Southern Hospitality ... again

Another 100 degree day...needed to get off water midday...saw a rare house on bank above sandbar...said prayer I could find shade...I found Richard, Guy, and Kyle working on a friend's hunting lodge...they welcomed me with beverages/food/air conditioned comfort.
Before paddling off a few hours later, Richard took my hands and offered a sending prayer....all I could say was, "amen!"

For Mom

This pic of me and my nephew, Billy, Greenville, Mississippi, is for the sole purpose of showing her I am "Ok". Taken at 11pm after 18 hours in my boat covering nearly 70 miles.  Mom, who my boat is named after (the Leila V.) will be 96 next week. Early happy birthday, mom!  By the way Billy sent the same picture to his mom!

Paddle by Moonlight

To beat the heat I have been paddling EARLY....on water at 4:30 ...using headlamp and reflective jacket so barges can see me.  With a full moon I can see very well and enjoy this view!

Fish Story

Several folks who have been following the blog sent notes of appreciation for the "Fishing, Technology, and Uncle Lester" entry.

Let me add a "fish story".  As I paddle the Mississippi I find myself singing a lot.  Remember "Oh, what a beautiful morning!"? 

Another musical I have always loved is Porgy and Bess.  While the characters are a bit stereotyped, the music still moves me.

"Summer time and the livin' is easy.......fish are jumping and the cotton is high."  I now understand that line "fish are jumpin'.." because they really do jump all the time and all over the river.  Maybe it's because I am on the water all day and have little else to do, but here's the best part of "true story".  On several occasions fish have jumped over the front of my boat and and almost jumped into my boat. My uncle Lester is smiling and nodding his head!  And they do this without warning often causing a spike in my blood pressure and other near anatomical responses. 

In local riverside restaurants the fish list jumps off the menu.  In Minnesota, the walleye heads the list.  But down in the lower Mississippi, you can choose between catfish, buffalo, and carp.  Being a vegetarian I am certainly a "stranger in a strange land". 

Despite her sweet intentions, I had to tell a waitress recently that "friend okra" was not the solution.  Back to the "fish story".  Sorry, no pictures.

Helena, ARK.

Another casino, meal, friendly folks (Sam, Pauline, Christia, Rose) and security guard (Clayton).   The way they get around the law which allows gambling "on the water" is to put the casino on a pond of Mississippi River water.  Almost as amazing as the motorcycle I won and am finishing my pilgrimage on......NOT!  Although these 100 degree days make that a tempting proposition!

Buffet Blessings

As I came around the bend Fitzgerald's Casino called me to enjoy their buffet....
Thanks to riverboat Capt. Mark for chart advice and transport from dock to casino

A glimpse of glory

Kenyarda is a special education teacher who has begun a master's program...keep the dream alive!

Lower Mississippi Experience

For over a half mile a topographically accurate "river" traces the Mississippi from its various sources to the Gulf of Mexico.  Not only a great learning tool, but a wonderful place to cool off on a 100 degree day.

Civil Rights Museum

A wonderfully powerful witness to many brave and faithful people. We shall overcome....someday!

Beale Street

Blues (B.B. King) to Rock (Elvis)...much better than Bourbon Street
Great trolley on Main!

Mud Island

Wonderful Venue: Marina, Ampitheater, Cable Car, River Museum

Memphis: Mud Island Marina

Jim, Chuck, Jason, Dennis...thanks!

The water was shrouded in drifting mist.  A gradual crescendo of birds were warming their voices.  The dawn of a new day suffused the horizon with an orange hue.  My paddle dipped noiselessly and my kayak carved a clean slice in the dark water.  The primal rays illumined the distant shore.  The pulsing orb rose above the tree line and the river was bathed in umber as the mist swirled and melted around me.

A voice sang in my head.  It was Curly singing praise to an Oklahoma daybreak.  "Oh, what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, I've got a wonderful feeling, everything's going my way. Oh, the sounds of the earth are like music, the sounds of the earth are like music, the breeze is so busy it don't miss a tree, and an old weeping willow is laughing at me. All the cattle are standing like statues, all the cattle are standing like statues, the corn is as high as an elephant's eye, and a little brown maverick is winking her eye."

And I had no choice but to join in the chorus, "Oh, what a beautiful morning, Oh, what a beautiful day, I've got a wonderful feeling, everything's going my way!"

Arkansas McDonalds Run

After paddling 60 miles in up to 100 degrees Mark interrupted his catfish angling to drive me to Osceola for fries, salad, hot fudge sundae.

Can I tie up my kayak at the Lucky Lady Riverboat Casino?

Nate, Megan, Justin (boat) and Billy, Steve, Lloyd (fresh produce) all volunteer to help .... mission accomplished (food) after 42 miles paddling from before dawn in up to 100 degrees...aargh!

Where do baby barges come from?

Caruthersville, MO.