Columbus, Mississippi

The mist rising off  the water just before we left this morning.

Greenery growing in the lock gates

Many herons along the water the past few days.

Daymarkers/mileage markers seem to be posted on whatever is handy

Crow, picking something out of the river

Delayed leaving Smithville this morning because of fog again, got away around 8:30. Three more locks today, each was open and waiting for us, so very easy and no time lost. Arrived at the marina at Columbus at about 2:30 pm, so a nice day. Travelled most of the day through pretty channels with trees on both sides. We saw crows today, the first that we have seen since Canada. They would dive into the water, then come up with something in their beaks. We weren't sure what they were diving for. The original Tombigbee River was very winding, and so the canal was cut to make the channel a little straighter. Therefore, the river cuts back and forth across the channel every now and then, plus there are oxbows (short areas where the new channel just cut off a curve in the old river, the curve is called an oxbow). Cool this morning, but the day warmed up fairly quickly. Once we docked at Columbus, got the courtesy car with Nancy and Eddie. Columbus has a River Walk, which is a paved walking trail along the old Tombigbee river. We found the River Walk and walked it for nearly an hour. It is beautiful, with trees along both sides. It was warm enough to make the shade welcome. We saw an armadillo, but it ran away when another lady tried to take a picture, so I didn't get a picture. Went to a restaurant in Columbus, Chili's, very good. By the time we came back to the marina, several other looper boats had come in. Looks like we will be leaving in a group in the morning.

Smithville Marina, Smithville, Mississippi

Travelled about 38 miles today, from Bay Springs to Smithville. Cold and foggy when we got up this morning, so we didn't leave until the fog lifted at about 9 am. The bay was filled with fishing boats (Wayne thinks they followed us), although it didn't seem like an organized tournament today. They cleared out as the fog lifted, then we followed. We had 4 locks today, and we were lucky, no waits at any of them. We locked down a total of 174 ft. We only met one tow today, which is nice for us, but perhaps what that says about the local economy is not so nice.

Eddie took this picture of us passing a dredger in the channel

A yucca plant in a front yard in Smithville

Arrived here about 3. This marina was built by Jesse Cox; his grandfather bought a farm in this area in 1886, then it was passed down to Jesse. Before the Tenn-Tom was built, he farmed land that we passed over today. With the flooding to build the Tenn-Tom canal and waterway, he opened a marina instead. We met Jesse, he is quite elderly and his son actually helped us tie up. Wayne and I walked into Smithville, a nice small town with several churches, grocery store, post office, police station, health clinic, etc. Children were out trick or treating tonight in the town. A gentleman here at the marina was showing us what he said was an alligator in the water, looked like a couple of sticks in the water to me, but he said that is all you see. If so, that is the first one we have seen.
We plan to move on to Columbus, Mississippi tomorrow, a distance of 40 miles and 3 locks.

One of the many fishing boats that we passed today; this one had tied off to the buoy

The Tenn-Tom is a new canal and waterway, it was opened in June, 1985. Note the stumps still showing along the sides of the channel.

Sunset over the bay at Smithville

Bay Springs Marina, New Site, Mississippi

We were wakened early this morning (about 5:30 am) by the sounds of voices over a loudspeaker. Couldn’t figure out what was happening. Turned out there was a bass fishing tournament setting out from Florence Harbor, with 144 boats. By the time we got up, some of the fishermen were holding themselves in place by holding on to our anchor/ ropes. It was quite a formal affair, with inspections to make sure that the participants had life jackets on, and that they had live wells for bait and fish. Wayne visited with some of them, they said this is a big tournament, with people coming from far and wide. It was important to do well because that would allow them to go on to other tournaments, plus the money is in sponsorships. They all left the marina by 7:15. We pulled out about 8, saw some of them along the way.


It was cold this morning, temperature was in the 30’s. We need to head south quickly. As we came through Pickwick Lake, we passed a paddlewheel tour boat, quite pretty. Wondered why he was off the main channel. Shortly after we passed him, we heard the coast guard warning that the paddlewheeler Belle of Cincinnati had gone aground, and warning other boaters that he was there. Then we heard the coast guard saying that they were evacuating passengers. What a way to do your tour.

Shortly after passing the tour boat, we turned into Yellow Creek and headed down to the Tenn-Tombigbee canal. We passed under the Mississippi 25 Highway Bridge, then we were in the 24 mile long divide cut. This is a dug channel 280 feet wide that connects Pickwick Lake with Bay Springs Lake; it is narrow and winding, quite pretty with trees along both sides. We met one tow in the whole length of the Divide cut. Just before the first lock in the Tenn-Tombigbee, we turned into Bay Springs marina. We travelled about 78 miles today; it was just after 4 when we got to the marina, and we were ready to stop. Tomorrow morning we will start down the locks.

Got together with Nancy and Eddie on Dream Fever for dinner, then it will be early to bed (remember that we had an early morning). Apparently when the first boat calls the Lock, the lockmaster calls for any other boats that want to lock down. You all go together, the term is you get flushed down the system. If you are not ready to go, then Justin here at the marina says that you should be prepared to wait. So we will be up early and ready to go. However, there is a frost warning for tonight, so fog is a possibility, and we may have to wait.

Florence Harbor Marina, Florence, Alabama

At the jam session

Life raft demonstration in the pool

Our trick or treaters



 We have returned to Florence. We had come up the Tennessee River to attend the Looper Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler State Park, and are now returning to Yellow Creek where we will start down the Tenn-Tom Bigbee Canal system. So today we came back through the Wheeler and Wilson locks, totally without incident today. We were locking down and it was very smooth. Only issue was floating logs just before Wilson lock. Several of us left the marina at the same time this morning to catch the lock between tows, and Squivot, one of the other boats, hit the log. He didn't think he had much damage.
Late night last night. After the dinner there was a jam session, with the Staubs (original founders of the AGLCA) leading the session. Eddie was there with his guitar, another boater also had his guitar, someone else had a harmonica, several sang, and one woman danced. Best of all was a sing-along that we all participated in. It was fun.
Arrived here in Florence at noon, filled the boat with fuel. Marina tank ran out before out boat was full, so had to wait for the fuel truck. I got some wash done and then, after both boats were fueled and docked, we got the marina courtesy car and got groceries. Now we are ready for travel for the next few days.
Jesse and his wife from Double J are very familiar with the Tenn-Tom Bigbee, and they met with us tonight and went over our charts, showing us good marinas, good anchorages. They have even loaned us their favorite book, we will return when we get to Mobile. Another nice day today, but forecast is for cool weather overnight.

Joe Wheeler State Park Marina, Rogersville, Alabama

Today has again been a busy one. We had sessions dealing with moving up the east coast of the US in the intracoastal waterway as far as Norfolk, Virginia, a lesson on using a Lift Raft, then looper crawls, which is an opportunity to visit other peoples’ boats. Always interesting to see other boats. This evening there was a reception and dinner. Later, several people who play instruments are going to have a jam session at the lodge. There are three children on the boat next to us, they are doing the loop with their parents and being home schooled. The children put their Halloween costumes on this evening and came trick or treating among the loopers here at the marina.


Beautiful day here after all of the storms yesterday and during the night. We plan to leave here tomorrow, we will go back to Florence where we can restock and get set for starting down the Tenn-Tom Bigbee.

Joe Wheeler State Park Marina, Rogersville, Alabama

Spent the morning on sessions for travelling down to Florida, and over to the Bahamas. Kind of exciting to hear about where we will be going. Heard last night that there were some crazy weather systems coming, and this morning they told us what the plan was if a tornado were to be coming this way. As it happened we did not get a tornado, but apparently there was a warning for this area and several did hit not too far from here. We hear that Lake Michigan is wild with high winds and waves, and we are very glad that it is far behind us. There was still a tornado warning watch for this afternoon; we had rain and wind with some thunder and lightening, but nothing too serious. Late this afternoon between rain storms we went for a good walk, first time in a few days. This park is huge, and beatiful. We walked up past several waterfront cottages, saw deer out playing in a field. It was nice to get out. Seems like all we have been doing is sitting in the sessions and eating. We had a free evening today, got together with Nancy and Eddie for a light supper.  Hard to get in touch with people at home, poor phone and internet connections here.

Joe Wheeler State Park Marina, Rogersville, Alabama

We attended the first full day of the Rendezvous today. Heard sessions on travelling from Pickwick to Mobile Bay, which is the section we are doing when we leave here, and another on Mobile Bay to Tarpon Springs, which will bring us into Florida. This afternoon there were separate sessions for men and for women, with open discussions for each. Apparently we discussed very different things in our separate sessions. We requested a vessel safety check from the auxiliary coast guard and they did the check this afternoon, so we now have a certificate and a sticker saying that we meet the US Federal safety regulations. This evening was a reception and dinner. We spoke with a representative of a marina that may be a good place to leave the boat when our children are in Floriday; we also both won door prizes. Wayne won a one year Marinalife Premier Membership which provides access to concierge services for boaters. We still need to figure out what that is all about. I won a Cruising Guide to the Bahamas, which we needed.
Rain and wind overnight last night, one large boat anchored in the bay at the marina dragged anchor and floated around the bay; they tied to a dock at the other end of the marina. Sunny and warm again today, and a beautiful evening tonight.

Joe Wheeler State Park Marina, Rogersville, Alabama

Another beautiful day, sunny and quite warm. Heard from friends at home that they have had snow and consider ourselves very lucky with the weather here. Spent the day cleaning the boat and chatting with people here, amazing what you can learn from the people around you. The Rendezvous started this afternoon with registration and and opportunity to purchase those things that you will need ot go on further, such as charts and books, as well as clothing, etc. Then a reception and dinner. Very good, and another good opportunity to meet others. Wayne won a door prize, a one year MarinaLife Premier Membership, which provides concierge services for boaters. We'll have to see what that is all about.

Joe Wheeler State Park Marina, Rogersville, Alabama

Richard from Finally, Eddie from Dream Fever, and Wayne - a meeting of the minds.

The tables after most of us had eatn. Lots of good food, good fellowship.



The main lodge with our boats docked in front

 Beautiful day here in Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Alabama. The lodge provided a shuttle for looper who wished to go into town, so took advantage of it this morning. Toured some nice gift shops, got some groceries. Returned to the boat for lunch. There was a wedding at the Lodge today, and it took place right off our back deck. Just happened that our boat is docked right behind where the minister stood, so we had better than front row seats. It was very nice, with several boaters watching. As the minister pronounced the couple man and wife, the boaters all blew their horns. The mother of the groom came over later to tell us how much they appreciated that.


We took the dinghy down, and toured the bay that the marina is in. Returned to the boat just in time to make our contribution to the group get together tonight. One couple provided shrimp for everyone, everyone else brought an appetizer, or some other part of the meal. We ended up with a wonderful meal, with the shrimp as the centerpiece. Good chance to meet some of the other people coming in for the rendezvous.

As we returned to the boat, saw a raccoon in the garbage can just down the dock. Apparently raccoons live just under the docks and often come out for garbage or even to board people’s boats. Wayne scared him off with a couple of pans, but he keeps coming back. Beautiful sunny day today, and the evening is still nice and warm, I was comfortable in shorts and sleeveless top. We’ve heard that there has been snow in some parts of Canada, so we are very happy to be in the warm weather.

Joe Wheeler State Park Marina, Alabama



Approaching Wilson lock

 Travelled to Joe Wheeler State Park Marina today. This is where the Rendezvous will be held from Sunday to Wednesday, so we are a couple of days early. Several other loopers are here as well, very nice tonight to catch up with Jill and Richard from Finally and Pete and JoAnne from TonyM, as well as many others that we have met along the way. Just after we left Florence Harbor Marina this morning, we went through Wilson Lock, once the world’s highest single lift lock. It is now the 6th highest in the US, and the highest that we will see on our trip; the lift is 93 ft. We crossed Wilson Lake, a distance on only 15 miles, and came to Wheeler Dam and Lock. Wheeler dam is 6,342 feet long . The lift in the lock is 48 ft.


The ride up in the Wilson Lock was quick but nice and smooth. However, the ride in the Wheeler Lock was less pleasant. There were 7 boats in the lock, and we were in the middle on the port side. The water seems to enter the lock right under where we were tied, so we had a hard time to keep the bow of the boat off the wall. Wayne was pushing with everything he had, and we still scraped up the side of the lock wall. One fender was squeezed so hard that the strap holding it in place broke, and the fender holders up on the bow pulpit were pushed in. About half way up, the water pressure slowed, so it was then easier to hold the boat off the wall. We were happy to be finished with that lock. The boat ahead of us also seemed to be having a problem, but boats on the other side had a smooth ride.

Joe Wheeler is situated in a state park, a beautiful setting. We plan to walk some of the trails tomorrow. The restaurant had a prime rib buffet tonight, and many of the boaters met there for dinner.

Florence, Alabama

We decided to stay another day here in Florence and explore the town a little better. We visited Pope's Tavern, which is a building which has been used as an inn, stagecoach stop and tavern. It also served as a hospital for Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War. Today it is a museum containing memorabilia nd artifacts from the 18th and 19 centuries. It is situated on a military road that connected with the Natchez Trace, which extended from Natchez to Jackson, Mississippi, then northeastward to Nashville, Tennessee. General Andrew Jackson is known to have stayed at Pope's Tavern on his way to the Battle of New Orleans.
Florence itself is known as the Renaissance City. Ferdinand Sannoner, an Italian surveyor, laid out the city in 1818. He was given the honor of naming the new city, and chose Florence after the city in Italy where he had lived. Florence is one of four cities in the immediate area, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. The four cities have a combined population of 75,000. W.C. Handy, the 'father of the blues' was born here, as was Sam Phillips, the music producer who launched Elvis Presley, as well as Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, BB King, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison.

A very nice former history teacher gave us a tour at Pope's Tavern. She is standing beside a cotton weasel.

Eddie is demonstrating a small portable organ once carried from place to place by circuit preachers.

An early version of an outboard motor.

The Confederate flag

Got together with some other loopers for drinks and snacks. Another Canadian boat, The Old Grouch, has come in. We are all headed for the Looper Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler State Park.

Florence Harbor Marina, Florence, Alabama

Sunrise over Aqua Yacht Harbor



Lion at the University of  Northern Alabama



Left Aqua Yacht Harbor this morning, travelled back up to the Tennessee River, Pickwick Lake section. It was a beautiful sunny day, and the scenery was great. Trees, houses and cottages, little bays, creeks, a few other boats. No tows today, although we did pass one coal fired power plant with barges full of coal in front of it. Arrived at Florence shortly after lunch. Walked with Nancy and Eddie into town for a late lunch and tour of the town. The University of Northern Alabama is in Florence, we walked around the campus, saw the lions they have housed on campus (the lion is the mascot of the university). Did some shopping, then came back to the marina, met some other loopers for happy hour. Met Tom and Linda Geiger from Windsor, they used to be at Crysler Park Marina, left just before we first docked our Cruiser there. Bonnie and Conrad on Hallendahl are also here, we are all headed for the Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler State Park.

Aqua Yacht Harbor, Iuca, Mississippi

We have stayed at Aqua Yacht Harbor another day to get caught up on engine maintenance and general chores. Went out for breakfast at Pickwick State Park restaurant this morning; we are truly entering the south, they had grits on the menu. Nice warm day today, cloudy this afternoon and showers forecast, but none so far.  Something that we have noticed since we have been travelling in the US, and particularly as we travel further south, staff in each marina have gone out of their way to make our stay as good a possible. People not only help us dock and loan us courtesy cars, but thank us for staying at the marina. Kind of nice, and something that we are not used to at home. Went out for dinner tonight with the marina courtesy car; went to Freddy T's, good food and an opportunity for photo ops.

Wayne got to sit with Homer and Marge and family

Aqua Yacht Harbor, Iuca, Mississippi

We rented a car today with Nancy and Eddie and toured Shiloh National Military Park, scene of one of the most important, and bloodiest, battles of the Civil War. The park is well maintained; it is easy to see the sites of the battles and the devastation that took place. The Shiloh Indian Mounds National Historic Landmark is on the same site, with some examples of mounds.

Confederate soldiers were buried in 5 large common gravesites at Shiloh

An example of one of the mounds

Union soldiers killed in battle were also buried in large trench graves; they were later re-buried in a National War Cemetary created on the site.

Some of the many cannon exhibited on the site

Went to the restaurant at the Pickwick National Park for dinner, then back here to the marina for a quiet evening.

Eddie gave us a picture he took as we met one of  our first tows. He calls it "Between a rock and a hard place"

Aqua Yacht Harbor, Iuca, Mississippi

We were awakened this morning by the sounds of dozens of small motors; fishing boats were being put in the water at the ramp. The bay was full of them as they waited for the fog to lift enough to go out. As we travelled today, the waterway was dotted with fishing boats.
 We had planned to leave Clifton marina early; however the cool night meant mist and fog this morning, so it was nearly 9 when we left. Just after we left Clifton, we passed under the Tennessee 60 bridge, completed in 1999. While it was being built, a new span that had just been put in place collapsed, killing one man; two others hung onto the buckling and falling girders until they hit the bottom of the river. They were then able to float to the surface and were rescued. We passed Savannah, Tennessee and the Shiloh National Military Park along the way. We plan to get a car and tour both tomorrow. A few miles past Shiloh, we came to the Pickwick Lock and Dam. This dam, like so many others, was created for power generation. Land was flooded, and 506 families and 407 graves had to be relocated. Entire communities ceased to exist. One story is that a family resisted being relocated to their new home because the hearth fire in the fireplace that had been burning continuously for three generations would need to be put out. The project staff moved the burning fire along with the family's other possessions. The project did provide 4,000 jobs to this extremely depressed area.

Many houses on stilts along the river today.

Today started out cool, but warmed up nicely, was warm and sunny all afternoon. We started the day with several layers on, but finished the day again in shorts and T-shirts. We plan to stay here at least another day, possibly 2 for touring and getting caught up. Nancy and I have developed a good method for preparing meals, each prepares half, so not a lot of work for either of us, and we eat well.
We travelled most of the day in Tennessee, but just after we exited the Pickwick Dam, we crossed a corner of Alabama then entered Mississippi, so we have actually been in 3 states today.
Saw some cattle along the river today, one of the first times, as well as some big round bales of hay, and corn and soybean fields.

These bluffs are a mixture of sand and clay deposited many millions of years ago.

Much of the shoreline consisted of this limestone rock

Clifton Marina, Clifton, Tennessee

Some of the shale rock along the banks of the river.

An interesting sign for a marina that we passed along the way

Many houses along the river bank seemed to be built on a very high foundation, with the living quarters in the top, we assume for flooding.

Travelled from Cuba Landing to Clifton today, a distance of 49 miles. Thought we would leave around 8 this morning, but the temperature was in the 30's, and the river was foggy, only cleared around 9. Had a beautiful trip to Clifton. Was about to say downriver, but in fact, on the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, we are travelling upstream, even though we are heading south. Kentucky lake proper ended just after we left Cuba Landing, so we were travelling on the Tennessee River itself. Met only one tow today, the river is very quiet except for fishermen. The shores of the river are  mostly gray limestone and shale ledges, with trees on top. Clifton was at one time a major port, but now is just a small town. Our book says that in 1843, a vote was held to determine the capital of Tennessee, and Clifton lost by only one vote. It was also the home of T.S. Stribling, who wrote many novels and short stories, and whose book, "The Store" won a Pulitzer prize in 1933.
We went for a walk into town; needed warm jackets to travel this morning, by this afternoon we were in shorts and T-shirts. Nice to have the sun. Tonight, we met another couple who just started the loop from Wisconsin, and Art and Kathy on Fortuity came in late this afternoon. We all got together for snacks this, then we joined Nancy and Eddie for dinner.

Cuba Landing Marina, Tennessee



An old railroad bridge along the lake with the centre span removed

 Travelled south another 49 miles today to Cuba Landing. This is quite a large marina, but winding down for the winter months, with the advertised restaurant and deli closed.
We are still in Kentucky Lake, and the scenery is fabulous. This area is all Tennessee Wildlife Refuge area, and the marina is on land leased from the refuge.  This is one of 3 wildlife refuges in Tennessee; in the fall/winter, more than 200,000 ducks and 25,000 Canada geese stay at the refuge, along with about 75 bald eagles. As we travelled today, we saw only one tow, and that one only had two barges. We passed Pilot Knob, a high hill used by early steamboat pilots as a landmark. It is now part of the Nathan Bedford Forrest Memorial State park, the site of the only time a cavalry force defeated a naval force. It was in the Civil War, and Nathan Bedford Forrest was successful at destroying General Sherman's supply lines. In this particular battle at Pilot Knob, 33 Union vessels were sunk, two trians had been destroyed, warehouses containing supplies worth more than six million dollars were in flames, and 150 union soldiers had been captured. In contrast, Forrest had only two men killed, nine wounded and two guns lost. As we moved down the lake, we were passing over the rotting remains of the union vessels.

This abandoned building was once used for shipping grain on the Tennessee before Kenducky Dam was built. Apparently the building was built so well that attempts to destroy it failed, so officials decided to leave it.

This is one of the many mooring cells that we see along the waterway; some can be used by pleasure boats, most are for the use of the tows.

It was another beautiful day, cool this morning, but sunny and warm by late morning. Hope this weather continues. Went for a walk after we arrived, then got together with Nancy and Eddie for dinner.

Paris Landing state park marina

The strange creature floating in the water at the marina

We travelled 43 miles today along the Tennessee river, Kentucky lake. Beautiful day to travel and nice marina, but poor Internet access. Will describe more of the trip when Internet access is better.
Much as we like Green Turtle Bay, it is time to move on. Exited the marina into Barklay Lake, then immediately entered the cut between Barclay and Kentucky Lakes, exited the cut into Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River. Kentucky Lake was formed when Kentucky Dam was built; in doing so, the town of Birmingham, which at one time had 500 people, was flooded. The charts warn that you stay well within the markers because there are still submerged building foundations. Kentucky Lake was a rich source of freshwater mussels, and mussel harvesting boats used to be common. The mussels were exported to Japan, where they were used to seed oysters for pearl production. Disease problems in Japan and export difficulties have reduced the overseas market, so now only a few divers gather mussels by hand.


As we moved through Kentucky Lake, we noticed large nests built on the markers; they are osprey nests. We are docked at Paris Landing State Park marina, a pretty marina in a state park with a beach, huge conference centre, restaurant, etc. Fuel and dockage prices are very good here. When we arrived, we noticed things floating in the water that look like huge jellyfish. They are apparently plants that grow on the bottom of the lake and occasionally break loose and float to the top. They only grow in clean water, and they only grow in this area. The proper name for them is bryazoia.

You know you are moving south when:

• Marinas are open year round

• You see your first magnolia tree



Much of the shoreline as we travelled today was like this.



Green Turtle Bay, Kentucky

We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this marina, many other loopers coming and going, most taking advantage of the opportunity to stop and rest for a few days, visit the marine store and make repairs. We got the courtesy car this morning and went to a Walmart Superstore in Paducah, nice store, good place to stock up. We will be in good marinas over the next few days, but we are never sure of the availability of a good grocery store.
We had a belated Canadian Thanksgiving celebration tonight, bought the needed groceries today and had Nancy and Eddie over for dinner. Was able to find an apple pie at the grocery store, but not pumpkin, so we had sweet potato instead. Did manage to pop a breaker on the boat trying to cook dinner, just had to arrange things differently.The major trick was trying to find storage space for leftovers.
Eddie and Nancy have been travelling with their 2 cats, and one is missing tonight. They don't know if it jumped off the boat or is just hiding. They have searched both on and off the boat, we hope it shows up overnight.
General Delivery, Lady Royal, and NaMaka arrived today, will stay for a few days. Many of the loopers here are heading down to Joe Wheeler State Park where the looper rendezvous is being held on Oct. 24 to 26, so we will meet them there. We have some extra time before we need to get there, so will take our time with short jumps the next few days. Good opportunity to explore this area.

Green Turtle Bay, Kentucky

Quiet day today, Wayne checked the engine room, we did chores that have been put off with past few travel days, visited with people on the docks. It is a very pretty place here, some huge boats. This area is a big area for houseboats, and there are many 70 - 90 feet long, if not longer, on the docks, beautiful boats. However, would not be wanting to do this trip in a houseboat. Walked into town this afternoon. Grand Rivers is a small tourist town, has some nice shops and a small IGA. Good chance to get some exercise. Had another get together with other loopers at 5 for cocktails, then Nancy and I got togethershared preparation of dinner. We have decided to stay here another day, plan to get the marina courtesy car tomorrow for some serious shopping in Paducah.

Green Turtle Bay, Kentucky

Left Paducah around 8 this morning, travelled for about 1 1/2 hours on the Ohio River, then turned off on the Cumberland. What a beautiful trip up the Cumberland. We were winding our way through Kentucky, some farmland, lots of trees along the banks of the river. Some tows, but not many compared to the Mississippi. Met one tow right on a curve, suddenly saw his nose sticking out around the curve. Called him, and he was great to help us get around him safely. The Barclay lock, at 57 ft., is one of the highest lifts on the loop, only The Carillon Lock on the Ottawa River and the Wilson Lock and Dam on the Tennessee River are higher. We went through the Barclay lock with no problem, floating bollards on the sides and a very smooth and quick ride up. Then we had the turn into Green Turtle Bay Marina from Barclay Lake. This is a huge facility, very welcoming. There are many loopers here, some old friends, some we have not met before. Many of us got together for cocktails, then  with Nancy and Eddie from Dream Fever and Malcolm and Jenny from Zookeeper, we went into Grand Rivers to a restaurant called Patti's. They are famous for their pork chops and their desserts. This is a dry county, so we brought our own drinks to the restaurant, they provided openers and glasses, but could not sell us anything alcoholic. We tried their special, the pork chops and really enjoyed them, but no room left for dessert. It is our 41st wedding anniversary; the restaurant staff serenaded us with "Let me call you sweetheart" and gave us dessert to help celebrate. It was a wonderful evening. We plan to stay here for a few days to rest, see the area, and get caught up with things.

Jenny and Malcolm, myself, Eddie and Nancy, and Wayne at dinner. There were candles in the dessert when they first brought it.

A loading dock for the tows

Zookeeper getting tied up ahead of us in the lock.

The leaves are just starting to turn here. Temperature today was 90 F.

Paducah, Kentucky

Left our anchorage early this morning, no fog, cool but clear, a beautiful morning. Temperature today went up to 90, apparently a record high for this area. Travelled 48 miles down the Mississippi until we reached the Ohio River, then turned up the Ohio. We felt like we were going really fast on the Mississippi because the current gave us a boost. However on the Ohio we are travelling upstream, so went a little slower. The Ohio is a beautiful river compared to the Mississippi, the water is greener than brown, slower moving and calm, very little debris. We still met and passed several tows, but with less current, they left less wake. The first lock we should have gone through was not operating, so we just drove over the wicket dam. The second lock gave us a short wait, but we did get through within an hour. Arrived a Paducah at 5:30, needed to either tie up or anchor before dark. The lockmaster at Lock 52 had told us that Paducah had a barge on a floating bollard that we could tie up to for the night, and we did eventually find it. It is just a barge, and there is room for about 2 good size boats, so Zookeeper (52 ft Tiara) and Dream Fever (47 ft) both tied up to the barge, and we have rafted off Dream Fever. Jenny on Zookeeper was kind enough to invite us all over to their boat for dinner. Also gave us a tour of the boat, beautiful boat and great dinner, not to mention the company which was also great.
Today, passed several sandy beaches, one sandy bluff, lots of land with trees on both sides of the water, and many industrial areas along the water. We even passed by the city of Metropolis, which of course is the home of Superman.
On the Mississippi we were passing between Illinois and Missouri. Once we turned up the Ohio, we were passing between Illinois and Kentucky. I hadn't realized that Illinois was so large. Malcolm from Zookeeper went swimming off their boat, said the water was quite warm. We didn't try it.

The new Olmstead Dam will replace both locks 53 and 52 on the Ohio River; it is slated to be completed in a couple of years.

Zookeeper, Dream Fever and High Spirits docked at the barge at Paducah

Casino River Boat at Metropolis

Tomorrow we have a relatively short trip to Green Turtle Bay, so won't have to leave quite as early in the morning.