Friday the 13th of August to Sunday 15th

Cumberland River to Lake Barkley (Kentucky)

We left Diversion Canal bright and early at 8:30 am ( yes John was awake) after walking Cutter on the mud incline bank. There were no marinas, fuel or green green grass stops for the next 170 miles. We did have a 40 foot dock in Paducka Kentucky on the Ohio River. The most barge traffic and wakes we have seen in a long while. Cutter took advantage of the brown, brown gravel. As we finished the 70 mile trip up the Ohio, and turned into the Cumberland River, around 2:30 in the afternoon, we made the decision to go the extra 35 miles to the marina for the evening instead of another night at anchor.

We arrived at Barkley Lock as anticipated at 5 o'clock. The lock master said he had a single going down and a double going up and he would get to us as soon as possible. Find a spot in the shade. Unfortunately this translated to a 5 hour delay. The marina was .5 miles past the lock.

Finally, at 10 P.M. that's in the late, dark hot night. we got through the lock. A barge was waiting to enter as we left, but he left us enough room to pass, cautiously. We stumbled around in the darkness and discovered the channel to the marina was not marked on our GPS. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. A boat appeared behind us and asked if we were headed to Green Turtle Bay Marina, because we we about to run aground. We greatly appreciated following Gordon, the Tow Boat US driver into the marina, and our slip. After walking Cutter, we made it to the bar, only to find the manager locking up. When you are lucky, you're lucky, she opened the door and came back with a large bag of ice, so we could make a margarita on the boat. How long is this lucky spell going to last??

Saturday we woke up at the crack of dawn 11 A.M. Marina Days Celebration was in full swing. Home Made Ice cream, corn dogs , Italian ice, a rock climbing wall , and other family activities. Vicky found a manicure at the spa. Around 5 they had a band and fireworks ended the festivities.
We talked with the folks in the homemade ice cream booth.

couldn't pass up a photo of some of the turtles for Erin and Sammie.

We stayed a second day to recoup from the 2 LONG days of travel.