Soon after the Barkley Lock, we arrived at Green Turtle Bay Marina. We filled up wth diesel and then docked for three nights at Green Turtle Bay. Our time at the Marina was productive, but rather routine. Yes, everyone needs a few "catch-up" days every once in a while :)
We used the courtesy car to find a place to refill our propane tank. The propane is used for cooking in our oven and two stove top burners. With Looper friends we made a trip to Walmart for basic provisions. At the Marina we did about five loads of laundry and filled Thistle's water tanks.
The best part of staying at Green Turtle Bay Marina was dinner at Patti's 1880's Settlement Restaurant. The Restaurant is famous for their two inch pork chops and homemade pies. One night we dinned at Patti's with Lesley and Jim aboard Tyre-less (darn no picture?). Another night we went to Patti's with a group of Loopers! It was just as good the second night, but no wish for a third.
The next morning we departed The Marina by ourselves. The last few weeks we have been buddy boating ... it seems like everyone has a slightly different plan the next few days. After a mile we entered Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River. We enjoyed a gorgeous day traveling 96 miles to Pebble Isle Marina.
It was a really long travel day! We were very excited to finally dock at the Marina as we planned to meet with our Gold Looper friends Steve and Sheli aboard Pura Vida dos (their beautiful new boat). We buddy boated together two summers ago in Canada. We had pizza delivered to the Marina... and enjoyed each other's company laughing well past Looper midnight (9 pm!).
The next day we buddy boated along the TENNESSEE RIVER to a perfect anchorage at Mile Marker 169. The four of us took a dinghy to a nearby island with wine and appetizers to watched a pretty sunset together. Then ended the evening with a pot luck dinner aboard Thistle.
On our Great American Loop adventure we have been blessed with the opportunity to see and experience so much! After spending the last two days with our friends...we realize, at times like this, the very best part of Looping is the everlasting friendships you make along the way :)
The following morning we got a head start to Pickwick Lock. There were six Loopers hurrying to the Lock, in order to lift up before an approaching tow. All six of us made it before the tow. Exiting the Lock we entered Pickwick Lake and docked with our friends at Pickwick Landing State Park. The four of us rode on Pura Vida's dinghy to dinner at the State Lodge. It was a beautiful full harvest moon on the short dingy ride back back to the Marina.
The next morning we finished some chores, said our goodbyes. Thistle departed for Florence, Alabama on the TENNESSEE RIVER. Pura Vida dos departed for another Marina. We hope to buddy boat again together this winter.
LooperTip: Pickwick Landing State Park is a hidden gem! (Most Loopers head to other marinas in the area.) We enjoyed the State Park atmosphere.
The red line was our navigation course the last few days on the CUMBERLAND and TENNESSEE RIVERS. The green dot is Green Turtle Bay Marina. The blue dot is Pebble Isle Marina. The yellow dot is Mile Marker 169 anchorage. The purple dot is Pickwick Landing State Park.
Green Turtle Bay Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.
Yes, there are lots of real turtles in the water!
Dinner at Patti's ( We shared :) ...two inch thick pork chop, flower pot bread with strawberry butter and homemade pie!
The Looper dinner at Patti's.
While trying to find propane, we tried Catfish for Sunday brunch... surprisingly good :)
Departing Green Turtle Bay Marina on the CUMBERLAND RIVER. We only traveled a short distance on the CUMBERLAND RIVER. The river is 690 miles long. Nashville is 190 miles up the CUMBERLAND, we decided it was too far for a quick side trip on Thistle.
We headed onto Lake Kentucky. The Lake was created when dams were built on the TENNESSEE RIVER.
The TENNESSEE RIVER is 650 miles long and we will traverse about 190 miles. We only saw two barges in the last four days (Can't say that we miss them?).
Because the Lakes were man-made, there a few buildings and bridges underwater.
Pebble Isle Marina in Tennessee, gives Loopers fresh homemade cinnamon rolls every morning :)
A tranquil day on the TENNESSEE RIVER.
The water level on the rivers is still very low, but almost every house is built on stilts.... for a reason!
We see huge fallen trees on the river banks, if the rivers were at a high level, these trees would be floating down the river?
Happy to be anchored at Mile Marker 169 on the TENNESSEE RIVER.
Our private island with goats!
The Baaaaaayer's were a little nervous that the goats would jump in the dingy:)
Greg took a dip in the TENNESSEE RIVER.
Our view for the night :)
Sunset!
Pickwick Landing Lock. Greg and Reenie wear headphones to communicate ( privately!) when locking and docking.
The Fall colors are just starting.
Thistle docked at Pickwick Landing State Park.
Friends XO
No comments:
Post a Comment