Sunken Tow

You've probably heard about the tow that hit something and sank. It's sitting in about 16 feet of water in LeClaire, Iowa, just across the river from our home in Port Byron. Divers will arrive this weekend to assess the damage.

Currently crews are working to contain leaking fuel. 

Foggy Morning

I woke up this morning and looked out the window at the river and it slowly dawned on me that like it or not - November is here.  I had a little bit of a sinking feeling, knowing that our river activities were pretty much over until sometime next May.  It seems the Mississippi acquires a different sort of personality in the colder months.  During the boating season there's a different way of thinking about the river.  There is the option of going fishing, going for a cruise, spending a warm weekend afternoon playing in the water, or just leisurely strolls along the river's edge.  But Winter changes all that.  Winter demonstrates the inhospitable side of the great river. The wind whips the water into ice sculptures.  The leafless trees contribute to the bleak appearance.  I've decided to try to be more accepting of this season and enjoy it as one of the many characteristics of this amazing natural resource we are lucky enough to call our front yard.

I took a little extra time this November morning to enjoy the beauty of the river with a completely still surface.  There is a little fog that lends an air of mystery and is in contrast to the stark hard edges of the trees and rocky shore.  Just goes to show that this river has the ability to give up some great views regardless of the season.