Large Flotilla to Hoppies Barge Stop (#55)

Hoppies is a famous barge stop on the Loop. This fuel stop with electricity is that last stop for 208 miles which is the longest stretch without fuel on the Great Loop. The Sparkling Star has 280 usable gallons of fuel. Normally we get 1 gallon per hour or less, but sometimes can use 2 gallons per mile if we need to go fast. We purchased our fuel bladder to make sure that we had extra in case of emergency. We filled up our bladder the day before we left Alton with the idea that we would top off our tanks at Hoppies.

We had an early morning departure to make it to the Mel Price Lock and Dam. We thought there were 7 boats, but it turne dout 10 of us left Alton together. As a group of 10, the barges paid attention to us and we were able to get through the locks easier. We left with fog in the lock. It was hard to see the barge ahead.

We were able to fill up one of the Mel Price Lock and Dam that normally transports big barges.

This is the very important sign. If you go right, you go down the "Chain of Rocks". Yes, it's as bad as it sounds!

Since we were in a large flotilla of 10, we had two buddy boats take our picture in front of the St. Louis arch.

We arrived at Hoppies and topped off our fuel.

The gave us these wonderful steps since it was too hard to put down our ladder.

This is really what Hoppies looks like!

And this is where Hoppies staff gives us a briefing to tell us about anchorages and all the local knowledge we need to be successful on the Mississippi.

The Anheuser Memorial Estate is next door to Hoppies and was donated by the family. They give tours only on Thursdays, and it is available for locals to use for weddings and special events.