Most of you know what a big fan I am of the Mississippi River. And most of you know I am not shy about expressing my concern that Cape Girardeau, a river town with deep historical roots, is too disconnected from the river.

In the past dozen years or so, there have been some shifts that indicate a renewed interest in the river and its importance to our fair city.

Improvements to the Riverfront Park on the river side of the floodwall have been a magnet for area residents and tourists alike. There are plans to extend the walkway farther north.

Just to the north of where the floodwall ends is the Red Star area managed by the Missouri Conservation Department. The area has long been a place where small boats could be put into the river. With the latest improvements, the place is pleasant to visit even if you don't have a boat. A picnic in the new pavilion offers one of the best close-up views of the river to be found.

The floodwall itself, long a drab, gray barrier between the city and its river, has taken on new life in recent years, thanks to murals that are talked about in faraway places by recent visitors. An upgrade to the Wall of Fame honoring famous Missourians will further enhance the floodwall and its reputation.

In recent years some downtown buildings have been renovated into upper-floor apartments, offering splendid river views. A while back a new condo development resulted in a commanding vista of the river from the two top units. The newest downtown office building has appropriately been built high enough to see over the floodwall.

Another river connection that has become a popular attraction over the past few years is the Grandpa Woo, an excursion boat that accommodates several dozen passengers in air-conditioned comfort along with ample outdoor areas.

I'm not sure where the boat got its name, but don't let that put you off. My wife and I joined another couple last Saturday for a two-hour cruise (yes, we all were thinking of the Minnow and how Gilligan and the Skipper might not have been the brightest bulbs in the lighthouse, but the Professor should have found his way home without much trouble).

The first thing you notice about the Grandpa Woo is how friendly everyone is, from the captain on down. And if you've ever been on a tour bus or tour boat or tour train where the nonstop commentary on the loudspeaker was more than annoying, you're in for a pleasant experience. The captain is full of river lore and facts, all shared in a conversational tone of voice that helped everyone enjoy the cruise.

Well, almost everyone.

Of the 60 or so passengers, my wife was the first to notice that a good many appeared to have little interest in the fact that they were floating on the nation's mightiest river where they could virtually reach out and touch a passing towboat and its string of barges.

I'm not sure why anyone would pay to go on the Grandpa Woo and then pay no attention.

But if you listened and watched, there was much to learn about our river. I got the answer to a question that has nagged me for years: Why does the water below Cape Rock seem to be boiling? I know the answer now, but I'm going to let you go on a cruise to find out for yourself. It's pretty amazing.

If you have a spark of Mark Twain in you, watch for the next visit by the Grandpa Woo. I don't mind giving the boat a plug, because it's doing something good for Cape Girardeau and its river.

R. Joe Sullivan is the editor of the Southeast Missourian.