From the Captain's Journal:        

River Date 25-26  (31 July 2008 - 1 August)

The crew would come across one of the best towns yet. We spotted a park with grills and trailers at the town of Caruthersville, MO. Turns out they were just setting up for a three day cook off BBQ event. We hooked up with the “Boat Club Castaways” and decided that we should stay a few days and have a good time. So a kind lady Julie from the castaways took us to get gas, and then the coolest guys, Steve, took us to his place and let us shower. He then took us back to the park where 14 groups and tons of people were getting off with it at the cook off. They fed us some of the best pork chops and then let us stay in an air conditioned camper for the night. The next day a man named Dan took us to the doctor to get Dave’s feet looked at. He was kind enough to sit at the doctors and pharmacy for 5 hours with us. Thank you Dan. Steve took us back and let us get a shower for the day and then it was Friday night and that was when it became one big party with thousands of people and THE BEST DAMN FOOD YOU COULD EAT!! Julie and Steve and the rest kept giving up pork shanks, chopped pork, BBQ chicken wings, and every kind of incredible Southern pork you could eat. Dave and Nate were well fed with the best people from the Castaways that you could ask for. And so many others from the group helped us and gave us everything that a guy could ask for. In fact, its now Saturday and the judging is about over so we have to get back and eat a bit more before we shove off. Check back soon for more.