Sleep was fitful Saturday night at anchor across from
Golconda, IL. The cabin temps were hot, even with Clay’s gallant attempts to
siphon air through the boat’s interior. Windows and doors were open wide with
screens attached; front hatch was riding high; and our stateroom breeze catcher
was configured to maximize air flow through our aft stateroom. Waves slapped
lazily—and noisily—against the hull, rhythmic but aggravating! I do have pretty
purple ear plugs aboard, but couldn’t muster the wherewithal to retrieve them.
A weather front moved in early morning, ushering in overcast
skies, lower temperatures and occasional spitting rain. We cruised a long day
after puling anchor knowing the next marina was far too distant for
Sunday’s ‘lodging.’ One lock and 100 miles traveling upriver stood between us
and Evansville, IN, where we had choice of two possible marinas. So we took the
miles as they came, tolerating increasing winds and checking radar for
potential storms. The Branson, MO Duck accident was fresh in our minds, but
caution is always a priority!
Nine hours and 83 miles later, we sought an anchorage in
obviously unfamiliar territory. Serious lightning strikes in nearby storm
clouds had us on high alert, but we had little choice in seeking refuge. (We
had recently passed Mt. Vernon, IN courtesy dock which was appropriate
for a 16’ runabout, but unsuitable for us.) Clay usually chooses the anchorage,
but he requested a confab at the flybridge helm wheel where we both watched the
shoreline and referenced the chart plotter to select a site at MM 819.5 RDB.
The depth here was good, but the marked channel was closer than we’d have
liked. We set the anchor in about 11’ of water, releasing chain to about 7X the
depth (recommended), or about 80’ of chain, then set the snubber to minimize
our overnight movement. It was a good choice!
The trip is becoming rather routine, as you can tell from
reading my recent recaps. This Ohio River is certainly not the Great Loop! The
scenery is repetitively beautiful; the stops, few and far between. Depth is of
concern with the river at summer normal. Even with troubleshooting and routine
office, cooking and cleaning duties, I’ve read four paperbacks. Clay does the
driving (I’m only an occasional substitute); I do the crewing. But he’s far
‘busier’ at his task than I. An upcoming lock or anchorage is welcomed as it
gives me something productive to do. I still look forward to my coffee in the
morning and my wine at night!
On that note, I will close my email to you and move on with
the evening’s activities.
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