This is how one might spend a weekend on the mississippi river. Six boats take off from our marina in lake city, mn. We are about 75 miles south of mpls. Boats included are a 380 catalina, two 34 hunters, 31 cape dory, 30 tartan and a 30 catalina. Two blocks out out alarms are on, hot engine. Back to the marina . I told the others to go on. Turns out I did not get the sea strainer in properly or the brass cover on tight and the system had a big air leak and no cooling. Off we go up the river for 26 miles to the treasure island casino. After leaving lake pepin(six miles) we enter the mouth of the river for another 25 mile motor. Huge barges occassionally show up that take up alot of space and tons of power boats. We have one lock to go thru and share it with about 40 other boats. After about 6 hours we arrive at the 137slip ;marina/casino. Lots of interesting boats including one 90 foot houseboat equipped with a 60 inch tv and a central ac unit like you have at home. We had a very nice dinner at the casino and donated some money at the slots. Took the shuttle back to our boats and turned in.About 10 am we fire up for our trip back home. Three of the deep draft boats cant back out as their keels are caught on some bar that holds the docks together. after some fancy manuevering all are out and on our way. Thru the lock, under the high bridge and down the river following a big barge at about 3 knots. About two miles from lake pepin my friend in the tartan drifts off the channel and clips a bouy. The river is only guaranteed at 9 feet by the corp of engineers. Once back to lake pepin we hoist the sails and spend sunday afternoon sailing home. All in all it was a nice adventure, learned a few things about my 34, lost some money ,ate alot of nice food and hung out with friends. Thats what we do on the river. craig in mpls.