Wednesday, 24 November, 2010 We thought today would be another busy tow day, but we really only passed one on the river and a few have passed the bayou where we’re anchored. By the way, I’ve been told I need to explain tows. On inland waterways tug boats push barges filled with whatever and all strung together. On the Mississippi they may be 5 barges wide and 7 long, on the Tennessee they’re usually 3 wide and 5 long, but on the Tombigbee it appears they are up to 3 wide, but usually only 3 long, I guess due to the twisty nature of the river, as they are pretty awkward to turn. Anyway, the tugs and the barges together are called a tow, even though the tug pushes the barges not pulls. Is that clear
... read more
