Two locks and traveling over 53 miles we made it in the dark
to Kentucky Dam Marina.
The first Ohio River lock at 52 we waited for 2 ½ hours with 3 other vessels. We were able to anchor instead of constantly circling around waiting for the lock. Commercial traffic has the right of way and they were backed up all along the shore!!! Once on our way again we passed the free day dock at Paducah and decided to take the Tennessee River where the Kentucky Lock just re-opened. We heard that they were not taking commercial vessels, and had the lock open for pleasure crafts. Well that information proved to be false, after traveling 22 miles down the Tennessee River we could see a barge pulling into the lock. We waited there for 3 ½ hours and we entered the lock at dusk. We were the only ones in the lock with the lights shining on us and looking up the tall 57 foot slimy wall was an eerie feeling. Once out of the lock we were in the dark and pecking our way to Kentucky Dam marina. We had some sharp turns to make around the break walls and the marina docks were dark. I was holding a flashlight so Ken could see to back into the tight slip!! Once hooked up to shore power we were ready to call it a night…after I cook supper.
The first Ohio River lock at 52 we waited for 2 ½ hours with 3 other vessels. We were able to anchor instead of constantly circling around waiting for the lock. Commercial traffic has the right of way and they were backed up all along the shore!!! Once on our way again we passed the free day dock at Paducah and decided to take the Tennessee River where the Kentucky Lock just re-opened. We heard that they were not taking commercial vessels, and had the lock open for pleasure crafts. Well that information proved to be false, after traveling 22 miles down the Tennessee River we could see a barge pulling into the lock. We waited there for 3 ½ hours and we entered the lock at dusk. We were the only ones in the lock with the lights shining on us and looking up the tall 57 foot slimy wall was an eerie feeling. Once out of the lock we were in the dark and pecking our way to Kentucky Dam marina. We had some sharp turns to make around the break walls and the marina docks were dark. I was holding a flashlight so Ken could see to back into the tight slip!! Once hooked up to shore power we were ready to call it a night…after I cook supper.
 |
| Olmstead Lock and Dam under construction where we anchored just across the river. |
 |
| We were told that there were up to 30 vessels waiting to lock at 53 on the Ohio River. Here is one of the barges pushed up against the bank waiting to lock through with a load of coal. We waited over 2 1/2 hours to lock with 3 other pleasure boats. |
 |
| Kentucky Lock |
Ken steading the boat and holding her off the lock wall.
No comments:
Post a Comment