Day #24 Kenlake, KY

Well we ventured out today in some wind and waves and got to Kenlake Marina, KY.which is a state park, about an hour away.  It's still sunny here  but in the low 70's. Yesterday the high was 85!  It was really windy "all night long". Poor Scot got up numerous times to check out what was making all the noise on the boat; mops, empty cans, flags, etc.
We borrowed the owner's truck and went shopping to Walmart in Murray, KY. We are just so lucky to have met such wonderful people along the way to help us out. We are still in a dry county, so we are rashioning our reserves.
After stashing our goodies on the boat, we ate lunch at Cindy's, a restaurant on the floating barge with the marina office. We had a delicious pulled pork sandwich with some potato salad that was mixed with sour cream instead of mayo.
It's great to be at a marina to get supplies, electricity, water, wi-fi connections and some exercise walking.

Scot's last day of vacation is today ....tomorrow is his official retirement date  :)

Day#23- Ewes Bay, Higgins Lake

 

Well, it only took about 45 minutes to get to this beautiful spot. We set anchor and hopped in the dinghy to explore the Brown Cemetary and hiked a bit on the camp site trail. What a gorgeous, warm and sunny day. We met some  people on a sailboat from Louisville, KY. on a boat named Fresh Aire. We complemented them on their river system and that they were lucky to live here and enjoy the scenery. "Blue Angel" had some friends "Tellico Lady" anchor out with us for the night.  Tomorrow we will be going to the Kenlake State Park where we can hook up to electricity, get more supplies and download more pictures. We are enjoying the warm sunshine because the next couple of days will be cooler, especially at night.

Day #22 - Sugar Bay

Cruised off to Sugar Bay yesterday which was less than an hour away. We found a beautiful little cove to anchor. In the afternoon we took a dinghy ride to a boat launch and went on a little hike around a campsite. We were able to fit in a scrabble game late afternoon and had to finish up after dinner. I managed to beat Scot again...actually I been pretty lucky with the games this week.
At 10:00am we will be taking off again to go to Ewes Bay which is less than 2 hours away. We try to charge up our batteries on our little jaunts, but we still have to run the generator at night, about an hour,  to charge up again. Weather should be in the 80's today but cooler for the rest of the weekend. No rain in sight for the next 10 days! 

Welcome to our new followers....it's so nice to have you aboard!

Day #21-Duncan Bay

We anchored at Duncan Bay on Tuesday. I'm one day behind due to no intenet access. We took the dinghy to a cove area looking for an old cementary but couldn't find it, but we saw some wild life. There were some red wolves. Needless to say, I didn't want to a venture off the dinghy and encounter a hungry four footed animal. So we went back to the boat and read some books, cooked pork chops on the grill. Scot fixed my favorite dish, spinach and artichoke dip to accompany our entree.
Heading off to Sugar Bay...not far away...hoping that I have internet services.
Thanks for cruising along with us on our trip.

Day #20 - Pisgah Bay, KY Lake

Thought we better leave the easy marina life and head out to explore some bays around KY Lake.
It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day and we cruised about an hour to our next anchorage "home" for the night. Went on our dinghy to explore the graffitti in an old quarry site. What a beautiful and quiet anchorage today. Scot had to get up about five times during the night because we left the dinghy down and it was making a lot of clatter hitting the swim platform  which kept us up.

All is well on the river except  when you don't see a post is when I have no internet connections, so I usually post when we're under way the next morning.

Day #19- Still @ Kentucky Dam Marina

Oh, what a wet day here!!! Rain, lightning and thunder continuously and temps  in the low 60's. therefore we decided to spend another day at the marina. We had lots of time to tidy up and learned how to  put pictures in our blog, so please go back and check them out. Got a call from our house checker, and he said that things were fine...thanks Doug for your time and committment.

 

We played scrabble and watched a little TV to wind down the night.

Day #18 - Still on the Tennessee River

Still enjoying the river.  We were invited to a cookout hosted by our marina, Kentucky Dam Marina tonight. What a spread....pork, chicken, coleslaw, rolls, pork & beans, scalloped potatoes,etc. Then they had a raffle drawing and I (Nancy) won a 50%  off coupon at the marina store. I had my eye on an item that I really didn't want to pay full price for.....so now I can buy it!
The weather forecast calls for rain all day tomorrow, so we might stay here for another day. People are really friendly around here. Met Thomas B, 45 Nordic Tug, a very gorgeous boat, who has a condo in Clearwater, and told us to contact him when we are in his area. He said that Clearwater has changed so much that we wouldn't even recognize the downtown area. Scot and I love that area after vacationing with the kids during spring breaks when visiting Scot's parents in Port Richey.

"Thomas B"

 

                                     Life is good.....relax, enjoy or pray for a better tomorrow.

Day #17 - Tennessee River

Jim, Sharon, Scot and I soaking up the sun

We didn't go very far today to seek out another marina to enjoy the lakes around here. It was a beautiful day even after all the rain we got last night. We are now at the Kentucky Lake Dam Marina. It's really quiet and cozy. We will spend a couple more days around here to enjoy the area. Yesterday shopping at Walmart for supplies in Paducah and to some other small town today to check out their wares.
It feels like summer here...another day in my swimsuit :) 
Thanks to Mark for repairing our front window on our bimini cover....I can see clearly now... what a difference it has made. We have been really "chilly" looking out with the window open. It required wearing winter gear for warmth.
Looking forward to another warm, sunny day, here in Kentucky.

Day#16 - Barkley Lake

Well after anchoring in a beautiful cove near the Land Between The Lakes, we motored to Green Turtle Marina, about 20 minutes upstream. We were able to borrow the courtesty car to go to Paducah, KY to shop at Walmart for supplies with our friends from Blue Angel. Britta shipped our oven part here and Scot installed it, but spent the rest of the day trying to get the oven to light....bummer.
We're off to another marina on Kentucky Lake tomorrow. It is really beautiful here. It was partly cloudy with some rain, but in the 60's. Can't complain. Love to all.

Going into a lock

Day#15 - Lake Barkley, KY

Glad to be off the Ohio river. We took the Cumberland River Waterway which was a very pleasant ride without commercial traffic. Thank goodness that the fog lifted and the sun came out to warm us up along the way today. It felt like summer instead of the first day of fall.  Went "up" through a couple locks today. The first one was only 10 feet but the second one near Barclay Lake lifted us up 57 feet! Amazing.

What a beautiful place to anchor for the night. It was great to see stars, especially the Big Dipper tonight.  We found a quiet, cozy spot off Barclay Lake. Tomorrow we'll be at Green Turtle Marina for a couple days to rest, recoup and buy supplies.

Day #14 - Ohio River

 

Well, no service on the Ohio River last night so now an update for yesterday. We were able to anchor our boat right on the river out of the way of all other boat traffic. It was a long day yesterday and didn't anchor until about 6:30pm . We were heading up the Ohio River which has a current and an east wind that we were bucking heads with yesterday. At times we were only going 4.8 knots. On the Mississippi River we were going down the river at 12 knots! 
Today, Wednesday, when we got up, there was some fog. We were able to take off at 6:50am, our usual time we like to head out. No sleeping in on this trip! We were used to getting up everyday anyway @ 5:45 before retirement.
It has turned into a beautiful sunny and warm morning after the fog lifted. We went through Lock #52 and at this lock we went up about 10 feet. I was getting used to going down in the locks so this way was a new learning experience.  It's also hard to believe that we've been on our trip for two weeks now.
Thanks to everyone who has sent us well wishes and updates.

Day #13 ...Still on the Mississippi

 

Wow, what a day! We traveled over 110 miles today...phew. We had speeds up to 12.5 knots following the current. Of course it was still a little bit rainy all the way, but finally the sun came out when we anchored at  our destination, Little Diversion Channel, near Cape Girardeau, MO. One green little sailboat that was also anchored by us, played "Amazing Grace" at sunset on his bagpipes. Truly, that was a very nice welcoming and a miracle in disguise. I really appreciated that after a long day on the river. Another day on the Mississippi, but heading up the Ohio River to Kentucky Lake.

Day #12 - Missouri River

Left about 6:30am and passes through two locks without waiting....that's a miracle. Past the arch in St. Louis about 10:00am. Then it started to rain, couple thunder and lightenings. Couldn't believe how much barge traffic was going on out here today....guess that's their job!
We are tied up at Hoppie's Marina, in Kimmswick, MO.  Not as fancy as it was last night in Afton, IL. I'm working on including pictures....You have to see Hoppie's, its not the Holiday Inn, but a barge to tie up to for the night.
I would like to see more sunshine and warm weather, but we are cherishing every minute of our trip.

Day #11 - Finally on the Mississippi River....

Sorry no blog last night. We anchored on the Illinois River but had no services available. Sure was peaceful though. Went to bed before 8:30.....up again @ 5:50am... as usual. We need to get a good start in the morning as soon as it gets light out. Cruised about 60 miles today. We are now tied up at Alton Marina in Alton, IL.  Going out to eat at Fast Eddy's tonight with our Looper Harbor Master and Blue Angel, our buddy boat. Still on the cool side and a few drops of rain and wind on our nose.
Right now watching ND/MSU game.....Go Irish!
Someday it will warm up and be sunny....Still enjoy the wildlife along the river banks.
Thanks to all of our family and  friends that are following our adventure.

Day #10 - On the River

Got up bright and early but have to call the lock to see when they will be able to accommodate our pleasure boats to go through the lock in Peoria. They said to come in 20 minutes, but when we got there they said that  we had to wait for about 3 hours to go through the Peoria Locks. Thank goodness it was sunny and warmer by the time because that morning it was about 41 degrees. Burr....Love my cuddle duds!
Had to venture into a cove area to anchor for the night. There was a big barge ahead of us and we decided not to follow him at 2 knots. Hopefully we will get an early start and make some  headway.
Thanks to all of you that are following our blog and especially thanks to Blue Angel that has been showing us "all the ropes".
Remember:  Follow your dreams.

Day #9 - Peoria, IL

Well we made it to Peoria, IL. yesterday around noonish. We had to stop here because Blue Angel's computer needed some more repairs @ Best Buy. Jumping carp still entertain us on the river.
Pretty cool and rainy all afternoon. Scot and I explored on land and found an Irish Pub and ate lunch @ Scully's which is a luxury while looping. 
It's a beautiful morning and we were ready to roll, but called ahead to the Peoria Locks. It will be a 2 hr. delay due to a couple barges waiting to go through. So no hurry, might as well wait here at our slip with electricity downtown Peoria.
Hopefully we can travel longer in the days ahead. We like to make at least 50-60 miles every day, which hasn't proven possible thus far.
What a beautiful sunrise to start the day........Thanks to everyone who is following us. It always great to hear from you!

Day #7 - Take me to the river......

Wow, what a beautiful day on the river! Visited Starved Rock Lock area for a couple hours enjoying the scenery while we were waiting to go into the lock.  When we got out of the locks, we enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather but it got a bit windy out of the North.  The huge barges are still amazing to share the river with and so excited to see the jumping Asian carp around  Senachwine Lake today.   Blue Angel had one  jump in their dinghy!
Tried to anchor in a small inlet near Henry, IL , but it was too shallow, so we are anchored on the river after 10 hours of sight seeing!   It really is beautiful. Lots of wild life to observe, eagles, cranes, egrets, osprey and flies.
Its hard to believe that we have been on our trip for a week now. It truly has been  amazing and educational.

Day #6 - Senaca, IL

Got up early to sneek into a lock with Blue Angel@ 7:00am. It pays to leave early. The locks are an experience in themselves. The weather was warm, sunny but extra breezy from the south, of course, the direction that we're were going into. Went through another lock and still is amazing how far down you go (like 30 feet ) and then they open the gates, then you go like heck to get out of there. You feel like you are in  a horse race!
We saw lots of barge trafftic today, but with Blue Angel and their AIS instrument, they let us know if any barges were coming down the river. After the last lock, Blue Angel said "You lead the way!". Wow, we thought, he trusts us :). We were able to see more more wild life without watching a boat in front of us. Thank you Jim :)
We are tied up at a marina in Senaca. It was so good to get out of the wind and white caps off of the Illinois River. Really, it reminded me of Lake Michigan!
It really can be very stressful watching all the barge traffic, but if you communicate they are very accomodating.
Yesterday, I was not a happy camper.....I must admit. With all the barge traffic, water turmoil, and probably dehydrated, I learned my lesson. Thank goodness Scot understood everything that I was going through. Today was much a better day.
Thanks to all of our family and friends that are praying and following us on our "honeymoon" adventure. Really, I can say that we will be different people when we return. Nature has been beautiful and worth the trip! Slow down and enjoy the ride.

Day #5 - Joliet, IL

Wow....what a ride today on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The Chicago downtown waterway was so neat to experience. We went through two locks and saw a few number of barges....and they were huge enough to stop personal boat traffic! Disappointed that I didn't see any Asian jumping carp.... I guess that's good news for Lake Michigan.
Saw  our wonderful friends, Pat & Sue Cavanaugh today along shipping canal in Lemont, IL. They took some pictures and waved at us along the way. They joined us later on our boat and we wined and dined together and shared some wonderful memories about how life was and how we all will try to look toward the future. Thanks Pat & Sue...we love you.
Last night there were fireworks at Navy Pier and we saw more tonight in Joliet, IL. More and more "looper" boats are passing by. That's a good sign....guess we're on the right river!
Life is good... try to enjoy every single day to the fullest!

Day #4 - Yes, Chicago

What a beautiful ride from St. Joe to Chicago, 54 miles and 9 hrs. later we anchored at the playpen. It was wonderful to see sunshine again. We  quickly put on our swimsuits. I wanted to get some color and Scot wanted to go for a swim! We were able to pick up Britta and bring her aboard.  After she left, we were admiring the beauty of the Chicago skyline. Wow! It's like looking at stars in the night sky. We are getting ready to go down the Chicago River and I am so excited for my first lock.

Bonnie, thanks for warm socks. Big thank-you to Blue Angel who was beside all the way from St. Joe to Chicago. It sure was nice to have a boat buddy beside you who has so much experience under their belt and willing to share it.

Day #3 - St. Joe, MI.....hopefully last port in MI

Left @ 7:00am. Winds were North and kind of chilly. Nothing like wearing our winter gear already!
There were some rollers (big waves) left over from the last couple days.  Nice sunrise but then clouds rolled in. Got into St. Joe @ 1:00pm and tied to the wall at the downtown park. Scot and I rode bikes for some needed exercise. The town sure has changed after a couple years and our favorite "spots" are gone. Rain kicked in about 4:00pm. Guess it's the after effects from the hurricanes.
Heading to Chicago tomorrow, anchoring  near Navy Pier and hoping Britta came come aboard for a visit. Thanks to the Blue Angel who is still cruising with us. It's nice to have some company!

Day #2 - Saugatuck .....again

Had to stay another day in Saugatuck. Mother Nature was taking her course today with some winds and waves. Tomorrow, heading off to South Haven or weather permitting going all the way to St. Joe. then heading across to Chicago on Sat. am. to visit Britta.

Day #1 - Bon Voyage

Well, we made it to Saugatuck today. It was a very nice trip under glass up above,  keeping  the chill out, had some sun on our side and waves were about one to two feet.   The temperature of the water on Lake Michigan was 41 degrees. We could see out breath!  Burr, thank goodness we're heading south.
After anchoring, we could feel the winds picking up out of the north. Went to town to explore and came  back to "home".  We noticed that our "new" anchor was not holding us with the wind, so we decided to re-anchor, which proved to be a wise decision!
Thanks to all of our friends with the big send-off today from Pigeon Lake. We have the best neighbors.  Also a big thank you to the Chester's for sharing some "cheer".
Not sure what tomorrow will bring.......At least Saugatuck is a great harbor, my favorite :)
Thanks for all the support and well wishes from everyone.

Photo from Dave & Mary Visser

Bags are packed ready to go.....tomorrow.

Plans have changed once again.......We will be taking off tomorrow Wednesday morning @ 9:00am and will be anchoring in Saugatuck, my favorite harbor. Hopefully it will warm up a bit more later on this week. Thanks for all the phone calls, visits and warm wishes from all of our friends and family. Especially thanks to all my dear friends that took my plants. Lucky, our bird, is enjoying life so far in Chicago with Britta.