Alton, Illinois through St. Louis to Kaskaskia Lock
We left Alton Marina @ 7:10 because the Melvin Price Lock lockmaster said he could take pleasure craft in the “small bay” immediately. Just 5 minutes downstream from the marina, we were in at 7:30 with 4 other similar boats, all celebrating the quick in and out.
The queen of locking through, this girl makes it happen outside while I try to get the boat in the right spot for the tie up.
Logs in the lock. This is what we dodge all day long in the river. 
This stuff makes using the bow thruster scary because it can suck something in and cause major headaches.
The morning was pretty uneventful as we pressed on down the Mississippi River. We are amazed at the current, the rapids, the swirls that move our boat at speeds never experienced, and directions like we have no rudder. There is never a dull moment, trying to anticipate next move/direction of the boat. The debris adds a dimension of excitement, as well.
We reached Lock 27 at 9:20 am. In 7 minutes, we were moving out. This has to be the quickest of the 100+ locks we have now gone through.
The lock gate comes up and closes behind us at Lock #27.
We reached St. Louis at 10:00 am. Another exciting moment, having a picture in front of the Arch. It was nothing like the thrill of pulling up to the Statue of Liberty (not many things compare), but it was a milestone in our journey, being the famous landmark that it is.
Approaching the Douglas MacArthur Bridge 
The Arch, looking under Douglas MacArthur, after passing. 
That’s our boat selfie passing the Arch. You can Google this camera anytime.
The architectural genius of The Arch.
Condo graffiti
The barge traffic is wild here. Though I am sure there is some order to the movement, it looks like a free for all. We were a little nervous weaving through. Though there are probably interesting things to take in while in St. Louis, it is common knowledge that this town does not cater to Loopers and pleasure boaters. The lack of marinas or other opportunities for land access simply don’t exist. Maybe the town doesn’t need or want the water tourist industry. As a result, everyone takes a picture in front of the arch and keeps going South.
We reached our first planned destination of the day at 11:45; the old Hoppies’, which was really damaged during the recent floods. A view from the water made it clear we should not tie up here, but continue our trek to the 2nd destination option, the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam.
This old plant (what I don’t know) was picturesque 
The fastest speed…yet on the Mississippi 
The current is so swift, the Atons, as they are known often disappear below the waterline. 
Fall colors
We made it to the lock by 3:15, giving us a little daylight to see where we really were. We were the first boat to tie to the wall. Within 20 minutes of our arrival, we had been joined by Slow Bells and Geru (Geoff & Ruth). The lock wall prevented access to land, unless we went by dinghy. As cold as it is now, there’s no way we were getting in a 9’ rubber boat and puttering anywhere. We watched a little TV, ate dinner, and Amanda was out. I plotted our course for Tuesday and was soon snoozing.