Crisscrossing KY and TN State Lines

Trip Day:	215	Latitude:	33°30.03 ' N	Locks Today:	0
Miles Today:	42	Longitude:	088°03.58'W	Locks Total:	95
Total Miles:	4,524	Location:	Fort Heiman Cove,  KY

Rain pelted our cabin hatch for several hours last night so we took our time rolling out of bed this morning.  Gray, threatening skies greeted us as we peered out making it an easy decision to walk up the hill to the Dockside Café for breakfast before leaving.  Our three days in the marina were a nice respite and we are eager to travel again.  By nine o’clock we had said our farewells at the office, checked the weather forecast and were ready to shove off.  Within a half hour I had onions sautéing in a skillet for the start of a pot of chili for dinner tonight.  

Strangely, heading south on the Tennessee River means  going UPstream.  Cloudy skies were a disappointment because we were entering bald eagle country.  For the next 40 miles the east side of Kentucky Lake is the Land Between the Lakes separating Barkley and Kentucky Lakes.  For those traveling on land, the LBL means campgrounds, picnic areas and 200 miles of trails.  The little bays in this area have abundant    anchorages, but it was only ten o’clock when we reached Pisgah Bay.  We entered just to savor the beauty of this preserve and capture the graffiti on the rock wall of  the old stone quarry.   It was an amazing sight and the hole in the middle of the area was 100 feet deep.  

The gloomy gray skies tried to hide the beauty of the river, to no avail.  Rich colors were evident even without the sun to add highlights.  There was no marker, but we crossed the state line; Tennessee is now on both sides of the waterway.

By noon, the wind was no longer on the nose so we unfurled the jib—the motor was still running, but we rejoiced in setting a sail!

 By mid-afternoon with 40 miles behind us, we pulled into this little cove at Cypress Creek. We noticed a sign showing we had crossed back into Kentucky as we entered the cove.  Ron dropped the anchor in 12 feet of water and we settled back, taking in the view. 

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11th - GRAND RIVERS, KY

Ron scrubbed the outside and I cleaned the inside.  It felt so good to have a clean space once again.  I am sure the spiders will be thankful for our efforts. 

The hulls and topside of the boat really need waxing and buffing, but will have to wait until we are in our home port.  Perhaps our grandkids will volunteer to help Poppy with that chore!

We had time to walk the dock this afternoon and see a few people we have met before along the way.  One couple on a large trawler are recovering from having their 8 and 10 year-old grandchildren fly in from Texas to spend several days with them.  This is a great place for kids to visit since there is an indoor pool and interesting places to visit nearby, including Nashville.

Snow Cat arrived, then late in the afternoon they were hauled to have their damaged props replaced.  Bernie and Don were taking it in stride.

Ron insisted I treat myself to a haircut and pedicure at the onsite spa—didn’t have to twist my arm too long.  By the time I returned he had the Halloween decorations hung and we enjoyed a peaceful afternoon followed by popcorn and a Netflix movie night!

A Salute to our Troops sent by our friend Cathy. . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=QEGlsHS6tSQ