. So when I saw him getting off his boat, I had to tell him how much I liked it. He was very excited and told me that he has the best spot in the whole marina. He pointed out that he had no boats obstructing his view so he could sit on his porch and watch the sunset. His slice of heaven on earth He bought the boat from someone who worked barges for 20 years. They sold the boat and everything in it, right down to the fully stocked liquor cabinet. I could tell how much he loved his home as he pointed out the second floor deck on the back (that’s not what he called it, but that’s what it looked like to me) with another wonderful patio set. After he purchased it and moved in, the previous owner told him his slip fees were paid up for the next NINE months!!! He is feeling like a very blessed man, and I believe he is. Just a delightful guy!

OK, back to our Hoppie’s stay . . . We got in early enough to walk into the town of Kimmswick, MO – Population 131 as of 2021! We had a late lunch/early dinner at The Blue Owl. So many people say this is a must, and I would agree. Once again we get home cooked deliciousness in a cozy setting. I was delighted when I realized they had Christian music playing, and I found it hard not to just start singing along, but I didn’t want to scare everyone away Not only are the meals and apps delicious, they have sooooo many delicious looking desserts. We brought home a slice of apple pie for which they are famous. The server said it’s so good they had to use six words to name it – Levee High Caramel Apple Pecan Pie. It’s at least 6” tall and crammed full of apples. Don’t believe me, see the pic below.

We walked around the town and found many cute shops and stops! I only went in two because I like to look at everything, and I take forever. We really had to watch time to get back before our 5:00 briefing. They have so many places to shop in those two blocks! People must come from all over because 131 people is not enough to keep all these places afloat. Here is a link if you want to read a little more about Kimmswick, and of course, I’ll have some pics below. https://gokimmswick.com/

They were very busy getting ready for some sort of event with food trucks, tables/chairs, tents and porta potties everywhere! We later learned that the following day some 450 or 1450 (Scott and I heard different numbers ) women (most middle-aged) dressed up like witches were coming to town. I’m glad we were there a day early. I am not a fan of Halloween or anything having to do with witches, goblins, etc – no matter how cute they are, but that’s all I’m going to say on that topic at this time.

After a restful evening, we headed early the next morning to Kaskaskia Lock and tied up on the outside of the lock wall. All in all this was a pretty low key, uneventful day. It was early to bed and early to rise. We headed out the following morning to go to Little River Diversion, but we got there so early the group of us decided to keep going. There is an anchorage called Boston Bar, but that was too shallow; so we anchored just on the other side of the bridge for the night. It was a bit of a wavy night with barges going by, but it didn’t keep us awake.

Well, I think that’s enough for now – probably more than you wanted I hope you enjoyed the read and the pics. Make it a great day! Be a blessing and be blessed!