This was our challenging day, we had a group of 15 loopers to get through the 3 locks with the hope of arriving at Heritage Harbor before dark. The first lock, Brandon, threw a wrench in our plans, and only allowed 12 boats in the lock. Three of our faster boats volunteered to stay back for a second locking and would try to catch the flotilla before we went into the Dresden lock. We did not have to wait to get Into the first lock. Unfortunately, we had a two hour wait at the next lock. The locks are very busy with commercial barge traffic. We were able to tie to a wall on the starboard side of the lock and wait. We had rain and hail and cold winds. We managed to get through the second lock at 1:00 with all 16 boats in one locking. We rafted 3 groups of 4 boats and the smaller boats were given lines to hold. Our flotilla arrived at the Marseilles lock at 5:15 pm. Mike talked to the lock master several times on our way and he let our group go ahead of 2 barges. We were able to get to the Heritage Harbor Marina by 6:15 with plenty of day light.
Heritage Harbor is a really nice marina resort community. The harbor master, Jeremy held a briefing for the Captains regarding water levels and traffic further down the river. The facilities included a heated in-ground pool, store, shower house and the Red Dog restaurant.
It was Bobbi’s birthday (Tortue De Mer), and her husband Mike surprised her with a cake. Loopers always show up for a party, especially with CAKE!
