Swells - cont (Caruthersville)

Minutes later another woman appeared and told us to go to a landing about 300 yards upstream.

The same boulder strewn banks and disintegrating landings we have come to expect as the city's offering to passing river guests.

"Can you tell me where the closest gas station is?" I asked, conscious of my enunciation.
He was a big chap in blue overalls and thick bifocals. He was spread over the bench seat of his pick-up. His one eye looked huge as he looked up and squinted at me.
"A what?"
" A gas station...for gas for our boat" I tried again, hopefully pointing to the Sunbird.
"Aways some"
"How far would you say?" I asked looking for a hint of detail.
"'bout 3 o' 4 miles"
"Oh...uhhh...which direction?"
"Up thar aways and then right some"
Shifting to my other foot in the pounding sun, I rephrased.
"Up there and right where exactly?" knowing at this point that any faint hopes of a lift to the garage were pointless.