We departed McGregor at 0730 hoping to beat the rain to Dubuque that was forecast, and we almost made it. At lock 11 which is three miles north of the Dubuque Yacht Basin we just missed an opening before a barge showed up, so we had to wait two hours. Just as we were pulling into the marina the rain started. Once it started, we decided to wait out an extra day at the marina because we had some pretty good winds to go with it.
The Dubuque Yacht Basin is part of the American Marine organization that we bought our boat from, so we were treated pretty well with complimentary dockage and free wine with dinner. That helped with our decision to stay an extra night. Bob Runberg is the guy in charge there who is a great host if anyone is looking for an overnight stay. Catfish Charlies is also a nice restaurant overlooking the harbor that is comfortable with good food.
Speaking of good food, Jeff has taken over the galley on the boat and boy am I getting spoiled with the great creations he comes up with for our meals.
When we reached Dubuque, we had traveled 253 miles from Stillwater and we are averaging just a tad under 2 mpg. We cruise at 1100 rpm which moves us at about 10.5 mph depending on current (wind has very little effect). Once a day when we see a straight stretch with no traffic, we run at WOT for about five minutes, then cut back to 80% for another five minutes to exercise the Volvos to make sure everything is running right. These little spurts explain the under 2 mpg average we get.
TV reception has been extremely poor. We have not yet visited a marina that offers cable (like good ol Sunnyside), and the only station we have been able to get with our Glomex antenna is channel 8 out of LaCrosse. Dubuque only had one station we could get, and it was a religious right crusade station. So, needless to say we are putting Jeff's DVD collection to good use.
On our "day off" in Dubuque we spent a few hours visiting the Mississippi River Museum, which was really good. I have many pictures, too many to post on the blog, which I am going to try to set up in a Kodak Gallery.
More to come....
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1 comment:
Jim and Jeff,
So sorry to hear about your accident Jeff - we hope you heal well and fast!
Looks like you two are enjoying yourselves despite the weather. While we are unable to read your blog everyday, we are thinking of you. When we finally do get to sit for more than a few minutes, you put a smile on our faces!
Thanks!
Karen and Steve
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