Cruising along...doing just fine...making great time...and we pass a sad sight...Hoppies Marina. Well, it was not much to look at when it was up and running in it’s prime...but what a piece of boating history. Back in 2008, this was our first stop...it was the last place to get fuel before reaching Green Turtle Bay...where we meant Carolyn and Susan...and boys on a raft! Second loop we found Larry and Cindy on the swing as we arrived ( scoring our docking skills)....oh, and that smarty pants retired Coast guard captain who dared to argue with Fern about what line to cast in first!

Winter ice, their age and health conditions, plus recent flooding has essentially put them out of business. You can dock there...wouldn’t want to try that without Fern barking orders with that cigarette hanging from her mouth. No services. Though you could hike a mile into town for a piece of that Mile High Pie at the Old House Restaurant....we had some last time courtesy of Larry and Cindy! Unforgettable!!

Fern Hoppie is a river legend...she held nightly conferences with boaters regarding river conditions and where not to anchor...place to be especially vigilant and suggested anchorages. Missing her info is the big reason we are planning that long long day from Kaskaskia to Paducah.  That and our sweet Dakota...no good spots to anchor and get dog ashore to do his business...

Sad sad photos...of what’s left at Hoppies Marina...