We approached our downbound leg from Peoria with trepidation. One hundred and sixty-eight miles of river with few marinas to stop, several locks and many tows. The river is typically 500 feet wide but the channel averages 250 feet; narrowing significantly in other spots especially bends. Outside of the channel depth drops from ten feet to three feet in a nano second.
Eventually, we will have to pass a tow. We will get its name from our AIS display and call on the radio using channel 13. Giving our name and direction, we will ask if there is an opportunity to pass. Usually a tow coming in the opposite direct will say, “Yes, on the one” meaning we turn to starboard to pass. The other possible responses are, “on the twos” meaning we turn to port or “Not now”.
John called to tell the tow we were lurking on his stern waiting for an opportunity to pass. The reply suggested there would be room after the railway bridge where the river widened a little. Sooner then expected we got a call back saying, “Moon Dance, go ahead and pass on my port side”. Capt. Dan Thomas was powering up to slide the tow around the bend or slow it. I am not sure which. The engine(s) produced the most amazing sound – turbo for sure. Quite the sight to see the stern squat down and water churn 3-4 feet in the air as the blades dug in.
We followed one tow through a series of s-bends just before Havana. We were fairly certain we would have to follow for a while as the channel was narrow and there was some upbound traffic. We were content to idle along as it is fascinating to watch a master at work.
Sorry no pictures as we were focused on getting by. Once passed, the following conversation took place,
John, “Capt. Dan Thomas, thanks for the pass.”
Capt. Dan Thomas, “Your welcome, be safe on the river and watch the traffic after the bridge. That’s a pretty boat”
John, ” Thanks! Your boat sounds like a jet spooling up”
We try to stay out of the tows’ way. They are working and we don’t want to be a annoying – or at least no more annoying than absolutely necessary. However, it was nice to have a little more than a than a three word exchange. Be safe on the river Capt. Dan Thomas.
Moon Dance out.
Moon Dance IV 
What a great story. I can just picture it …Keep on enjoying and writing about your adventures. Its a great escape for many of us just trying to keep omicron at bay …all around us these days. However, we will head off to the sunny south November 15th is planned departure and hope to see you this winter.
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I’m 30 now, and my maritime career began about 15 years ago on a 1978 Mainship 34 with my father in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s nice to see one every now and then to remember my roots.
Best wishes from the M/V Capt. Dan Thomas and crew.
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