How many of us have lived on the Mississippi River our whole lives but have never actually traveled on it? Have never even touched its muddy waters? Have never felt its force, its power, its majesty? If you are a member of this group, please let me share with you my amazing experience on our great and mighty river.

While attending the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration this past February, I won a trip for two on the Riverbarge Excursion Lines. Since my mother had encouraged me to buy the raffle ticket, I naturally chose her to travel with me.

My contact person was Maria Bowser. After calling Maria, my mother and I were invited to tour the boat on her next visit. This visit was interesting and reassured me that Mom would be able to get around comfortably on all three decks, since there is an elevator.

This vessel travels all year round but in different areas. There are many choices to pick from and we chose the trip up-river from Memphis to St. Louis, called the Arch and the Pyramid.

My wonderful river barge cruise was just that, absolutely wonderful. Barge travel is different from boat travel, in that is has a flat-bottom so there is no rocking motion. Only a smooth, quiet ride. No Dramamine needed. There are two levels of staterooms. All rooms are “roomy” and have two thin beds that can be made into a large queen upon request and a full bathroom with a tub and shower combo. Every room has a wall-sized window that reveals the passing view, while you relax in privacy. The constant river traffic is passing by right outside your stateroom. And you never know what you might see on the banks of the river, so each room has its own pair of binoculars. There is also a TV with dish-network and a forward view of the river seen through a camera mounted on the bow. One channel features a map of the river and your exact location.

There’s a sky-deck for a gorgeous view of the endless stars at night. Also, a guest-pilot house that allows passengers to simulate the thrilling pilot experience.

The designer and owner of this barge hotel has successfully created a way to show others the magical experience of barge travel. River time is different from land time in that unforeseen occurrences often change plans in a matter of minutes. This puts a whole new meaning to the term, going with the flow.

It’s Huck Finn, it’s Tom Sawyer, it’s Mark Twain himself. Riverbarging is like living a dream, fulfilling a fantasy. If this is a dream that you might enjoy, contact Riverbarge Excursion Lines, Inc. at www.riverbarge.com or 1-888-GOBARGE ext. 1 (1-888-462-2743 ext. 1).

Charm M. Powell is a Natchez resident.