Day 115 on the Mississippi River

Day 115

October 2, 2022

Sunday

LRM 162

2133 miles completed

24 miles today.

The traffic on the river was really heavy today. I expect it will be this way for the rest of the trip. I think will be in this way at least until I get past New Orleans.

There are oceangoing vessels that go really fast and are very quiet. They make a wake that’s large and smooth and sort of fun to ride, and it doesn’t last long.

A group of barges lashed together Is called a tow. A pusher boat and a tow can make very big waves, and they are not fun. There will be a set of waves from the bow of the tow, more waves from the pusher boat, and more waves from the prop wash. If a tow is going upstream, and it is a large tow, The different sets of waves will mix and become chaotic and last for a long time. This is not fun for a small kayak.

There are numerous working tugs that put tows together, take empty barges to loading facilities and remove the full barges. Working tugs will make a large wake without barges if they are moving fast.

Most of the day today I had waves coming at me from all directions.

Both sides of the river are lined with parked barges and barge loading facilities. It has become very difficult to find a place to camp.

I have a River Angel who finds me places to camp and suggests them to me by text message. This has been very helpful.

The place I camped tonight was suggested by my angel, and when I got here there was a tow pushed up to the beach. I stopped in front of the tow and unloaded all my gear set up my tent. Then the tow backed off and moved up the river to a loading facility. He was just waiting his turn.