Paducah to Green Turtle Bay Marina (Grand Rivers, KY)

Sunday, September 22, 2019
Day 37 on the Loop – Paducah to Grand Rivers, KY (Green Turtle Bay Marina) (38.6 miles)

It was nice to get a more relaxed start to the day since we only had about 45 miles to go today, and one lock to go through.   Our berth last night was on the shore side of the floating dock at Paducah, which was nice since it protected us from the wakes of passing tows.

We had thought about joining other Loopers going to brunch in Paducah, but decided that with a lock to go through (which always is a roll of the dice for time) we would start earlier.

After a short time on the Ohio River we transitioned to the Cumberland.   Whereas the Ohio had been very wide, the Cumberland was much smaller, and a bit more scenic.  It was also interspersed some large gravel pits and the occasional tow.

Gravel plant along the Cumberland River

In one instance the tow called us on the radio to discuss a passing situation, but in most cases it was us calling them to ask which side ("On the One" or "On the Two") they wanted us to pass by, or overtake, them.

The "one" and "two" directions are actually pretty simple.   I keep a yellow sticky not on my window to remind me that "one" means turn right, and "two" means turn left.  This applies whether you are meeting the tow head-to-head or are passing them.

In mid-afternoon we arrived at the Barkley Dam.  Most of the times the radio traffic with lockmasters is fairly short, with directions to keep clear until the lock is opened and ready for us to enter and then some instructions about which side to tie up on.

In this case the lockmaster was giving us detailed instructions, and was very concerned because a tow boat (with no barges) would be at the front of the lock and would be putting out a strong wake when he left.   The lockmaster could not remember the names of our boats and kept on getting them confused.  As we were tying up (I was rafting up to Tom and Patti in Gemini Gypsy) he began regaling us with stories about his trip to Honduras and then started telling us his favorite recipe from that country.    Sitting on the deck in 95 degree heat I was not much into his recipe, and was looking forward to completing the 57' lift. but we did eventually get through the lock and made the short run to Green Turtle Bay marina.

Ready to be lifted 57' at Barkley Dam


Kathleen hard at work on the aft deck!

My friends Tom and Patti have their lovely dog Calli with them on board Gemini Gypsy.  It was good to get some pup time in.

Calli ready for some play time

The day ended with a very nice dinner at the Commonwealth Yacht Club, that is part of the Green Turtle Bay facility.  Loopers are allowed entrance while staying at the marina.  It was a fun dinner with Tom and Patti from Gemini Gypsy and  Ethan and from




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