molly.com
Sunday 27 April 2008
Mighty Mississippi
Dawn is breaking with the early morn. The activity on the river is getting busier.
I had come here once in 2001, first trip post 9/11 with the man whom I love most. Michael and I had an awesome room overlooking the river. We took one day to just drink and talk and watch the comings and goings of the many boats and other river vessels sailing through.
The Mississippi river is something everybody should see. It’s an iconographic river, it has been an essential piece of my beautiful country’s history.
This river is called Mighty for a reason. It’s a working river, and all through America’s history and present, has maintained its mighty status always. Nurturing, destructive, muddy and oily, I love it despite its flaws and I hope you will too.
Rivers, lakes, oceans, brooks. I’m mostly a desert dweller these days but I will never lose my appreciation for the earth’s amazing power and flow. I should be sleeping, but I watch this river, and somehow, it empowers me.
Filed under: travel, community
Posted by: Molly | 4:10 am |
April 27th, 2008 at 6:24 am
The world’s truly great rivers really do put in to perspective the truly awsome power this planet posseses, but at the same time can be one of the most calming influences.
- Neil.
April 27th, 2008 at 8:11 am
I was born on the southern shore of a Great Lake (Erie) that waters much land through its rivers. One of the most impressive ones (on the banks of which I camped for a couple months) is the Cuyahoga [which is most famous for catching fire…]
~ Alex
April 27th, 2008 at 11:17 am
I’ve looked out over the Atlantic Ocean, and across the Sonora Desert, and what is most amazing to me is the calming effect that staring out across miles of landscape can have on one’s psyche. But nothing moves me like the Mississippi… it’s simply amazing.
April 28th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I’ve crossed it twice, and I’ll be doing so, again within the next few weeks. My return journey is likely to take me through the town of the man who immortalized it all: Samuel Clemens. Hannibal, Missouri is one of my “must get to” towns on my forthcoming jaunt across the continental divide. (So is Tupelo, Mississippi…
Birthplace to that other icon of America: Elvis. 
)
(And yes, I have my copy of “Life on the Mississippi”; I look forward to reading it shortly after embarking upon the easterly part of my travels.)
But a trip with the one you love? That’s the best part of travel.
Carolyn Ann
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:04 am
I love the Mississippi too, and enjoy living by it. Of course, not during flooding season, but the history is wonderful.
Carolyn, when you get to Hannibal, there’s a lighthouse at the end of town on a hill. When you visit it, there might be an older man hanging about who will strike up a conversation. Lucky you if he’s there when you visit because he’ll tell you all about the region, the great flood of 1993, and other stories.
If you have a chance: fried catfish sandwich.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
A fried cat fish sandwich. That sounds very good!
May 5th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Hello Molly, We met at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans. I’ve thought of you several times since then so that means there is some reason I should contact you. I hope you have a great time in Ireland. I wish I were going! You CAN pass for “Black Irish” if you would choose to do so. I was reading Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth - Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” You might find it interesting. I bought it at an airport bookstore. Thanks for recommending ROME. After watching THE WIRE I thought nothing else would measure up. Spring is beautiful in Vermont. Pat
May 5th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
They are, Molly. They’re also a good demonstration of the variety of the Mississippi. Fried catfish is more representative of the cuisine here in Missouri, while cajun, of course, rules in New Orleans. Cajun and French, while we have a strong Italian influence (which is a fascinating story).
I really love the history and the _feel_ of this area, of Big Muddy. Since you’re interested in the Sip, when I get my MissouriGreen site up and running, I’ll send you a link.
In the meantime, New Orleans, umm beignets…
May 13th, 2008 at 10:47 am
very informative