Tom Frazier heads north in Trempealeau with seven empties. The seventh barge is placed alongside the boat ("on the hip") to allow the entire tow to pass through all the Mississippi locks as one unit, which makes for a very efficient transit. Unfortunately, maneuverability is compromised by placing the barge alongside (and partially astern of) the boat. Thus, a tow so configured cannot easily turn toward port because the starboard stern corner has a tendency to rub against the lock's long wall. Here, well out of the lock, there's a bit more turning room in the channel.
