Where's Spring?

As I look out at the river from our deck I'm thinking it sure doesn't feel much like Spring. Glancing over at the thermometer I see it's a balmy 57 degrees with dark clouds filling the sky. I can see across the river to Iowa and notice there are still a lot of bare trees for the last week of April. Another 10 degrees and a bit of sunshine would make a world of difference. There's always tomorrow...

She Keeps on Rolling

Finally the crest has come and gone. What's ahead is weeks of cleanup for many and waiting for the water level to recede to normal levels. We've found a slip for the Summer and we're anxious to get our new (to us) boat in the water and take our maiden cruise. With the price of gas continuing to creep up and up, we may be spending the majority of our on water time at the slip or on the anchor in some secluded spot.

It's raining again today and cool. The river is calm on the surface but the volume of water must be incredible. Judging by the movement of the drift in the water the current must be running along at around 6 MPH. Hopefully the levels drop faster than predicted so we can get on the water.

The Search Concludes

Today we became boat owners once again. We bought a 26' Imperial Cruiser. A FC260 to be exact. She's a 1986 vintage and in decent shape and one of her best features is the 10' beam - unusual on a boat of her size. We looked at a lot of boats and most did not live up to the photos used in their advertisements. We looked at a few Sea Rays and a couple of Carvers and were disappointed by the shape they were in.

We researched the Imperial brand and didn't find too much information. What information we did find was not very encouraging. But...the price was right and she appears to be a solid boat. Time will tell but we are looking forward to enjoying our time on the water. Now it's time for a few phone calls to find a slip - a place that will be our home away from home for the Summer months.

Speaking of the water, the river is over its' banks now with crest expected in another 4 or 5 days. The rain today is not helping the situation. With the high winds and the high water, the river was in another of her angry dispositions.

Mad River

The great Mississippi was mad today. The wind was blowing and the water was rough with whitecaps. It's strange the way that the exact same section of the river can have so many different appearances depending on weather and time of day. The same stretch of water that was smooth as glass on the trip upriver can turn angry with big rolling waves that hammer away at the hull on the return trip a few hours later.


Today the river woke up mad and stayed that way all day. What mood she'll be in tomorrow is anyone's guess. One thing is certain - she'll be there waiting to show anyone who takes the time to notice, just how special she is.