Leatherwood Marina to Clifton, TN

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

As we cruise the TN River toward mm158.5 RDB and Clifton Marina located there, Clay is grabbing his camera and taking pictures of stilted or built-on-the-hill cabins to allow for 25' river rise from the current level. We bid our friends Jim and Sanci a fond farewell at an early 5:15 am this morn at Cuba Landing Marina, mm 115.5 where they had parked their car for their 5-night, 4-day stay aboard. Easy and compatible folks to have around, they were truly a nice intro to guests joining us. I must admit I was hesitant to share small square footage with another couple.

Leaving Leatherwood Marina yesterday morning, our Captain and crew found the evolving day to be an eye opener! Our cruise was accompanied by intense rain and reduced visibility, requiring radar as a much-needed and appreciated first mate along with a very helpful Jim who, along with Sanci and Clay, witnessed first-hand the leaking fly bridge canopy.

Poor visibility during heavy rain

Old dock (before dam) in rain

Although the tarp material was waterproof and high quality, the seams weren't. Clay's estimation was approximately 3 gallons bailed and/or mopped up by Jim and Sanci while I was in the salon strategically placing buckets to catch the drips; after all, it is a 2002 Mainship. The orange chamois-like 'rags' they used are a must, and we plan to add to our collection from our home stash. Too, Clay was online after tying up for the night, researching seam sealers and waterproofing compounds.

Industrial plants

Being without internet and cell coverage much of the day Tuesday and the previous evening, I retrieved 5 missed calls to realize you can't escape reality. First call was from a neighbor alerting us to suspicious people in our home backyard. Second missed call was credit card company alerting me to a merchant with whom I'd recently charged having been hacked; my info among the many threatened...closed account; opened new; card to be delivered at home within 10-14 days. Now how will that work? Third call was from son John's moving company needing asap the list of furniture to be moved. Oh joy! Other 2 missed calls must have been non-threatening as I didn't write them down. Thanks to sister Susan who found an over-sized date book and encouraged me to get it, saying you never know what you need to write down or record. She specified contact info of Loopers we meet along the way. Yeah, but also stuff like this. Life!

Having had good, home-cooked meals both Monday and Tuesday nights, Sanci and I knew we could manufacture a good meal the last night of their stay with little to no effort. Again, hooray for leftovers and for husbands who aren't picky about what they eat! What's to complain about....the meal was tasty!

We watched the President's address on Syria then retired for the evening, me to read, Clay to investigate water proofing sealants, and Jim and Sanci in prep for an early departure today, Wednesday. I did address some of the cell missed-call concerns, being grateful for cell and internet coverage now.

101st Airborne in Action!

As we dock at Leatherwood Marina on the TN River, I realize it's time for an update. Friends Jim and Sanci joined us Friday afternoon at Green Turtle Bay where we welcomed them aboard, gave them a quick intro to boating on the SaSea Sally, and then let them settle in. Dinner at the Commonwealth Yacht Club allowed us to get reacquainted. Experiences from Clay and Jim's Westminster days became the primary dinner topic.

Lots of sailboats on Lake Barkely and KY Lake

Saturday morning we departed GTB with a hesitant farewell...GTB is a fabulous facility. As the store clerk commented, "What's not to like about it?" She was so right. We took full advantage of the amenities before our departure--morning walk, swim, breakfast and a shower. It was a pretty, warm and sunny day for us all to enjoy. Captain Clay set his sights on Kuttawah Marina for overnight lodging on Lake Barkley and Hu-B's restaurant which offered basket food, a covered slip and a live band. The restaurant/ship's store had the what-we've-come-to-expect offerings (imprint tee shirts, koozies, tote bags, candy bars, misc toiletries and marine parts).

Sunday morning I awakened to a 'meteor shower' of car and trailer red taillights on the shore opposite the dock.  Awakening Clay because I was sure this was possibly the highlight of the day, I encouraged him to hop up and take pix of the fishing tourney launch; he has a new high-zoom camera which he might as well use. We left Hu-B's mid-morning, cruised Lake Barkley, then retraced our path to the Crossover near GTB to the TN River. Tonight's mooring was Kenlake Marina in Kenlake State Park. Sanci took a 2-mile round trip walk up the road to the Y where the left turn curves to the State Lodge; her path gave some definition to the walk we would enjoy the next morning.

Jim and Sanci were chefs for the night, and Jim showed off his extremely good culinary talents, grilling ribeyes, asparagus (fabulous!), and sweet potatoes. Yum! And Sanci has been cleaning up, respectful of my oh-such-a-nuisance injured right index finger. I laughingly told them the next morning (today) that my idea of a 'long-term cruise' was having a chef, trainer, and maid aboard. Hmmm, two out of three ain't bad. Space is the defining factor; this is no Holland America. Jim and Sanci set the pace on our morning walks where Clay struggles to keep up. Status quo, though, for him.

Jim Canella, Sally, and Sanci visiting

This particular evening I cleaned up while my three boating companions headed out dock hopping. Jim had encountered two boaters docked for the night.  During some small talk he discovered that one, John Flake (true name), was a relative by marriage, with Joey's Bar in Muscatine, IA, as the clue and key to a newfound acquaintance. Small world! And, they also chatted with that boat owner, Michael J Riggan, a truckline owner piloting a Boston Whaler with two big Merc's on the back.  His trucking company, TanTara Transportation, hauls the Iowa Halwkey's football van.  Rhonda from "Help Me Rhonda", a Looper boat which was also at GTB with us joined the dock conversation.

Colorful roofs on homes lining KY Lake

This morning, we walked the roads surrounding Kenlake Marina, then launched downriver for a new port of call, Leatherwood Marina. We were greeted by a very friendly and accommodating dockmaster who appologized for the bad economy stifling operations. Pool closed Labor Day, and restaurant is open only Friday thru Sunday. Hooray for Plan B. (I was pleased that I had swam the pool at Kenlake Lodge this morning as I'm assuming my swim days are numbered now.)

As we approached the new US79 bridge a few miles before we docked for the evening we noticed a number of small boats on the water and two Blackhawk helicopters dashing about--also noticed the TN River chart showed a US Coast Guard base at that location.  We kept watching and noticed things falling out of the helicopter, then parachutes opening up.  The two Blackhawks were dropping sticks of six servicemen into Kentucky Lake, probably a welcome task on a 90+ degree day, while the small boats were picking them up and taking them to shore.  The marina operator said it was Army troops from Ft Campbell on a training exercise.

Airborne exercise-paratroopers and pick-up boats on the TN

Airborne paratroopers jumping into the TN River

Time for me to stoke up the oven and fix dinner for us. I hope you are well and once again entertained by my documenting our trip.

The Cumberland River and Lake Barkley

Friday, Sept. 6, Update
 

We are awaiting the arrival of our first guests aboard, anticipating about 4 days of cruising with Clay's frat buddy Jim and wife Sanci. We are docked at Green Turtle Bay Marina on Lake Barkley and have been here since locking through Lake Barkley Dam on Wednesday. We have rejoined our Looper friends and have become acquainted with a few other couples who are also doing the Loop. Backing up to Tuesday morning, Clay and I were the last of the 3 rafted boats to depart. Their intent was to make Green Turtle Bay before nightfall. We opted for a stopover in Paducah for a late lunch, a walk and a bit of browsing, then anchor out at Cumberland Towhead overnight, destined to make Green Turtle Bay on Wednesday. Soon after pulling up anchor, we rounded the bend and onto the Ohio River. Tying up at the Paducah riverfront some 4+ hours later, we found a great little deli downtown Paducah called Kirchhoff's which had a companion coffee klatsch/boutique and a bakery. I walked out Broadway 15 minutes and back while Clay scouted out the downtown offerings, zeroing in on Hooper's Outdoor where he found a sale rack for me. Two on-sale North Face dresses and one pair of on-sale Padagonia casual tie shorts later, we were off towards the boat and riverfront area where the Queen of the Mississippi was also docked. Cumberland Tow head at the junction of the Cumberland and Ohio River--one of the best anchorages on the inland rivers. Sally trying on her Nordic Track on the Cumberland River Upriver we went, anchoring overnight at the Cumberland Towhead. We're on a roll with pulling up anchor by now, 2 of 3! Clay decided I should christen the Nordic Track Wednesday morning as it was to be slow going for a while. Smooth glide on the back deck on the skis of the track, I was able to adjust to minor wave, and thus balance issues, while putting in my half hour on the track. We saw some interesting sights on the Cumberland River! Tow boat crew change on the Cumberland River The first Osprey nest we spotted Bare root trees! We took the Cumberland River route to Lake Barkley Dam as the Tennessee River leading to the KY Lake Dam was closed to barge traffic; KY Lake Dam was under construction/renovation. We had a close-to-2-hr wait for barge traffic at the Lock, noting numerous fishing boats and many dead fish that couldn't withstand the turbulence of the dam. Once in the chamber, we experienced the pool fill in record time; I clocked 59' rise in 11 minutes. Wow! Many of these locks have floating bollards which make my job as first mate easy; I only have to tie off once at the lock wall rather than readjusting repeatedly as the water rises or falls as the case may be. Green Turtle Bay Marina was immediately on our right within a mile of the lock...a welcome sight. We were greeted by a friendly staff, mucho diesel refueling, a pump out, a home berth for the next 3 nights plus a number of amenities...indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, restaurant for breakfast and lunch called Dockers, an evening Commonwealth Yacht Club for dinner, plus the town of Grand Rivers in close proximity. And we met up with our fellow boaters of the past few nights. We joined forces with Dave, Carol, Ed and Sue and toted our beer and wine with us to the Commonwealth Club for dinner, being in a dry county now. Thursday was a land day, starting with the 3 gals attending my first-ever aqua zumba class at the indoor pool. A nippy 81 degree water temp coupled with my feet constantly sliding out from under me made zumba dancing in waist-deep water less than a "sweep me off my feet" experience, but I stuck it out and did kinda enjoy it. Two laundry loads and lunch down, we 3 gals borrowed the courtesy car and headed to Paducah WMT for re-stocking. Paducah was an easy half-hour drive, but stop-and-go traffic on the Interstate (road construction) lengthened our driving time. Clay got a late start the next morning (Friday) washing the boat which desperately needed it, but he got it done. I organized, swam the outdoor pool, and ran a small laundry load in the boat's combo washer-dryer to refresh my memory of its operation. Jim and Sanci have arrived (5:30 pm)!  Our plans are to overnight here and motor up the Cumberland River tomorrow (Saturday). I hope you are enjoying the tales of our travel. Clay and Sally Logan

Angelo Towhead and the Lower Ohio River

Tuesday morning, we were the last of the three boats to leave Angelo Towhead at 7:45am.  A note to Loopers/boaters:  Angelo Towhead is a small chute about 1 mile north of the junction of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.  While it provides some protection from the Mississippi's currents, it is reputed to be a dumping zone for commercial barge operators to discard old ropes and wires so snagging your anchor is a real possibility. 

Sunrise over Angelo Towhead

We had anchored at the lower end just opposite the lower end of the island in 15' of water where we rafted the three boats together (the three boats anchored near each other and then were tied together for access) for the evening and overnight.  The previous evening, Dave from D Cea and Ed from Shady Acres checked out some fluids I had noticed in my engine room bilge and declared it was water very slowly seeping in around my shaft stuffing box.  Not a concern and something that is easily fixed by tightening 4 bolts at a later date.

Our friends on the D Cea and Shady Acres left about a half hour earlier than we, intending to get all the way to Green Turtle Bay, a 100-mile run up the Ohio and the very busy Lower Cumberland River, then through the busy Barkley Lock.  We wanted a little more leisurely pace with our overnight destination the Cumberland Towhead at the confluence of the Cumberland and Ohio Rivers by Smithland, KY.  Tuesday morning was chilly which was a welcome break from the near 100 degree temps we have encountered since leaving Louisiana.  Sally wore a fleece and Clay, in a jacket till 10:30am.  Pulling up anchor went smoothly, giving both of us more confidence.

Dam section being constructed on land

Large, floating "crane" used to move lock components built on land into place

We cruised "over" a dam whose gates retract down at certain river levels, by-passing the lock chamber.  We passed a new dam that has been under construction for 5-7 years and still has a long way to go before it opens.  At the next lock on the Ohio, just south of Paducah, we caught up with D Cea and Shady Acres and had about an hour wait. 

Around 1 pm, we pulled into the courtesy dock at the Paducah Riverfront along with the Queen of the Mississippi which was docked and letting passengers tour the beautifully restored riverfront area.  We had a great lunch at Kirchhoff's Deli.

Sally went for her daily walk in downtown Paducah while chatting on the phone to Uncle Woody and Aunt Shirley.  I ambled through the downtown area which hops for lunch and after work hours.  After scouting it, I encouraged Sally to go into Hooper's Outdoor Center, a sporting goods store, to look at the sale rack.  She bought a nice pair of very casual shorts and two casual (and extremely versatile) dresses. 

The Philadelphia Belle in dry dock in Paducah, KY

We departed Paducah around 4:30 for an hour ride to the Cumberland Towhead where I had stayed several time with Mom and Dad on the Mary A. We anchored in the chute formed by the Cumberland Towhead in 14' of water.  This was a scenic, quiet anchorage which we really enjoyed.  On to Green Turtle Bay Marina!

The "Lower Mississippi" - St Louis South

Sunday eve we docked at our tie-up for the night which was a wall of a lock near the mouth of Kaskaskia River, 1/8th mile from the Mississippi. Our landing here was much smoother than our departure from Kimmswick! Ooooo...Clay misjudged the winds as we left Kimmswick; he was onshore with ropes. I was solo on the boat with no engines running. Not a pretty scene. But we survived the anxiety.  Our traveling companions were eating a big breakfast at the Blue Owl while we opted to head south early.

Round rock formation

Shortly after our arrival at the lock wall, we launched the dinghy...a first...and went for a ride. The test run of the dinghy didn't meet my expectations! Launch wasn't easy as I had hoped. Heavy, wide dinghy, heavy motor and all in all, just an awkward procedure. About knocked off the herb garden window box in the launch. But we managed, and went for the maiden voyage aboard the.....oh, we have no name for it yet other than the brand, Nautica. I think "Haven't Figured That Out Yet" would be a good name. With that phrase constantly on the Captain's lips when questioned by the first mate since buying the trawler, something has to be named such. Consider it christened!

Back to the boat after the dinghy ride, I insisted on us showering. Although the temps had cooled considerably...say, at least 10-15 degrees, we'd motored most of the day in intense heat, with some breeze though. Oh, prior to the shower, we tried to reconfigure the grill so it wouldn't burn up the dinghy when we used it. Not possible under current conditions. So grilled burgers and romaine weren't gonna happen last night. Plan B. I remember sister Susan giving me a mini-notepad that proclaimed 'life is all about plan b.' You got that right! Back to the drawing board, I came up with cheeseburger pizza and Sophia's salad. Worked well and fell together rather easily after drinks aboard the D Cea with our new companions and an early departure from cocktail hour aboard so we wouldn't be eating so darn late again. And, nice to have leftovers for ensuing evening meals.

Labor Day morning, we were underway by 6:50 am along with the other 2 boats traveling with us. I had asked Clay last night what his departure time expectations were, but he failed to answer...said he didn't hear me. We'll correct that one. Put me in a real rush to finish my stretches/PT exercises and get in a quick 15 min walk on the lock wall. We had to run the generator much of the night as, altho fairly coolish out, the humidity was pretty bad. I think Clay opened up about 3 am. He noted raccoon tracks on the starboard walkway. Wish he hadn't told me that!

We called our old Rotary friend, Jerry McClanahan in Cape Girardeau as we went under the Chester, IL highway bridge to advise we were in his territory.  Great visiting with Jerry on the phone; but since Cape has no marina nor place to tie up, we didn't get to visit face to face!  As a bonus, as we went by the Cape riverfront, we got to see the Mississippi Queen steamboat tied up there.

Dry dock at Cape Girardeau

An 8-hour travel day today, we are now anchored (rafted) with the 2 other boats a mile upstream of Cairo, IL on the Mississippi. Clay said I was brave in the ER, but bravery was really 'getting back on the horse' anchoring here! We'll hope for the best tomorrow when we pull up anchor and head on down river.
 

Anchor Drills & Other Excitement

Written Sat am, Aug. 31: We are Kimmswick bound, having departed Alton Marina about 11:15 am today. We motored to Alton from Port Charles on Friday, encountering no locks, so it was an efficient and smooth sailing. Soon after departure from Pt Chas, we did an anchoring drill as we'd not practiced at all.

Drill went fine, with the Captain directing the first mate's every move (necessary!) We then anchored for lunch and enjoyed what little breeze found its way through the cabin.

Now to hoist the anchor. Not so fine a job did I do; the anchor was not positioned to lay gently into the trough as it crested the peak. Instead, the anchor shank lurched to the side of the trough, outside the confines of the trough. Oops. To be corrected later. We boated the rest of the way to Alton with me only occasionally complaining of boredom.

Now tied up at Alton Marina and dripping wet from sweat, I started a crock pot chicken recipe while the ac got going good and strong. Clay decided we needed to reposition the anchor prior to hitting the pool, but he already had his cooler packed. Anchor positioning didn't go so good. Accident #1 aboard the SaSea Sally. My right index finger got smashed between chain links and the anchor shank as Clay yanked on the heavy point end. Four hours later found us back at the boat and ready to eat, but the interim involved a trip to Alton Memorial ER, 3 x-rays, 1 tetanus shot, 3 stitches, 2 broken bones, a 6-week splint, a 45-minute wait at WAG for an antibiotic, and $18 in cab fares (now realizing the disadvantage in not having wheels!). I vaso-vageled (term used by ER doc for light-headedness) at the ER, not having lost that much blood, but the idea of such must produce a psychological effect I guess. When we came out of the hospital we saw a beautiful cloud formation silhouetted by the sun in the background.

Dinner was good. I ate but had a glass of wine first and then ate, though not very hungry. I guess this kind of 'drama' or 'trauma' does that to you.

Amazingly, I'm not too sore today, neither the finger nor the tetanus-shot arm. It is H-O-T as we head toward Kimmswick. Locked through just fine and now continue down river. Life is an adventure, eh?

It's now Sunday morning and we are docked at Hoppies, Kimmswick with 2 other Looper boats, D Cea with Dave and Carol aboard, and Shady Acres with Ed and Sue aboard. D Cea folks are past CA marina owners now from FL; Sue is a nurse and Ed, a paramedic, from NY. Hoppies dock master Fern and her daughter Debbie gave their chart talk yesterday late afternoon to brief us all on the upcoming stretch of river. I missed the talk as I desperately wanted a shower and needed to dress my wound. Next, cocktails aboard the D Cea which included non-stop conversation. Nice folks with plenty of life experiences and commentary to share. Happy Hour ran late...that seems to be a common occurrence...so I was most appreciative to have leftovers left over! Clay helped with dishes; I'm finding my finger to be a big inconvenience which is making some simple tasks exhausting. My hand is tired of holding my pointer at constant attention!

The overnight here was uneventful. Fern had tied the boat in prep for possible storms; don't think we had any. But a loud 'pecking' noise awakened me at 1:11 am, then kept me awake most of the rest of the night. I got Clay to investigate but I was right there beside him as we walked the deck; he doesn't wake up too easily and I feared man overboard. He determined fish were feeding off the accumulated plant growth on the bottom of the boat and possible critters. Pesky fish!

We're supposed to have afternoon storms which will bring a welcomed cool down. Even more welcome by the fact we will be anchoring out the next few nights on our way to Green Turtle Bay on Lake Barkley.
Weel, here's to Sunday and all that it may bring.