Fueling up at Green Turtle Bay Ky.!! WE DID IT...270 miles with half a tank left!Whoo Hoo!! Our first big way-point completed...the famous Green Turtle Bay marina. Situated in a vast open waterway type setting called "Land Between the Lakes" Kentucky. Due to the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, and the Cumberland River fluctuating in water level throughout the year (and not to mention the fast currents;) there is no spot to build a marina or a fuel dock between Hoppies Marina Mo. which was 270 miles back on the Mississippi. Since the ol'e "S.S. Lin II" only gets 2.2 mpg with 400 gal capacity...the math makes you instantly think...hmmm we can't run the gas hog of a generator on board much (which runs all the comforts of home!!) Dear Lord when I pull in to dock I am pumping gas and hitting the nearest shower facility!! We have two showers on board; one in the back cabin and mine in the front cabin. But there will not be enough hot water on board for how long I plan to just stand in there!
A few shout outs are due at this point in the trip: Marty Haggerty for checking to make sure the scurvy was clearing up HaHaHa. As Marty and I discussed via text, Captain Steve's late night swims with the mermaids were not mermaids at all...those were catfish! Come on... ya didn't see the whiskers? He promised in the future to make sure he wears his glasses under the goggles when snorkeling! A shout out to Jessica and Paul Mizenko....Happy two year Anniversary!!
Clark and Ann Curley...On Dad's last visit the three of them were discussing an old captains trick of placing a red and green marker side by side on the fly bridge council to make sure that you keep between the correct colored buoys when navigating the rivers. The channel you travel down (your road in a way) on inland waters are marked on each side with a red "nun" buoy, and on the other side, a green "can" buoy depending if you are heading North or South. You pretty much travel between the two buoys...that simple. Sometimes the river shifts course, therefore you need to flip flop the buoys in your head (red on port side, green on the starboard side and vice versa). Ann must have been listening very closely to the conversation since she stated that she had red & green coasters at the house and that Dad was welcome to them." Brilliant Ann! The coasters you gave Dad are perfect!! We can not thank you and Clark enough. Each time we look at the coasters we are reminded how much that simple little trick has helped us. I as well need to send out a little apology to my cousin Suzanne. I did not remember that you changed your name back to Schrader when I posted the previous blog. My bad...and again I had a great time catching up with you a few weeks ago!! And of course to all of my family, we miss all of you. Oh and nephew Brady and his baseball team...4-0!! You guys rock...keep up the wins!!
So just a few notes of advice and a couple of interesting tidbits along our way: Rivers have whirlpools!! What?...really? I do not remember reading that in the brochure before signing on! So we are cruising down the Miss where the Missouri River joins in. I am looking through the binoculars and I see some swirling up ahead...pretty good size. "Um....Dad...the river looks like it could turn your boat into a merry-go-round in about 200 feet?! Just letting you know as your navigator and all." "Hold on" is all I get in response from Dad! Let me tell you that bad boy had the power to turn the boat 360 degrees when we came near it if he didn't do his magic with the motors and steering. Wheeew 60 years growing up on the river came in handy there! So beware all who pass at Mississippi Mile Marker 195 near the canal entrance outside of St. Louis. Ok one last boat tidbit. Unless you are from the planet krypton and tool around in a red cape, you can not always hold on to the boat in a strong wind....let go of the frick'n rope!! Your back and hands will thank you! The rope is always tied somewhere....your not going to loose it. Wow I swore I saw smoke emanating from my hands when that rope went through them while setting an anchor hahaha.
Clark and Ann Curley...On Dad's last visit the three of them were discussing an old captains trick of placing a red and green marker side by side on the fly bridge council to make sure that you keep between the correct colored buoys when navigating the rivers. The channel you travel down (your road in a way) on inland waters are marked on each side with a red "nun" buoy, and on the other side, a green "can" buoy depending if you are heading North or South. You pretty much travel between the two buoys...that simple. Sometimes the river shifts course, therefore you need to flip flop the buoys in your head (red on port side, green on the starboard side and vice versa). Ann must have been listening very closely to the conversation since she stated that she had red & green coasters at the house and that Dad was welcome to them." Brilliant Ann! The coasters you gave Dad are perfect!! We can not thank you and Clark enough. Each time we look at the coasters we are reminded how much that simple little trick has helped us. I as well need to send out a little apology to my cousin Suzanne. I did not remember that you changed your name back to Schrader when I posted the previous blog. My bad...and again I had a great time catching up with you a few weeks ago!! And of course to all of my family, we miss all of you. Oh and nephew Brady and his baseball team...4-0!! You guys rock...keep up the wins!!
So just a few notes of advice and a couple of interesting tidbits along our way: Rivers have whirlpools!! What?...really? I do not remember reading that in the brochure before signing on! So we are cruising down the Miss where the Missouri River joins in. I am looking through the binoculars and I see some swirling up ahead...pretty good size. "Um....Dad...the river looks like it could turn your boat into a merry-go-round in about 200 feet?! Just letting you know as your navigator and all." "Hold on" is all I get in response from Dad! Let me tell you that bad boy had the power to turn the boat 360 degrees when we came near it if he didn't do his magic with the motors and steering. Wheeew 60 years growing up on the river came in handy there! So beware all who pass at Mississippi Mile Marker 195 near the canal entrance outside of St. Louis. Ok one last boat tidbit. Unless you are from the planet krypton and tool around in a red cape, you can not always hold on to the boat in a strong wind....let go of the frick'n rope!! Your back and hands will thank you! The rope is always tied somewhere....your not going to loose it. Wow I swore I saw smoke emanating from my hands when that rope went through them while setting an anchor hahaha.
Worked hard today (Sunday) getting her cleaned and restocked for the next way-point...The Bay at Mobile Alabama. We hit the Tennessee River first thing tomorrow and looking forward to some of the sight that fellow loopers have told us about. Have a great week everyone!! Ahoy...
Wow - this is way overdue...But thanks for the Anniversary wishes!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a wonderful trip...Be safe!
Jess