29MAY2012 at New Madrid, MO - Morning storms were predicted, so I expected to depart the Super 8 at about 1000.   That prediction, however, changed overnight to afternoon storms, so I am attempting to get back to the river this morning and get underway.  Thursday strong storms are predicted, so I may need to find a place to stay off the river for both Wednesday and Thursday night.  That will be in a Tennessee/Arkansas town but not yet to Memphis.
The river today was more of the same.  It's basically a wilderness experience except when barges approach or occasional riverbank activity/buildings are encountered.  The vast amount of time is spent travelling downstream with the only signs of civilization being channel marking buoys and occasional signs indicating the river mile location.  It's surprisingly beautiful.  I say surprising because my expectations were barges without end ... I expected to be spending an inordinate amount of time attending to staying away from them ... that is simply not so.  The barges were a more meaningful concern on the Missouri.  Though there were far fewer barges on the Missouri, when encountered they churned that smaller river to a degree that was borderline scary.  On the Mississippi the wake and waves from barges are much more mellow.
Today was my 4th straight hot day.  I thought I was to get a break today, but I did not feel it.  My lower lip is hurting again ... despite chapstick/lipbalm.  Perhaps it will be cooler tomorrow.  Off to the east all day I saw massive cumulous clouds.  The weather channel shows the rain extending to western Tennessee and that is what I could see.  Generally above me all day was clear sky with occasional small cumulous clouds ... mere puffs compared with what was being displayed eastward. 
I came ashore at Tiptonville and was met by Mr/Mrs Mitchell (Dianne) from Indianapolis.  They were sociable and gracious, shuttling me into Tiptonville with about ten empty water bottles for refilling.  Tiptonville has a wonderful riverside picnic area and lots of folks come to sit and enjoy the river view.  A bit further downstream I encountered two guys 4-wheeling.  They also were gracious, giving me a cold water ... amazing how quickly that went down.  At Caruthersville the public boat ramp is a short walk to the casino motel and the motel price is very acceptable.  I was set for that when a citizen drove by and asked if I could use a ride somewhere - like to a grocery store.  I took it and was deposited back at the motel with evening food in hand.  No, I did not catch HER name ... a sure sign of being tired.  Perhaps she will read this and post her identity.  One helpful citizen like that makes a massive difference in my opinion of a town ... massive.  A shower and a trip to the casino and I was back ready to sleep with plenty of cash to see me all the way to Helena.  No, I did not procure gambling winnings - I used my card for an advance. 
Today I paddled from river mile 889 to mile 847, a distance of 42 miles.  I saw herons and bald eagles.  No ducks again.  It is now only 186 miles to Helena.