Before we got started this morning, John had to figure out why the aft head wasn't pumping any water. Fortunately, it was just a kink in a hose. Oh that all of our problems could be solved so easliy. We got underway at 7:45 A.M., hoping to do 60 miles or so today. It was cloudy and mild and we are hoping to outrun the rain.
We went right into Cannelton Locks without a wait. We stopped at 6:00 P.M. and anchored out in front of Little Hurricane Island just past Owensboro, Kentucky. It rained and blew all night long. We tool turns monitoring the electronics so that we were sure our anchor was holding. we definitely didn't want to end up stuck on the island. In the end we traveld 100 miles on Thursday.
Friday morning we got underway at 8:00 A.M. We only have about 35 miles to go today. It was gray and ugly and raining when we left. The plan was to go to Nu Plaza Yacht Club in Evansville, Indiana at 797 mile marker. We needed to get fuel, do laundry, shop for a few things, and sleep, not necessarily in that order.
We went through Newburgh Locks at 9:45 A.M.; the locks were open and ready for us again. How nice is that? We arrived at Nu Plaza Yacht Club at noon. The man working there was very nice. We bought 146.8 gallons of diesel at $3.04 a gallon. That means we got 2 miles to the gallon, which isn't bad for a boat our size. If you buy 100 gallons or more of fuel, you get to stay overnight for free. They also have free laundry facilities, and a courtesy van. So, John took the van and went shopping and I started doing laundry. It felt good to get caught up.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
OUR NEW FRONTIER
The Kentuckiana guy came back at 8:00 A.M. to finish working on the boat. He did a thorough job, even cleaned up after himself. We did another sea trial and then, finally, left Jeffersonville, Indiana at 10:30 A.M. We went right into McAlpine Lock with no waitng.
This stretch of the river is pretty and undeveloped. Today began the part of our trip where we have never been before. We ran 7 hours and passed 1 pontoon boat, 1 kayak, 1 fishing boat, and 2 runabouts. We anchored out at Upper Blue Island (the island, however, is gone) across from a noisy gravel plant. John contacted the first towboat after anchoring, to ask if we were out of the way. He told us that we were in a perfect place to spend the night. After running all day, John checked the engine room. His report was, "No runs, no drips, no errors. The thing is finally fixed."
We heard from Mike and Linda. They got through Markland last night at 9:30 P.M. and went on to Lighthouse Point Marina, arriving around 12:30 A.M. Unfortunately, they had to go back to work on Wednesday. "Sorry, Mike and Linda."
This stretch of the river is pretty and undeveloped. Today began the part of our trip where we have never been before. We ran 7 hours and passed 1 pontoon boat, 1 kayak, 1 fishing boat, and 2 runabouts. We anchored out at Upper Blue Island (the island, however, is gone) across from a noisy gravel plant. John contacted the first towboat after anchoring, to ask if we were out of the way. He told us that we were in a perfect place to spend the night. After running all day, John checked the engine room. His report was, "No runs, no drips, no errors. The thing is finally fixed."
We heard from Mike and Linda. They got through Markland last night at 9:30 P.M. and went on to Lighthouse Point Marina, arriving around 12:30 A.M. Unfortunately, they had to go back to work on Wednesday. "Sorry, Mike and Linda."
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Anxious to get moving
Today Mike and Linda Luti left to go home. We are going to miss them. They are wonderful traveling companions. They made it to Markland Dam by 2:00, but the last we heard, they were still there waiting to get through (that was around 6:00).
The guy from Kentuckiana came back after noon to work on the boat. We went for a sea trial around 5:15, but there was transmission fluid on the floor of the engine room when we got back. They determined that the leak we knew about is fixed, but there are some worn out O rings that need to be replaced. Therefore, he is coming back again in the morning. Hopefully, we will be pulling out of here about 10:00.
This afternoon, a homeless guy opened our side door to the boat. John asked if he could help him. The guy asked if our boat is for sale? John told him, "No." He went on his merry way. That was a little scary.
The guy from Kentuckiana came back after noon to work on the boat. We went for a sea trial around 5:15, but there was transmission fluid on the floor of the engine room when we got back. They determined that the leak we knew about is fixed, but there are some worn out O rings that need to be replaced. Therefore, he is coming back again in the morning. Hopefully, we will be pulling out of here about 10:00.
This afternoon, a homeless guy opened our side door to the boat. John asked if he could help him. The guy asked if our boat is for sale? John told him, "No." He went on his merry way. That was a little scary.
Mon., Oct. 19, 2009
Today is a no travel day. Kentuckiana sent a man to work on the boat. He left around 11:00 A.M. because there were parts that needed to be reworked. Norm and Sue called and said they were going to be passing through on their way back to Florida and so Mike & Linda, and John & I met them for lunch. We had lunch at Sunny's which is right across the street from where the boat is docked. It was really nice to see Norm & Sue. So far this trip feels like a vacation. It doesn't seem like we are really retired. It is nice though to not have to worry about making sure the hours are covered at the store while we are traveling.
Hopefully, tomorrow they will have the boat back together and we can ease on down the river.
Hopefully, tomorrow they will have the boat back together and we can ease on down the river.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Fri., Sat., Sun
Mike, Linda, John, Carol, and Ed having breakfast at Lynn's. (Kyle took the picture)
Crossed legs sticking out of the wall at Lynn's
Belle of Louisville (before her accident)Friday we made the trip from Madison to Louisville. The docks right next to Tumbleweeds, are free and have 30 or 50 amp electric service. Shortly after we arrived, the police came down to welcome us and gave us some literature. Louisville's waterfront is wonderful. There are parks, walking trails, grills and picnic tables. They are building a bicycle/pedestrian bridge across an unused railroad bridge. There was a band right up on the hill behind our boat on Saturday morning. We took pictures of the Belle of Louisville on our way to our dock.
Saturday morning we walked into downtown and ate breakfast at a Coffee Shop. Ed & Kyle, and Donna & Dave came to visit us. We had happy hour at Tumbleweeds. While we were sitting there, a blurb came across the bottom of the TV screen that said the Belle of Louisville had been involved in an accident and was being towed back in. Later that night, we heard on the news that she hit a parked barge while turning around in the river and damaged the paddlewheel. They said the boat will be out of commission until spring.
Saturday night we went to King Fish on the Indiana side for dinner with Donna and Dave, and Ed and Kyle. We hugged Dave and Donna good-bye after dinner because they will be leaving early in the morning as they have tickets to the Bengal's game.
Sunday morning was a real treat. Donna Huber had recommended this restaurant called Lynn's in downtown Louisville. Lynn's was certainly something to see. The decor was unusual , to say the least. Very eclectic. The food was good, the company was better. After breakfast, Ed & Kyle left for home. It was so nice of our friends to come to visit us for the weekend before we continue on down towards Florida. We will definitely miss them.
After they left, we moved our boats, over to the Indiana side of the river to the Kentuckiana slips in preparation for them to work on our boat on Monday. We certainly hope the repairs go smoothly and quickly as we are anxious to get underway. It is great to have the Lutis along for a few more days. We really enjoy thier company and we always have a good time.
Saturday morning we walked into downtown and ate breakfast at a Coffee Shop. Ed & Kyle, and Donna & Dave came to visit us. We had happy hour at Tumbleweeds. While we were sitting there, a blurb came across the bottom of the TV screen that said the Belle of Louisville had been involved in an accident and was being towed back in. Later that night, we heard on the news that she hit a parked barge while turning around in the river and damaged the paddlewheel. They said the boat will be out of commission until spring.
Saturday night we went to King Fish on the Indiana side for dinner with Donna and Dave, and Ed and Kyle. We hugged Dave and Donna good-bye after dinner because they will be leaving early in the morning as they have tickets to the Bengal's game.
Sunday morning was a real treat. Donna Huber had recommended this restaurant called Lynn's in downtown Louisville. Lynn's was certainly something to see. The decor was unusual , to say the least. Very eclectic. The food was good, the company was better. After breakfast, Ed & Kyle left for home. It was so nice of our friends to come to visit us for the weekend before we continue on down towards Florida. We will definitely miss them.
After they left, we moved our boats, over to the Indiana side of the river to the Kentuckiana slips in preparation for them to work on our boat on Monday. We certainly hope the repairs go smoothly and quickly as we are anxious to get underway. It is great to have the Lutis along for a few more days. We really enjoy thier company and we always have a good time.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
THE BIG ADVENTURE
The goal for Day 1 was to leave our harbor (Lghthouse Point Yacht Club) at 8:00 A.M. and get as far as the other side of Markland Dam. We were concerned that Markland might be a long delay because only the small chamber is operational. In reality, we left at 8:05 A.M.(not too bad) escorted by Mike and Linda Luti on Dustcutter who are going as far as Louisville with us.
We passed a barge immediately after leaving Loughery Creek. It was the only barge we saw between our home port and the dam.
Upon arriving at the dam, we were told there would be a 2 hour wait. We anchored and ate lunch and lazed around until it was time to lock through (2 1/2 hours). This was much better than we had anticipated. However, we've already had a malfunction. The generator made a squealing sound, quit running, and smelled like burnt rubber. It became important that we reach a marina with electric so we could have heat. We are spending the night at the Madison, Indiana marina. All in all, it was a good beginning, with the exception of the generator issue. The good news is: tomorrow we should be in Louisville and we can have the repairs done there.
JOHN'S NOTE: The water pump on the generator locked up causing the problem. We are going to get it fixed at Jefferson/KYS in Louisville when they do the work on the drive train.
We passed a barge immediately after leaving Loughery Creek. It was the only barge we saw between our home port and the dam.
Upon arriving at the dam, we were told there would be a 2 hour wait. We anchored and ate lunch and lazed around until it was time to lock through (2 1/2 hours). This was much better than we had anticipated. However, we've already had a malfunction. The generator made a squealing sound, quit running, and smelled like burnt rubber. It became important that we reach a marina with electric so we could have heat. We are spending the night at the Madison, Indiana marina. All in all, it was a good beginning, with the exception of the generator issue. The good news is: tomorrow we should be in Louisville and we can have the repairs done there.
JOHN'S NOTE: The water pump on the generator locked up causing the problem. We are going to get it fixed at Jefferson/KYS in Louisville when they do the work on the drive train.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Hip Hip Hooray!!!!
Sorry it has taken me so long to post. We did close our business on Wed., Sept. 30th as planned. What a relief! Since then it's been 12 hour days spent sorting, packing, hauling away, and then doing the same thing the next day. We had a surprise retirement party that was so much fun. We didn't want it to end.
We are on schedule to leave our harbor on Thursday, October 15th. First stop will be Louisville, KY where we will have some work done to the boat before going on.
We were sorry to hear that Billie's was broken into on Friday night, Oct. 10th. The Delhi police caught the guy within 2 hours. We feel bad for Amy and Glen, especially that it happened so soon after they bought the store.
Til next time.....
We are on schedule to leave our harbor on Thursday, October 15th. First stop will be Louisville, KY where we will have some work done to the boat before going on.
We were sorry to hear that Billie's was broken into on Friday night, Oct. 10th. The Delhi police caught the guy within 2 hours. We feel bad for Amy and Glen, especially that it happened so soon after they bought the store.
Til next time.....
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