TURTLES EVERYWHERE

Phew! After turning onto the Ohio River our paced changed dramatically. The Mississippi current was so swift that we traveled at 10 to 14 knots which is 3 to 5 knots faster than normal cruise speed at same RPMs. We even hit Sea C’s all time speed record of 21.5 knots (approx 25 mph…a brief carbon blow out) . Once we hit the Ohio River we started traveling up stream against the current and our cruise dropped to 6 to 8 knots as we seemed to crawl to Paducah, KY public wall. The outside temperature was a toasty 96 degrees with no wind and direct sun so it took its toll.

Paducah is an interesting town with a rich history including severe flooding. This town has seen many o’ floods and as a result, have built themselves a mighty cement wall. In order to make this monstrosity a tourist attraction it is adorned with amazing murals depicting the history along with bronze plaques describing the images in detail. Paducah had that quaint, southern feel with an artsy flare. By this time we have met quite a few wonderful people such as Mountain Wave and Nepidea who we dined with last night.

Flood retaining wall / Town history story board

We left the next day for the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky with 3 other boats that included a three hour lock wait at the Kentucky Lock. Sounds like a long wait but it is very relaxing anchoring in front of the lock and enjoying the summer-like weather and a nice lunch.

We arrived at Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina by 3:30 – with enough time to take a walk and enjoy some free chips and salsa at happy hour at the Thirsty Turtle. We spent 3 days relaxing, exercising, doing laundry, biking to town, provisioning and meeting many new people. There were over 28 looper boats in the marina and the only disturbing part about this was hearing how many people were laid up for several days waiting for parts or being pulled due to damage incurred on the crazy rivers.

It was super nice to slow down and smell the roses. It’s such a beautiful area around these parts and after feeling like we were moving at a fast pace and dealing with dangerous flood conditions/debris it was a welcome respite to get to know the people on the boats that you’ve been following, anchoring near or locking through with.