Today will be short day but it will include the most treacherous bend in the river that Fern warns about. We topped off our water, said farewell to Fern and we were on our way. Fern had given us very clear and concise directions and instructions so we were both very confident as we approached the curve at mile marker 131. When we got to the area just before the bend, I hailed any northbound pushers that might be in the area. Receiving no response, we plowed forward. 
Fern was absolutely correct in that this area of the river contains several whirlpools and while the river is wide, the channel is narrow and winding. Mark was cautious and prudent (as always) and we made our way through the bend just fine. What was interesting to me about the whole experience is that if we had not stopped at Hoppies and if Fern had not told us about this part of the river, we would never have known or even guessed that this bend in the river would have been any different any other end in the river. There were no distinguishing factors to indicate that this area should be an area of caution. It just goes to show that one can spend all the money in the world on fancy-dancy high end electronics and charts but it is the human element that is to be trusted when all is said and done. 
We made our way south to the mouth of the Kaskaskia River were we would request to tie off the lock wall for the evening. Since 9/11, boaters are not allowed to overnight at locks and dams but this lock does allow Loopers to stay the evening. As we approached the mouth of the Kaskaskia a pusher was in the process of taking barges out of the lock so we waited. Upon instruction we entered the river mouth and headed for the lock wall and abruptly stopped dead in the water…I was on the bow getting the lines ready when Mark and I looked at each other and we knew instantly that we had hit another sandbar. The depth indicator was showing 5 feet of water below the boat but our starboard stern was stuck this time. It took Mark about five minutes to work us free. Once free, we made our way to the lock wall and secured the boat. After we were tied and each having a glass of strong liquid refreshment, I asked Mark if he was okay – he said yes he was fine and that just his ego was bruised. I smiled and said that egos are made to be bruised and that he had done an excellent job of getting us out of a potentially dangerous situation. About an hour later another barge driver came through the lock and told us that he too had gotten stuck in the very same place…I think this did wonders to comfort Mark’s bruised ego. We have been exceedingly lucky regarding weather issues this entire summer. We have either been ahead or behind just about every major storm and today was another example of this. During the evening at the lock while we were tied up and secure, a thunderstorm rolled through. It did bring some rain but not like the lightning and strong winds that occurred closer to the St Louis area. Our friends from Knot Home were staying at the Grafton Marina and lightning struck a tree about 100 yards from their boat. Fortunately, no damage occurred to their boat or their electrical systems.
Hours on the water: 4.5 hours
Nautical miles traveled: 37.4
Number of locks: 0
Time spent waiting at locks: 0
Tomorrow's Destination: Little Diversion Channel Anchorage
What we're listening to: Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
What we watched: Weeds Episodes 1-4 Season 1
Lesson for the day: Sandbars are Old Man River’s way of keeping us humble
Obligatory knitting report: Mittens for Wunder Kids
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