RIVER SYSTEM: DAY 105/6-108: {Little Diversion} & Just above Dogtooth Island to Paducah

After 2 hours of resting 

Just Above Dogtooth Island to the Olmsted Lock & Dam: 9.4 mph; 43 miles; 4:36 hours

Olmsted: 4.2 mph; 1.2 miles; 0:16 hours

Olmsted to Paducah: 10.1 mph; 31.6 miles; 3:08 hours

Paducah to Abandoned Barge: 5.4 mph; 2.3 miles; 0:23 hours

Abandoned Barge to Paducah Municipal Dock: 5.4 mph; 2.2 miles; 0:23 hours

Olmsted Lock and Dam: UP (height varies)

Floating Bollards

Abandoned barge - tied and safe

We arrived in Paducah a day early and called the marina to alter the reservations. He told us we could tie up to a boat that was coming in behind us. I asked the boat's name - it was boat from last night! We decided their captain needed a good night's rest; so, we moved along to tie up to a sketchy abandoned barge, marked as an anchorage. Someone is in charge of this barge’s care because there were gas-fueled pumps on the deck to pump water out or into the barge. I was secure, I was tired, I tried to sleep - NOT. Later that night, a barge came into the channel at dark o’thirty and scared me to bits. I guess I'm a little jittery. Jim fell asleep hard as a rock.

Paducah Marina: Dockwa

$60/night: electric/water. John works the docks and is a very kind person willing to help boaters whenever he’s able. The entire town is kind.

Reunited with boat number two. These are great people and have become friends. It was good to debrief with them and talk it all through. We have an anchor being delivered to them in Green Turtle Bay with chain. As for damage to both boats, that is still a gremlin in the works - but fixable.

EXPLORING PADUCAH

The National Quilt Museum

This is not the kind of museum you think of when you read the sign. It is actually an art museum of quilts. When we were here, the 9-11 exhibit was on display. First responders, medical personnel, and teachers were given free admission. I just have to add pictures to explain the beauty of what I saw.

Doe’s Eat Place: Simply the best steak we have ever had - Jim’s reaction to the steak was hysterical to watch. I think he will fly back for another one! Jonathan was our server; he was just fantastic and made the meal even more enjoyable. If you get the chance to have the best steak you’ll ever have, head over to Doe’s Eat Place and ask for Jonathan as your server. If he’s not working, ask the restaurant to call him and say, “Paige sent you.”

bbQ & More: This little shop has excellent customer service. I bought some Christmas presents to mail home. Not only did she take care of the shipping, she wrapped them in fun holiday ribbons! I will absolutely support this small town business from the East Coast.

Kirchoff’s Bakery & Deli: They open at 7am and a coffee shop is next door. The breads are warm and made with clean ingredients, which is important to me. They even make a baklava tasty enough to challenge a Greek Festival!

Artist Endeavors: This probably means more to me than anyone else but I had a blast here. It’s a needle shop and I spent the morning discussing technique with two great women. The owner dyes her own wool and the quality of her threading products is top of the line. Another small town business I am happy to help supply from the east Coast.

Local Liquor Store: Jonathan (he is like an Uber/Lyft) took a few of us to the package store to stock up. I was looking for smaller bourbon distilleries but found the usual. They do have a bourbon tasting bar inside the package store - cool.