Dec 282016
 

We decided to take the courtesy van to the “downtown” of Grand River to visit the Christmas display put on by Patti’s Restaurant.  A million light display set out by a local that has had business here since 1880.  Beautiful lights in the 40 degree weather.

As we stopped at the grocery store to stock up the temp dropped.  The night was a chilly 32 F.  Setting up the heaters as well as the onboard air/heat which were set to full tilt kept us warm for the night.  Anyone traveling these parts needs portable heaters, toques, scarves and long johns.  It gets chilly even during the first part of the day.

We woke to 32 with frost on the entire boat, ropes and slippery decks everywhere.  We shoved off from GTB at 7:-00 AM with our sites set on Clifton Marina some 133 miles away.  Great mild winds and no locks made that trip easy.  Beautiful rock cliffs and houses on stilts set very high were interesting sites. We passed a few tow and barges but the river is so very wide that it too is easy.  The sun was shining as we ran the gen to stay warm with our extra layers of clothing.  Even with the sun the morning was cold.  The day warmed up to about 50 degrees but we didn’t notice it much until we stopped.

Clifton Marina has everything we need.  A courtesy car is available to head into town.  The main street is lit up with Christmas lights.  Restaurant, restrooms, and friendly folks who also offered covered slips for the rain coming tonight.  As we sit on the transient dock we decide to have dinner and make it a movie night.  Aiden has homework to do and he really wants to get the overwith while he has wifi.

 Posted by at 11:04 PM
Dec 282016
 

Leaving the amazing Clarksville Marina early this morning wasn’t too bad with the sun shining and temps in the 40’s. Every book will say that there is no marina at Clarksville. It is so new and offers the transient boater lots of amenities. Don’t miss this beautiful city as you make your way to Nashville.

We passed several barges on the sides of the river receiving their bounty. From sand, grain, coal, scrap metal and the odd combustible barges were being filled on the shores. We passed a ferry that catered to the motorist wanting to pass over The Cumberland. Fort Donelson with its canons facing west at the ready for The Union and Confederate battle that took place at the civil war are seen easily by any passing boat. The migrating egrets that were stationed on sandbars by the thousands were a gorgeous site on a sunny day.

On the shore is the maximum security state penitentiary that houses Kentucky’s worst criminals. It still uses the electric chair. The prison was constructed in the 1800’s and looks more like a castle than it does a prison.

Cruising along the river we eventually get to Barkley Lake where it widens into open spaces with several spots to anchor. We are headed to Green Turtle Bay Marina but not before we pass several fisherman in their camo boats and decoys by the hundreds. This is serious duck hunting grounds. The odd tree stands at full attention on a sand bar in the middle of no where.

Upon reaching GTB Marina we diesel up and find our slip in #5. I start laundry and the boys head off for a hike. Domestic chores have to be done so vacuuming is a must too. The boys come back excited about seeing 7 deer or reindeer. They had long tails. There is a feeder that sprays feed at exactly 7:00 AM so the deer come around at various times just to find the odd dropping from the mornings feast.

We do take a swim in the indoor pool area where Aiden tries out his new face mask, snorkel and fins. Perfect fit. Thanks Aunt Heather and Uncle Joe. we have keys to the courtesy jeep and need a few groceries. Also we’re off to see the city of Grand River and its Christmas Lights at Patti’s Restaurant where they do a million light display until January. I’m sure we’ll have pics for tomorrow’s post.

 Posted by at 12:17 AM