Thebes, Il is on the Upper Mississippi River. The rock bottoms start at Cairo, il and is almost continuous up to mile 32.0 UMR.

You're right about rock. That requires blasting and then clamshell removal. Most likely not going to happen in the immediate future.

BTW: there is a wicked little cross current at Thebes RR Bridge that pushes towards the left descending bank. Many tows have problems there both upbound and downbound to stay off the bridge pilings.