Deflection

There was snow showers practically all day with the temperature between 32 and 34 degrees. When I was outside for a few minutes from time to time, I was just wearing a heavy sweeter, since there really was no wind.

Over the past few months, a main topic has been that this Mississippi River has dry up, due to the drought. So, since I needed some time away form Whitewater, I decide to check the river out, since this is a phenomenon that may never happen again. But, as I am reviewing more information on this drought, the Mississippi River maybe in a dry condition for some time to come. But, as I reviewed a video today, there are river around the world in drought condition and it look like this is going to be researched and discussed for some time to come.

Yesterday, I started out in Lansing, Iowa and proceed south. Since Wisconsin has been getting rain in the past few weeks, the Wisconsin River was up to the lower banks. There really was no evidence of the lack of rain north of Prairie du Chien. But, from the city of Dubuque south there is evidence of a low water level in the river. The water on both sides of the causeway going to the Mississippi River going into Savanna is low especially on the north side. In Clinton, there was a rock jetty coming our from the shore that was exposed, like I have never seen this before. South of the city of Davenport, it becomes noticeable. The city of Muscatine river front is showing the sandy river bottom. The Iowa River is flowing with very little water. The channel into the city of Burlington’s marina is low enough that only a small fishing boat can get through the it. Since it was just before six this evening when I got to Keokuk, I will have to check the depth the water here in the morning.

There is no barge traffic on the river. South of Lansing, I saw a towboat pushing six barges south through the lock and at Belleville there was nine empty barges going south through the lock. At the boat landing at Belleville, there was a sign for the fishermen stating that their propellers would be in the mud during the load and unloading procedures.

Since Rita would like me back by the end of the week, I feel like I am being pushed, since I am finding that I will like to spend more time looking at things. Tomorrow I am going to travel on the east side of the Mississippi River, since it seems like it will be less miles to drive and I will be closer to the river. I will try to stop at all of the bridges crossing over the river. I saw a video of exposed sand where the Missouri River joins the Mississippi River and I will try to observe that location. People have been able to walk to Tower Rock north of Cape Girardeau that I will try to locate tomorrow, but I feel that I will be taking too much in for one day, especially when the sight seeing is over a 5:00 (too dark).

By reviewing the news, there is more to see to the south. But, if this phenomenon around in the spring, I am thinking that I might pull my trailer all the way to the Mississippi River Delta. Or, I will park the trailer and drive the pick up to the delta (correction). Although I have been to the source of the Mississippi River, it might be fun to go the opposite directions before it gets hot, like April. I will keep you informed.

Roger