to write about a memorable summer vacation.
Submitted to dVerse
August 21, 2017
One of my favorite trips was a cruise on the mighty Mississippi with friends. We drove from Indianapolis to LeClaire, Illinois, where we boarded the little Riverboat Starlight for our two-day cruise. Along the way we saw the huge barge trains of 15 (3 abreast and 5 long) pushed along by the powerful little tugs. Northbound trains carried coal to the nuclear power plant, southbound trains carried grain. We learned an empty barge sits 12 feet above water level, but, when loaded, 9 feet submerge. Who knew? We passed what was left of the little village of Comanche which was destroyed in a powerful tornado in 1908, said to be the greatest natural disaster in the states. Debris from this storm was found 90 miles away in the city of Peoria, Illinois, and 232 perished, many never found and presumed to be swept away in the Mississippi.
The Starlight followed a circuitous route marked by red buoys on the right and green on the left. We went through the locks, which are a fascinating process of changing water levels. The Mississippi is majestic, at times so wide it seemed to be a lake. We were entertained along the way by a folk singer and a calliopist and arrived at our destination of Galena, Illinois, ready for a day shopping in that historic little town, once a busy lead mining center. It is said to be possible to drive underground from Galena to Wisconsin, so extensive are the tunnels that remain. After a wonderful day of shopping and restful evening at the Chestnut Resort, we reboarded the Starlight for our return trip to LeClaire. On our return trip, we passed the largest river cruise ship, American Queen, which dwarfed our little Starlight. She greeted us with a mighty blast of her foghorn, and our little Starlight responded with its calliope. We arrived safely back at LeClaire, with a new appreciation for the Mississippi, which rises from northern Minnesota and meanders southward to the Gulf of Mexico at New Orleans. It was a memorable trip.
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Mississippi lore
A summer magic byway
With stories to tell
I grew top in N. Illinois and a favorite day trip of my mothers was to Galena. Lovely rolling hills and historic city. The Mississippi is nowhere the width it once was there in Galena - Enjoyed your poem and I think I 'd enjoy that trip...
ReplyDeleteTo me this is the magic of a fairytale - wonderful to hear and made the of songs and folklore
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bjorn. It was difficult to keep the recount to two paragraphs, and much else could have been told!
DeleteWhat a fantastic trip, Bev! I'm especially interested in the village of Comanche and the tornado, something pretty much unthinkable in the UK. I thought the river Thames was big but the Mississippi I can't even begin to imagine - i love the lines'A summer magic byway / with stories to tell'.
ReplyDeleteWe went to Galena once. I would like to go back again some day. I didn't know about the mine trails.
ReplyDeleteI love the details of your cruise and would someday want to try this kind of adventure too. A memorable experience it is ~
ReplyDeleteHaving grown up in Waukegan, Illinois -- gone to college in Rock Island, and graduate school in Peoria -- and lived in Iowa City, Iowa for 26 years -- we've crossed the Mighty Mississippi many times. Your haibun has me considering a river trip! Shall look up your little Starlight as I love a calliope and always loved Galena. Did you visit Grant's home?
ReplyDeleteWe took a trolley tour that went by Grant's hme, but we did not go in. It was hard to contain a description of the trip in two paragraphs. I hope you put the Starlight on your bucket list. Being ON the Mississippi is nothing like crossing it, for sure. It's majesty is awesome.
DeleteI took one! Back in the 80's. 12 days. From St. Paul to New Orleans. Guess what this awoke? Thank you
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