Odd. I posted earlier today that I would post this evening. So I am.

Amos, consider someone at the wheel of a vessel sailing in a storm. The sails are reefed and the captain shouts, "Bring 'er to larboard!" to helmsman. The helmsman hears "Bring...to...board!" and turns right. The ship piles up on Skull Rocks and only the captain and the helmsman survive, arguing. Thereafter the skipper says "port" instead of "larboard" and skippers many other vessels without mishap. A captain must be clear in his/her orders!

I know, we are currently approaching Lock and Dam 16, carried on the bosom of the Father of Waters. We bid au revoir to the quaint little river town of Betterndorf, Iowa this morning and set sail for the bucolic burg of Burlington, where we shall moor on the morrow. Much has happened on this voyage, not the least of which was the visit by four of my cousins today. And more visitors in Hannibal. And more in St. Louis. And in Memphis....

Currently we are passing the towboat "Clement C. Atlee." The sun is going to rest in the West and the placid river just keeps roiling along.