Northlandia - Something Fun To Photograph

At some point whilst standing at the Seaton ball diamond serial photographing a small slice of sky hoping for a meteor I got the idea that catching one of the Mississippi workhorses at night might be fun. So, after awhile I loaded up the truck and took the 7 mile drive to Keithsburg and didn't have long to wait for a barge heading south.

These series of pictures document the slow churning of these barge-laden towboats along the river. At night they depend on their lights to help their navigation and watching them swivel from bank to bank is awfully good sightseeing. Add a camera and it becomes almost artful.

Notice the small tow behind the front barge. This would be the Bruce T., based out of Keithsburg and in the employ of the elevator. It was bringing an empty barge, docked upriver, into port, as you will see.

And while it seems to take forever for a barge to arrive, it is clearly moving well and before you know it, has passed and heading away.

First day back was fun. Always great to mooch off Mark, aka Wombie, aka Aquaman, and Holly. They are both funny and amiable hosts, and always seem happy to see me, I am still convinced that houseguests have an expiration date of about 24 hours, and they put up with me long after that time has come and gone.

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