LOOP Report 10/11/2004

October 11, 2004 - Thanksgiving!

Have arrived at Lighthouse Landing Marina in the Kentucky Lakes October 10th.. Getting here has been OK except for finding good anchorage. First night used a lock wall thanks to a lockmaster. The 125 foot cruiser “ Mimi “pulled in behind us with their other boat travelling with them , a 56’ Grand Banks Trawler. Next night we followed a cruiser in between mud banks behind an island out of the way of tows which come by all night long. Picked our way in on a line he gave us missing tree stumps in 1 foot depth below our keel into 9 foot water to anchor, did not move an inch with our 30’ of chain out. Next day down river, much the same, lots of industry, hydro plants using plenty of coal barged to their docks. Also saw our largest tow being 6 wide and 6 long for 36 barges being pushed by one mighty big tug. Went passed the town of Cairo and entered the Ohio River leaving The Grand Mississippi behind. Finally passed the town of Paducah going from The Ohio River into the Tennesee River and onwards to Barkley Dam and Lock. Just in time to lock in with the Delta Queen Paddlewheeler. A lot of people on board in evening attire looking down on us as we slid along side up to the front gates. Sunset on way in and ride up 57 feet and into darkness in the Kentucky Lakes with the paddlewheeler playing their Calliopi. Found a marina slowly by picking our way in with spotlights and much discussion with crew. Will stay a day to shop and have our Thanksgiving dinner at dock. If we don’t pump out the heads/tanks today we surely will need to tomorrow before or next departure. Have seen our first rain in awhile here.