Look closely at the top of the tree - there is a Bald Eagle sitting on it.
We left late today - 7 a.m.! The Cumberland was a very narrow river, which twisted and turned past small commercial areas, and had tree-lined scenic areas along its banks. We saw vultures, blue herons, and our second bald eagle of the trip along the way. There were no other boats or barges on our journey, but the current was running against us at a speed of at least 2 knots.
After 30 miles we finally faced formidable Barkley Lock with its lift of 57 feet. We proceeded into the chamber quickly, tied up to a floating bollard, and were lifted speedily into beautiful Lake Barkley. Green Turtle Bay Marina was only a mile beyond the lock, and we were quickly tied up by 2 p.m.
This was our first day in several to be able to walk on land! We also received a wonderful phone call upon our arrival from our dear friend and neighbor, Bob Bryant. He had just received word from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital that a kidney might be available for him so that he could receive a much-needed and prayed-for kidney transplant! He was awaiting word from the hospital after the kidney was tested for the go-ahead to drive to the facility for immediate transplant surgery. Our hopes and prayers were with him!
Al and Gayle invited us to "Falkor" for cocktails, and we decided that afterward we would go to "Patti's 1880's Settlement" for dinner to celebrate our week of travel. George decided before our visit to call Hank and Ceci aboard "Maya Lisa" to see where they were at this point. To our surprise, Hank said that they and 10 other "Looper" boats were in Barkley Lock, just around the corner from the marina, and would be coming in shortly!
What a sight this was a few minutes later! All these boats were lined up and coming into the marina, like a small parade! The boats had begun their trips from various locations in the U.S and Canada, and we knew some of the difficulties each and every one had to surmount to get here: just being "Carp Captives", "Lock Captives", and river travelers.
Everyone was happy to get here, and most looked tired, but ready to party. Aboard "Falkor" Gayle had made delicious home-made scones and a chicken curry spread for hors d'oeuvres. A restaurant van picked us up and we had a wonderful dinner at "Mr. Bill's", the partner restaurant of "Patti's" with the same great menu including their famous 2 inch pork chops. We also learned more about the Binningtons, their careers (professor of Veterinary Surgery, teacher of Chemistry), son and daughter (tug boat captain on the Great Lakes, physiotherapist), and their other boat (canal boat in France). We really enjoyed sharing a fascinating evening with this delightful couple.
After 30 miles we finally faced formidable Barkley Lock with its lift of 57 feet. We proceeded into the chamber quickly, tied up to a floating bollard, and were lifted speedily into beautiful Lake Barkley. Green Turtle Bay Marina was only a mile beyond the lock, and we were quickly tied up by 2 p.m.
This was our first day in several to be able to walk on land! We also received a wonderful phone call upon our arrival from our dear friend and neighbor, Bob Bryant. He had just received word from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital that a kidney might be available for him so that he could receive a much-needed and prayed-for kidney transplant! He was awaiting word from the hospital after the kidney was tested for the go-ahead to drive to the facility for immediate transplant surgery. Our hopes and prayers were with him!
Al and Gayle invited us to "Falkor" for cocktails, and we decided that afterward we would go to "Patti's 1880's Settlement" for dinner to celebrate our week of travel. George decided before our visit to call Hank and Ceci aboard "Maya Lisa" to see where they were at this point. To our surprise, Hank said that they and 10 other "Looper" boats were in Barkley Lock, just around the corner from the marina, and would be coming in shortly!
What a sight this was a few minutes later! All these boats were lined up and coming into the marina, like a small parade! The boats had begun their trips from various locations in the U.S and Canada, and we knew some of the difficulties each and every one had to surmount to get here: just being "Carp Captives", "Lock Captives", and river travelers.
Everyone was happy to get here, and most looked tired, but ready to party. Aboard "Falkor" Gayle had made delicious home-made scones and a chicken curry spread for hors d'oeuvres. A restaurant van picked us up and we had a wonderful dinner at "Mr. Bill's", the partner restaurant of "Patti's" with the same great menu including their famous 2 inch pork chops. We also learned more about the Binningtons, their careers (professor of Veterinary Surgery, teacher of Chemistry), son and daughter (tug boat captain on the Great Lakes, physiotherapist), and their other boat (canal boat in France). We really enjoyed sharing a fascinating evening with this delightful couple.
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