Louisiana meet--March 17 & 18, 2018

[cl94]

I've been keeping this meet in my back pocket to see if the stars would line up favorably.  Today, the alignment looks good, so I can say with 80% certainty that I will attend.  I have no counties to conquer between here and there, but there are two notable Mississippi River crossings I have not yet made.  I will be aiming for the Missouri to (Hickman) Kentucky ferry, and then the Canal Street to Algiers ferry in New Orleans.  If I get both, I will have clinched all of the current Big Muddy crossings from the gulf all the way upstream to Quad Cities.

I didn't realize the Mississippi still had car ferries. Guess you learn something new every day.

[cjk374]

I've been keeping this meet in my back pocket to see if the stars would line up favorably.  Today, the alignment looks good, so I can say with 80% certainty that I will attend.  I have no counties to conquer between here and there, but there are two notable Mississippi River crossings I have not yet made.  I will be aiming for the Missouri to (Hickman) Kentucky ferry, and then the Canal Street to Algiers ferry in New Orleans.  If I get both, I will have clinched all of the current Big Muddy crossings from the gulf all the way upstream to Quad Cities.

I didn't realize the Mississippi still had car ferries. Guess you learn something new every day.

My son & I used the Algiers ferry a few years ago while driving my Ranger. We ended up going to Venice, LA that day.

[hbelkins]

I've been keeping this meet in my back pocket to see if the stars would line up favorably.  Today, the alignment looks good, so I can say with 80% certainty that I will attend.  I have no counties to conquer between here and there, but there are two notable Mississippi River crossings I have not yet made.  I will be aiming for the Missouri to (Hickman) Kentucky ferry, and then the Canal Street to Algiers ferry in New Orleans.  If I get both, I will have clinched all of the current Big Muddy crossings from the gulf all the way upstream to Quad Cities.

Be sure to check and see if the Dorena-Hickman Ferry is operational on the day you want to cross it. High water and/or mechanical issues can cause it to close. They have a website, or you can check the KYTC District 1 Facebook page, as they regularly post the updates.

[brianreynolds]

I've been keeping this meet in my back pocket to see if the stars would line up favorably.  Today, the alignment looks good, so I can say with 80% certainty that I will attend.  I have no counties to conquer between here and there, but there are two notable Mississippi River crossings I have not yet made.  I will be aiming for the Missouri to (Hickman) Kentucky ferry, and then the Canal Street to Algiers ferry in New Orleans.  If I get both, I will have clinched all of the current Big Muddy crossings from the gulf all the way upstream to Quad Cities.

Be sure to check and see if the Dorena-Hickman Ferry is operational on the day you want to cross it. High water and/or mechanical issues can cause it to close. They have a website, or you can check the KYTC District 1 Facebook page, as they regularly post the updates.

Thank you H. B.  Excellent advice.  Actually, this will be my second attempt at the Dorena-Hickman.  Very early (January 2nd or 3rd) in 2016, I was en route from Baton Rouge toward home in Hastings Michigan, much of the trip within sight of the profound flood waters.  I made my only trip into the exclave of Kentucky opposite New Madrid (not very far; the waters consumed most of it), then on to Hickman.  I was not surprised to find the ferry not operating.  I was surprised to find the road closed at Wickliffe.  The nearest functioning Ohio River crossing was at I-24 near Paducah.

[Hot Rod Hootenanny]

I've been keeping this meet in my back pocket to see if the stars would line up favorably.  Today, the alignment looks good, so I can say with 80% certainty that I will attend.  I have no counties to conquer between here and there, but there are two notable Mississippi River crossings I have not yet made.  I will be aiming for the Missouri to (Hickman) Kentucky ferry, and then the Canal Street to Algiers ferry in New Orleans.  If I get both, I will have clinched all of the current Big Muddy crossings from the gulf all the way upstream to Quad Cities.

I didn't realize the Mississippi still had car ferries. Guess you learn something new every day.

Know your Louisiana Ferry crossings:
http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/operations/ferrystatus/fmbs_status.aspx?PID=F_STATUS

[US71]

I've been keeping this meet in my back pocket to see if the stars would line up favorably.  Today, the alignment looks good, so I can say with 80% certainty that I will attend.  I have no counties to conquer between here and there, but there are two notable Mississippi River crossings I have not yet made.  I will be aiming for the Missouri to (Hickman) Kentucky ferry, and then the Canal Street to Algiers ferry in New Orleans.  If I get both, I will have clinched all of the current Big Muddy crossings from the gulf all the way upstream to Quad Cities.

I didn't realize the Mississippi still had car ferries. Guess you learn something new every day.

Know your Louisiana Ferry crossings:
http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/operations/ferrystatus/fmbs_status.aspx?PID=F_STATUS

I'm disappointed the Melville Ferry closed.

[hbelkins]

I've been keeping this meet in my back pocket to see if the stars would line up favorably.  Today, the alignment looks good, so I can say with 80% certainty that I will attend.  I have no counties to conquer between here and there, but there are two notable Mississippi River crossings I have not yet made.  I will be aiming for the Missouri to (Hickman) Kentucky ferry, and then the Canal Street to Algiers ferry in New Orleans.  If I get both, I will have clinched all of the current Big Muddy crossings from the gulf all the way upstream to Quad Cities.

Be sure to check and see if the Dorena-Hickman Ferry is operational on the day you want to cross it. High water and/or mechanical issues can cause it to close. They have a website, or you can check the KYTC District 1 Facebook page, as they regularly post the updates.

Thank you H. B.  Excellent advice.  Actually, this will be my second attempt at the Dorena-Hickman.  Very early (January 2nd or 3rd) in 2016, I was en route from Baton Rouge toward home in Hastings Michigan, much of the trip within sight of the profound flood waters.  I made my only trip into the exclave of Kentucky opposite New Madrid (not very far; the waters consumed most of it), then on to Hickman.  I was not surprised to find the ferry not operating.  I was surprised to find the road closed at Wickliffe.  The nearest functioning Ohio River crossing was at I-24 near Paducah.

US 51/60/62 at Wickliffe just reopened last night after having been closed for six days due to floodwaters.

An addendum, high winds can also result in the ferry's closure from time to time. Just double-check the day you want to ride it and make alternate routing plans should it be closed.

[Brandon]

I've been keeping this meet in my back pocket to see if the stars would line up favorably.  Today, the alignment looks good, so I can say with 80% certainty that I will attend.  I have no counties to conquer between here and there, but there are two notable Mississippi River crossings I have not yet made.  I will be aiming for the Missouri to (Hickman) Kentucky ferry, and then the Canal Street to Algiers ferry in New Orleans.  If I get both, I will have clinched all of the current Big Muddy crossings from the gulf all the way upstream to Quad Cities.

I didn't realize the Mississippi still had car ferries. Guess you learn something new every day.

There's a whole bunch still left.  There's even a fair number that cross the Ohio River.  For example, Illinois has:
Four to Missouri (Canton, MO; Winfield, MO; Golden Eagle, IL; & Sainte Genevieve, MO)
One to Kentucky (Cave-In-Rock, IL)
Two across the Illinois River (Kampsville & Brussels)

[brianreynolds]

I've been keeping this meet in my back pocket to see if the stars would line up favorably.  Today, the alignment looks good, so I can say with 80% certainty that I will attend.  I have no counties to conquer between here and there, but there are two notable Mississippi River crossings I have not yet made.  I will be aiming for the Missouri to (Hickman) Kentucky ferry, and then the Canal Street to Algiers ferry in New Orleans.  If I get both, I will have clinched all of the current Big Muddy crossings from the gulf all the way upstream to Quad Cities.

I didn't realize the Mississippi still had car ferries. Guess you learn something new every day.

There's a whole bunch still left.  There's even a fair number that cross the Ohio River.  For example, Illinois has:
Four to Missouri (Canton, MO; Winfield, MO; Golden Eagle, IL; & Sainte Genevieve, MO)
One to Kentucky (Cave-In-Rock, IL)
Two across the Illinois River (Kampsville & Brussels)

Well Brandon, you got me scrambling to look at Big Muddy ferries I didn't know about.  The one at Canton MO was one I had not used, but it is too late.  It was discontinued in 2014.  I know that I used either the the Winfield ferry or the Golden Eagle crossing during the St. Louis meet a few years ago, but not both.  Anybody remember which?  It looks like I have one more crossing yet that I didn't know about.

[oscar]

I know that I used either the the Winfield ferry or the Golden Eagle crossing during the St. Louis meet a few years ago, but not both.  Anybody remember which?

It was the Golden Eagle.

[cjk374]

Here it is...one week from today the Louisiana road meet will be happenin! Here are a few things to know about next week (some items subject to change without notice):

1. Right now the weatherman is calling for a 40% chance of rain Saturday & 20% chance of storms on Sunday. Hopefully we will get the 40% chance that was called for for today....sun/cloud mix & very pleasant. High next Saturday is 78, Sunday is 79.

2. The pollen is out & turning everything yellow. It is also messing with people's sinuses. If you suffer from allergies, bring your meds. You will need them!

3. As of today, gas in Ruston is running $2.129 at Shell stations, $2.109 at Wal-Mart. Shreveport shouldn't be too far off from that.

Also, if you are coming & haven't said so, let me know you are coming so I can make enough copies of the itinerary for everyone.

I am anxious about this meet! Can't wait to see y'all get here!

[Brandon]

I've got maps to bring as well: Illinois, Tollway, & Wisconsin.

[SSOWorld]

I've got maps to bring as well: Illinois, Tollway, & Wisconsin.

I'm going to attempt to pick up some Iowa and maybe misery.

[US71]

I'll have the 2017-19 ARDOT maps. 

[jpi]

And I will have 2018 TN maps, also thanks for the weather update, gives Steph and I a good idea what to pack.

[cl94]

78?!? That's like the peak of summer weather here. I'll be showing up in shorts with allergy meds at the ready. Big change from the 2-3 feet of snow I saw today in Massachusetts.

[signalman]

I may wear shorts too, depends on how humid it is.  I'm most definitely packing them though.  As for maps, I'll try to stock up on MD, WV and VA on my way down, but of course, I can't make any promises.

[brianreynolds]

I have my itinerary fairly well set.  Tuesday, I depart about 5 AM, end the day in Clarksdale MS (epicenter of the Delta Blues.  Yes!!), via Cairo IL (I have this weird fascination), Hickman KY (if the ferry is operating.  It wasn't yesterday, water still to high), and Memphis.  Wednesday, overnight in the western 'burbs of Lafayette LA, via New Orleans and future I-49.  Thursday, lunch with an old friend from college days, afternoon and evening with family in northern 'burbs of Houston.  Friday morning, to Dallas to visit a nephew who has just relocated there from Chicago, then on to Shreveport for Friday and Saturday nights.  The route home is not yet finalized, but might include a trip across the Big Muddy at Winfield MO.

[cjk374]

I may wear shorts too, depends on how humid it is.  I'm most definitely packing them though.

Humidity & heat aren't bad here until the upper 80s. But then again, I'm used to it. 

[getemngo]

I finally secured all the time off from work a few days ago and will be riding down with A.J. (who RSVP'd back in January).

It's going to be a two-day journey both ways. Heading down will be an all-freeway route involving I-57 (with a stop in Cairo), I-55, I-40, I-30, and I-49. I'm not sure of the exact route back but it involves US 67 and US 167 and then joining I-70 eastbound near St. Louis.

[TheHighwayMan3561]

I guess I'll claim the Minnesota representation for Mapapalooza.

[brianreynolds]

It looks like my plans for the Dorena-Hickman ferry are on hold.  NWS forecasts flood stage at New Madrid until Saturday 3/17. Maybe I can hit this ferry on the way back from Shreveport.  I have a backup southbound plan that routes me through Owensboro KY (Old Hickory Barbeque for lunch!) and Paris TN, then on to Clarksdale.  At this time, that looks the the operative plan.

[Alps]

It looks like my plans for the Dorena-Hickman ferry are on hold.  NWS forecasts flood stage at New Madrid until Saturday 3/17. Maybe I can hit this ferry on the way back from Shreveport.  I have a backup southbound plan that routes me through Owensboro KY (Old Hickory Barbeque for lunch!) and Paris TN, then on to Clarksdale.  At this time, that looks the the operative plan.

Enjoy some mutton!

[froggie]

1. Right now the weatherman is calling for a 40% chance of rain Saturday & 20% chance of storms on Sunday. Hopefully we will get the 40% chance that was called for for today....sun/cloud mix & very pleasant. High next Saturday is 78, Sunday is 79.

Still too early to call this.  Especially given how storms are handling this winter, I'd wait until Wednesday or even Thursday before reliably looking at the weekend forecast.

78?!? That's like the peak of summer weather here.

Where are you, buried up in the 'Dacks?  Even my house gets into the 80s routinely.

[jpi]

I finally secured all the time off from work a few days ago and will be riding down with A.J. (who RSVP'd back in January).

It's going to be a two-day journey both ways. Heading down will be an all-freeway route involving I-57 (with a stop in Cairo), I-55, I-40, I-30, and I-49. I'm not sure of the exact route back but it involves US 67 and US 167 and then joining I-70 eastbound near St. Louis.

Good to hear! depending on the timing, we may catch up with each other somewhere on I-40 to I-30 near Little Rock Friday late afternoon since Steph and I are leaving early Friday morning from our house and plan to run all interstate to Texarkana where we are spending the night, Brandon might be in the same boat too.