Whew! The whirlwind of activity on this expedition is exhilarating, exhausting, and as always, a breathtaking big muddy adventure. We have traveled 160 miles downstream on the Mother River, the Mighty Mississippi, aboard the awesome Junebug raft. The genius of John Ruskey has never been more apparent.
On Day 2 of the expedition we caused quite a commotion as we passed the McKinley Bridge in St. Louis. A full compliment of law enforcement and fire rescue folks commanded us to land. Of course, we were in no position to do so as the anchored barges and swift current of the river made it unsafe. The raft crew waved and continued on to the Arch. I, however, was able to paddle one of the two canoes in our flotilla to the bank and meet our concerned members of St. Louis’ finest. After a brief conversation and recognition that the Rivermen, Wanblee John and Wamblee Mike, were in command, they called off the responders and informed all that this group was both safe and travelling aboard a vessel that was uniquely designed to fulfill its multiple functions on the Great River.
After landing at the Arch, the US Coast Guard entered the scene to inspect the raft. With detailed due diligence, they combed the deck, the safety equipment and the crew until finally USCG Captain Bill declared it the first raft in 15 years that was safe to continue a journey beyond the Eads Bridge. Our German film team went about their business with little recognition of this important hurdle overcome. However, as the days have progressed, their respect for the expertise of their guides and crew has grown. And their willingness to work with us and river time has grown. We are a true team of international adventurers, going about our business with great professionalism and with a great sense of humor. Mr. and Mrs. Sippi, Volker Strubing and Patricia Schaffer, have even discovered the great fun of a muddy scene.
Day 3 and 4 brought us downstream along the magnificent bluffs of the Middle Mississippi, past St. Genevieve, Kaskaskia and Chester. Tower Rock and the Devils Backbone provided a fine backdrop to our camp on Friday, but the intense storm that arrived just before dawn yesterday left the camp in a state of disarray, folks scurrying about to batten down hatches. The hot sun has taken its toll on all, but a constant ritual of swimming and water fights have made the tough conditions bearable. Our night camps have been typically exquisite… beautiful sand bars with glorious sunsets, full moon rising, and delightful river rat gourmet dinners. The mosquitos have had their feast as well, but all have become river rat tough.
After the storm yesterday, our German friends departed for their appointed film session in Cairo IL, leaving just the Mighty Quapaws, John, Seth and I to move downstream. We endured a very tough day with a headwind causing our muscles to ache as we rowed continuously for six hours. At sunset we approached the Cape Girardeau riverfront. Our bodies and minds spent from the arduous work, we maneuvered through the chaotic waters and fearsome boils and whirlpools finally passing under the beautiful bridge to the sandbar on Marquette Island where our camp is currently at rest for a few hours. We set tents as a magnificent lightning display filled the sky. And now after a quick visit to the Cape, it is time to move on, film schedule and river time making for a dichotomy of stress and pleasure. Prost!!
Tags: Middle Mississippi River, Monsta Movies, Quapaw Canoe Company
Just read your posting/viewed graphs. Y’all down by my old neck of the woods in Cape town. As the Germans might say: Viel Spasse !
p.s. Love the pic of the twosome tromping through the mud flats literally knee deep with their load. talk about big muddy !
I go to the same church in Bentonville, AR as Michael’s parents. Also, my children, Matt and Kim Long, have been on some canoe trips with John Ruskey. “Daddy” Mike told me about the adventure you have undertaken with the German Discovery Channel, so I had to check it out for myself. I will pass the information on to Matt, as well. It looks like everyone is having a good time. Hopefully the German crew members are enjoying their experience on The Big Muddy, too. Alles Gute und Viel Glueck! (All the Best and Good Luck!)