SUMMER TIME

SUMMER TIME

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

CROSSING THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI - GRAFTON FERRY

The Belle of Calhoun is one of the Brussels Free Ferries.


From http://www.greatriverroad.com/, "Located about 1 mile west of Grafton and 4 miles east of Pere Marquette State Park, this ferry crosses the Illinois River linking Route 100 to Calhoun County and the village of Brussels. On busy days, such as weekends in the fall, there are two ferries operating to cut down on the waiting times. The ferries help keep the river free of ice during the winter and the action of their propellers stun fish and help bring them to the surface. These fish become easy prey for Bald Eagles making the Brussels Free Ferry Area one of the prime bald eagle watching spots in the region."


"Early American ferries consisted of rafts, rowboats and horse boats that could cross rivers where demand for transportation existed but where there weren’t any easy crossings. The advent of railroads and bridges put most ferries out of business and motorized vessels replaced the earlier forms of transportation of those that survived. For modern travelers, the remaining ferries in operation can save time as well as providing scenic river views. The Middle Mississippi River Valley offers seven ferries, two of which travelers can cross free of charge. Five of these ferries are located in the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area and the other crosses the Mississippi River between Ste. Genevieve, Missouri and rural Randolph County, Illinois."




Well, my ship (ferry) has finally come, but I was at the airport! (I read or heard this phrase but I don't know who said it. Would anyone know the original author, probably a comedian, of this funny but true saying?)

No comments:

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails