With 2 different venues for music it was a no brainer to pick the one that would be held out of doors. At least I thought that we 'd be listening to music next to the Mississippi in the beer garden of the Trempealeau Hotel. When we arrived there were cars but just a handful of folks outside. Maybe they thought folks wouldn't sit outside in 60 degree weather. The band had set up inside the dark bar area. One song inside was one too many on a beautiful sunshiny day for this gal.
So out we went on the deck to enjoy the sunshine despite not being able to hear any music. We were in for an education as there approaching Lock and Dam #6 was a tow boat pushing a total of 9 large containers downriver.
First it came very close to land with the towboat straight behind it and then the towboat angled itself for a bit positioning for its entrance. Crew with life jackets moved to the front and rear of the barge near the large ropes.
This was a sight to behold as the tow boat maneuvered the barges into the Lock and Dam. How would the towboat fit his cargo into the lock?
We watched in awe and then decided to drive over to watch the process up close from the observation area as the barge load fit with not much room to spare.
We weren't alone as other motorists along with walkers and cyclists came to observe the event.
The towboat is behind the second of the three rows.
I have gone through locks and dams in small watercraft and even on a canal barge sharing the space but how would this load fit?
 |
| 'missed capturing the three rows well with the angle |
The ropes were tied. And the wait began as the water rose.
It was so interesting to observe the dam area with fishermen on the down river side and the rushing waters on its opposite side.
Educational indeed as information boards showed the different types of Upper Mississippi barges.
Who knew one outing intended for music could turn into a marine educational experience? Glad to have been barged in on!
No comments:
Post a Comment