CARP CRUISING on the WHITE TRASH PALACE

One of the exciting excursions on the upper Mississippi in our area at Port Charles Harbor is a "carp cruise".  The old pontoon boat owned by our dock neighbors Doug and Donna has been named the WHITE TRASH PALACE. 




The "WTP" usually holds 8 or 9 guests on the cruise, and all are required to wear a protective helmet.  Donna bought a selection of 10 helmets at a garage sale for $11.
When on a "Carp Cruise" the sides can be rolled up but many of the guests become so scared that they want them down.

We have become known to be plagued by these jumping fish that are multiplying faster than the other flora in our river.  They have become a dangerous hazard to boaters in slower boats where the fish have hit people and caused injury!Some "Dock Six" friends on the "WTP" with out the required helmets.( women are so vain)!!

Now that the flood waters are dropping come see us.

Captain of the WHITE TRASH PALACE Doug wearing his protective glasses on dock six at Port Charles Harbor.

Transient boaters staying at Port Charles take the "CARP" cruise. They are now in New York  on the boat "Fandango" completing  "the Loop" on the Mowhak river,

How Do You Move A 3 Million Dollar Yacht? (CAREFULLY!)

The 65 foot Azmit arrives at Port Charles Harbor at mile 221.5 on the Mississippi R. after being transported from Italy to NYC by container ship and then to St Charles Mo. by water. I'm told it lists for $3,200,000.00.

After being lifted in the 60 ton travel lift,. the yacht is moved to the trailer on which it will be transported to the Lake of the Ozarks where MarineMax will make delivery to its new owner.

Many measurements and modifications will have to be made at Port Charles so the yacht will fit under the bridges on the highways.  Power lines will have to come down temporarly also on the way.  The Highway Patrol and UE will have to be paid to escort the trip. 

To make initial measurements, perfect placement must be achieved over the trailer.

Marina owner Paul directs the operation as the

yacht is backed up over the trailer. Every inch will count as parts of the yacht will have to be removed.

The process will determine whether Union Electric will have to be paid to accompany the boat all the way to Osage Beach or just at short intervals.

Yep, those rudders gotta go.   And the  prop shafts and struts also.

Still gonna be too high???                               

Is she "Dead Center"?

Roger, the fellow leading the MarineMax team who brought the Azmit by water to Port Charles takes a break.

The truck that will transport the yacht to "the Lake"

Its determined that the Fly-bridge arch will have to be removed.

There it goes!  Paul very carefully backs the lift away ensuring now that the boat and trailer will make it all the way with out hitting any bridges or power lines!

As the final  removal step is taken, the fellows on the team give it a jubilant thumbs up as its been rather tense up to this point!

Now she is ready to be loaded back on the trailer and shipped to the Lake where MarineMax will reassemble her prior to delivery to her new owner as good as new.  JoAnn and I got to tour her inside and found the yacht to be breath-tacking in beauty,  The Italian built yacht is gorgeous!

Hoppies Marina for fun and a bit of HISTORY

Just 40 miles south of the Mel Price lock and dam at  Alton Ill. on the Mighty Mississippi, and over a hundred and fifty years back in time is the town of Kimswick Mo.  Here's where Hoppies Marina is found. It's a wonderful gem to all boaters!  The oldest marina west of the Mississippi river, Hoppies is a "must stop over" for all boats going south.  No gasoline is sold south of Hoppie's on the rivers until you get to Kentucky Lake.

The marina , like the town is steeped in history and a real  "down home" experience.  Ask any "Great Loop" boater about Hoppies and the stories start coming.  

Fern, Hoppie's wife is known to be the absolute authority on the Mississippi river south to the Lakes.  She often holds sessions on the dock to suggest anchorages and give tips on the river conditions.  These meetings are much appreciated by all who are going down river.

As you leave the Alton pool heading for the lock you see the beautiful bluffs on the Ill. Side .

The scenic river town of Grafton has places to visit if you choose to stop there on your way.

Hoppies marina consists of a long line of barges tied together to make a very stable dock.  You have electric power, water, and gasoline and diesel fuel.  Just a short walk into town rewards the boater with some of the most fabulous food and a step back into historic Kimswick.

Appetisers on the dock with friends is a daily routine when we are there.

"Dock 6" boats, from our marina "Port Charles Harbor" when heading to Kimswick,  for the fall Apple Butter Festival.  Many Loopers also stop at our marina, Port Charles Harbor at mile RDB 221.5, owmed by Hoppie's nephew Paul Hopkins.

A favorite stop in Kimswick is the Blue Owl Restaurant.  Their vegetable soup is my favorite.  Just look at the toppings on those pies!

Passing the arch is always exciting when going south and is a memorable sight that "Great Loopers" often recall..                                

Melvin Price lock and dam on the Mississippi R..  This is the escape hatch from the Alton pool to adventures beyond!