Natchez, On the Banks of the Mighty Mississippi

Our campground lies just below the levy nestled against the Mighty Mississippi River.  As I sit here having coffee, it is interesting to watch the activity on the river.  The Mississippi invokes images of Huckleberry Fin and his adventures.  Here at Natchez, the river is about an ⅛ of a mile wide.  Other places along her length, the river is a good mile wide and the muddy waters flow lazily along.  But here, it is a different story.  When you watch the river, you notice the lack of recreation vessels of any sort.  The reason is clear when you look closely at the water.  It churns and swirls and rolls creating an environment that is too dangerous for swimmers or jet skis or any sort of small vessels to navigate. But there are those who still make their living plying these muddy waters.

Barges are the lynch pin of the commerce trade on the river.  These small, powerful vessels push huge barges loaded with railroad cars and truck trailers filled with goods.  The hardy men and women who captain these vessels are highly trained and fearless.  They know all the twists and turns, rocks and whirlpools that may lie in their path and most importantly how to navigate around them.  As I watch, a tug is slowly moving up stream pushing a block of barges that are four wide and six deep lashed together by strong cables.  I won’t bore you with details but these tug or “tow” boats as they are referred to on the river are the tackles of the football field  - strong, low to the water and powerful.  Control is the name of the game as once these barges start to move they can easily lose control and accidents are costly and deadly.

Behind the barge configuration came a paddle wheel cruise vessel.  She moved faster than the barges but not by much.  I counted five decks with cabins facing the river for a good view of the world sliding slowly past.  There were no passengers visible, a result of Covid I suspect.  Back in the day, it would have been a lively affair with gambling and drinking and all sorts of chicanery going on.  Oh, wait I think that is what we have to look forward to when we board one of these vessels in November!

Whether it is moving goods or moving people, the Mighty Mississippi is still one of the most economical modes of commerce transportation.  She may look lazy but like the story of the Tortoise and the Hare, slow and steady wins the race.