OK…So I’m a bad blogger…

I know, I know, I promised to keep you updated as we traveled down the Ohio in search of warmer weather on Lake Barkley…it didn't happen. After Louisville we ran some long days in some pretty crappy weather and the last thing I wanted to do after getting tied up for the night was blog, sorry. I’ll try and make it up a bit by including a bunch of pictures.

We’ll start where we left off, Louisville. Downtown has 2 free marinas with electric, Cincinnati could learn a thing or two. It was a very nice evening when we got in so we all went for a walk along the riverfront before dinner. Tumbleweed had 99 cent Margarita Monday so we couldn't pass that up (along with the fact it was right next to the boat). Once back at the boat I decided to add a couple of extra dock lines as severe weather was predicted overnight. It didn't happen but better safe than sorry.

Tuesday morning we were up early and underway as soon as it was light enough. We had a 120 mile day scheduled and at 10 mph that’s a long day. We were in and out of McAlpin lock with no delay and only a bit of rain to keep the crew on their toes. There was misty rain for the first few hours and then a bit of a break which we hoped would last…it didn’t. During the break though we did get our first eagle sighting of what ended up being about a dozen.

The cool mist and rain came back too soon and hung around the rest of the day. Thanks to a nice push for the first few hours below the dam we made it into Cannelton IN. before dark where we found we were now on Central time and would be for the rest of the trip.

We got under way a bit later on Wednesday as it was a shorter day mile wise. Just like the previous two mornings we were at a lock right away and, of course, it was raining.

The rest of the day was horrible as far as the weather went. I had to spend a couple of hours driving from the lower helm using the wipers to see the ½ mile of visibility we had. We also had about an hour’s delay on our second lock of the day with 20-30 mph winds to boot. Going in circles in those conditions is not fun. To add to the misery the house batteries began to draw down due to the increased load…good news is we had the heat on while running the generator to keep up the charge.

See the barge?

Upper helm while waiting for the lock.

Got safely into Inland Marine in Evansville about 5:30 and had a few (too many) stiff drinks. Took advantage of the free shuttle to the casino downtown and had a very nice dinner at the Irish pub. Kinda fitting on a cold damp night.

Thursday morning was another early start with 110 miles to travel. The weather was overcast but expected to clear by noon(ish). They were a little optimistic in the forecast but we did finally get the sun by about 3:00.

We only had one lock today and it wasn't raining so we all took that as a sign of better things to come. As we were pulling out of the lock a fuel barge was pushing into the other chamber…makes any issues I have pulling in seem kinda petty.

We made it into Golconda IL. before dark and after dinner at the Diver Down enjoyed a nightcap on the front deck under a gazillion stars, that’s what I’m talking about! Jill even spotted the International Space Station going over!!

Friday was the shortest day of the trip at 53 miles and 2 locks so I gave the crew an extra 15 minutes of sleep. I took a couple of shots before we got underway of the sunrise and our slip at Golconda Marina.

I had figured on 2 more hours down the Ohio and 3 hours up the Cumberland with one lock on each. I didn't take into account that they we drawing down the lakes above Barkley dam and we would be bucking a strong current headed up river. We were only able to make about 6 mph to cover the 30 miles. Luckily the lock master saw us on the AIS and held the lock for us to get there. We were through the lock and tied up in our new (temporary) home by 4:00 so it wasn't such a bad day. I never should have given that extra 15 minutes though. 

Here are a couple of pictures at Green Turtle Bay. We are in a transient slip until our regular slip is ready later this week. Most people here on the transient dock are on their way south for the winter starting or ending the loop. That will be us this time next year!!