August 11 to 13 The Mississippi and Ohio Rivers

For the next 218 miles we will be on the Mississippi River

Warnings of Swift Currents, 3 stops and few anchorages and minimum green green grass for Cutter makes this part of the trip less than exciting.

Photo of "the Arch" as we cruised by A SLICE OF AMERICANA was our next stop.
Hoppies Marine Services was the last place to get fuel and supplies until Green Turtle Bay on the Cumberland River. Fern, a walking encyclopedia of the Mississippi River and Hoppies wife, told Vicky all the navigational intricacies of the next 274 miles to Green Turtle. Her white hair, chain smoking and friendly raspy voice reminded both of us of Vicky's grandmother.

Hoppies, is two steel barges joined together is located at mile 158.5.

The canopy provided a resort type gathering spot for boaters and visitors to relax and watch barges travel up and down the Mississippi while thinking about sipping on non-existing mint juleps.

Taking Fern's advice, we stopped at Little Diversion Channel mile 48.8 right near Cape Girardeau, Mo. This is another word for runoff water ditch. Vicky was happy to be off the Mississippi to spend a peaceful night without the wakes of passing barges. Still had 8 foot trees floating into our boat

The steep muddy bank of the Channel offered Cutter quite a challenge.

The restful evening found a tire floating our way.

Back on the Mississippi, 48.8 miles to the Ohio River as the current pushed us to a speed of 17 knots.

We passed a Fort on the Ohio River, but to John's disappointment we could not dock to visit it.
Shortly after this we passed the city of Paducah, KY. Fern advised us of the steel floating city dock, 50 ft. by 30 ft. amongst the many wakes of the busy commercial vehicles. Cutter was glad we stopped for him.

Approximately 60 miles up the Ohio is the entrance to the Cumberland. The color on the Ohio changed from muddy brown to dark green with a distinctive line as we turned onto it. the Ohio was a much gentler upstream journey.

We passed the last anchorage early in the day and decided to make the next 30 miles to the marina. Should be there by 5 o'clock.

It is hard to believe as you travel this peaceful waterway the next turn holds such industry

We will be on the winding, scenic Cumberland river for about 33 miles.