A post by Mark
One of the most surprising aspects of this trip so far is how much I’ve appreciated seeing ‘old technology’ and realizing how it really makes America ‘go’. Barges, towboats, freight trains, grain elevators, coal depots, dams and locks, oil and gas pipelines, etc. It is amazing how big and powerful all of these things are…
Passing a tow pushing a 15 barge block (3 wide by 5 long) has not gotten old – and I don’t suspect it will. It is pretty amazing to watch a barge getting filled with grain from an old, rusty-looking (but in perfect working order) elevator.
Its also pretty cool watching cranes lifting cargo out of railcars and into barges. The raw power of river towboats is awe-inspiring – and its fun to talk to the tow captains on the VHF radio (I even have most of the lingo down). Dropping 40’ in a gravity fed lock is nearly unbelievable.
The most impressive thing (for me) is realizing that the technology that designed all of this stuff is ‘old.’ These things were created by teams of smart people using slide-rules, drafting tables, and statistical tables – not high-powered computers and other modern tools.
Almost makes me wish I were a better engineer.
You’re a pretty great engineer. And an awesome writer too! We are loving the updates and sailing (or motoring) along with you. Love you guys!