09/07 - 09/10 - Mississippi River Gathering 2017

We are very much looking forward to this trip and meeting other c-brats- we are new to this with a 16 ft cruiser (bowhaus) that we purchased last October. This site was so helpful with making that decision and we greatly appreciate everyones knowledge- it has been indispensable to us.
Thanks again,
Steve and Tina
 
I called in yesterday or the day before to get our reservations and the young sounding gal didn't sound like she was familiar with our gathering. She did say I could call back closer to the date to get a slip assignment however. Colby
 
I'd try again. The gal I spoke with took all revelant info and then said they would get back to me when time is approaching to provide mooring/slip info.

Glad you two are coming
 
Dinghy For Sale:
Hi Brats,
I have a West Marine RU3 (now called the PRU3) dinghy for sale. I bought it new from WM in 2013 and it has never been in the water. I inflated it once to make sure it was OK and since then it's been stored in our dry basement on a carpet. I paid $699 for it when it was on sale. I'll sell it for $600. If anyone is interested, I'll bring it along to the Miss. River gathering. Just let me know.
As an added note: Because of a medical situation that has arisen here, we most likely will not be floating down to the gathering on the Joni Lynn. In stead, best case is we'll be down for a quick trip in our camper. In any event, we do plan on being there for part of the gathering so let me know if you're interested in the dinghy. Hope to see y'all soon !
Paul & Joni
 
Maybe we can have a "Nautical Flea Market"--

I have a Hobie Mirage i 9S inflatable kayak. This is similar to the current kayaks, but does not have reversing Mirage drives--it has the turbo and standard fins, the kick up rudder. It has only been used a few times. These are heavy duty inflatables, for one person. Not as fast as a hard shell kayak, but with leg power you can keep up 4 knots for all day.

This is 9' long 36" wide, weight capacity 325#. Weight of the hull is about 40#, the hull is black. The seat is slightly smaller than current models. I had it gone over by Hobie a couple of years ago and checked out. The bag has rollers on it so you can pull it along, rather than lifting.

If anyone is interested, make me an offer and I can also bring it to the Mississippi Gathering.
 
We join the Mississippi from the Illinois at Grafton, just looked at a map, looks like Clinton is a bit too far back up the Mississippi for us...correct?
 
It is about 300 miles upstream from Junction Illinois River to Clinton, Iowa. Heck in a C Dory that is only a couple of days...depending on speed and current on the river....
 
Hi everyone,
Joyce and Wolfgang on Dragonfly are planning to join the group. We are really looking forward to meeting up with the C-Brats! We bought Dragonfly four years ago on Maryland's Eastern Shore, and explored the Chesapeake for a couple of years before bringing her to Michigan. We boat on Lake St Clair, the Detroit River and St Clair River, mostly.
 
Tex, it's Jim Lefers in my 25 dory,I'm planning on coming,don't know if I'll motor up ( I'm at 224 umr ) or put it on a trailer and pull up and then come home by water. Downstream is so easy and relaxing. Pulled it to the upper navigation limits on the Cumberland River ( June)and came down it and then the Ohio and up the Mississippi to my home port at 224umr. It was a great trip ,695 miles and I didn't break anything.Then went back to get truck and trailer. Left on the 3rd (08/03) and am motoring up the Illinois to Chicago and then a short jog across the lake (Michigan) to Michigan city ,Indiana to tour a light house and then return via the Cal-Sag and Illinois River back home. I'm doing this from the junction of the Kankakee and Des Plains River tonite, and will reach downtown Chicago tomorrow. Averaging from 2.1 - 2.9 mpg depending on rpm, trying out some 4 blade 15 x13.5 with extra cup but can't make up my mind if that's a good thing. I've got twin Honda 90's . River travel is always a gamble,did 30 miles in two days cause I got stuck twice at 2 locks and was 4 hours on one and 5 on the other, but it's the journey and not the destination! Hope nothing happens and I can see you all there ,Jim
 
Things are shaping up to for a great gathering.

I recently took delivery on a new ice cream freezer that has a beefier gearbox and 50% more capacity than the old one.

Looks like we may need the extra ice cream.

Tex and Sharon on Bixby's Cub
 
Tex, Put Discovery down as a strong maybe. We are currently at Trenton Port Marina, Trenton, Ontario.

We have just completed the Trent/Severn Canal from Port Severn to Trenton. We were going to do the Rideau Canal on to Ottowa, but are thinking a return cruise to Port Severn and coming south in time to make the Mississippi River Gathering would be more to our liking. We have to get back to our truck and trailer anyway.

We would like to see old friends, and meet new C-Brat's.

We have very limited access to internet on the canal, but were here in Trenton until Tuesday, with wifi.

I'll sign up on the event list, and we'll do our best to get there.


Brent and Dixie
 
Discovery is really looking forward to being there. What is the deal on the bbq's- pot luck or catered? Just want to be prepared. Thanks.
 
Brent and Dixie,
Sharon and I look forward to seeing you guys.

We have the meat part taken care of.
If you want to bring an appetizer, veggie or dessert, feel free to do so.

One of the 2 evenings we will have home made pies and hand cranked ice cream.
 
At least 3 other boats have expressed interest of going up the Tennessee River after the gathering. We can discuss the details at the gathering. Our general plan is to take 2 days to drive to Pickwick Lake. (580 miles is a bit further than some want to drive in a day--so figure 400 miles one day and 180 the next, getting us launched in time for an anchorage that night in a sheltered cove on the lake.

We have a good friend who lives on Pickwick, and we go there often. He suggests that the best place to launch and leave our rigs is at Pickwick State Park. We have stayed in the campground there a number of times, and it seems very secure. The rangers drive by the parking a number of times a day.

We plan to go up river toward Knoxville--not sure how long it will take, depending on how the group wants to travel. I have been looking at Marinas and towns along the way, as well as anchorages--there are a number of choices with marinas and anchorages or all of one, or the other. Also some great towns to visit along the way. If the discussion on this board becomes lengthy--I suggest we start our own thread. The only issue on the upper part is the Volunteer Navy off Neyland Stadium near Knoxville--on home game weekends/ days there are upward of 200 pleasure boats at Volunteer Landing. So we would have to co-ordinate with that. We have relatives in Knoxville. If we get that far, they may help us get back to our rigs, we can rent a vehicle for a day to get the rigs, or run back down river--several choices--depending on the weather, and people's feelings and schedules. Our boat and trailer are ready, Marie has cooked up a bunch of food, and we will start loading in the next few days..

Look forward to seeing you all!
 
Hi All
My wife called the Marina at Clinton today to reserve a slip. The lady that answered the phone took our reservation and said that she only had about 10 reservations. There should be more. She stated that a young lady that had been employed there "did not work out". Mite be the one that told other brats to wait till the time gets closer.

In any case it would not hurt to call to make sure your reserved. See everyone at Clinton!

Tom
 
Thanks for that info Tom. Guess I'd better call again! I think that was probably the gal I spoke too....

Still all set to launch at Dubuque that Tuesday, then take two days to come down, coming in Wednesday afternoon. Only about an hour and a half drive from home here, and gives us a little more time on the water. Should have the new Bimini and Enclosure as well. Now hoping for rain so Rosanne will let me use it! LOL! :mrgreen:
 
I made a reservation several days ago--and the gal said that she loved C Brats and C Dorys, but would be on a motorcycle rally while we were there. She stated that slips would not be assigned until we arrived--but there was a section reserved for us.
 
I kind of got the same reply just a few minutes ago. She asked several times if I was part of a big group coming in, and that they had us all together... Colby
 
Tex & Sharon,
We're listening to the terrible storm damage in Houston/Cypress. Are you two doing OK and are you staying safe? You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul & Joni on Joni Lynn
 
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