Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Up The Cumberland, Sept 2015

 After going through the short canal that connects Kentucky Lake to Lake Barkley,
we begin our 160 mile journey up the Cumberland River to Nashville.
 
 
 
 
The "Castle on the Cumberland", otherwise known as the Kentucky State Prison.
A record 7 men were executed on Friday, July 13th, 1928, a record that still stands in the
U.S. for the most legal executions in one day.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 We had heard so much about the beautiful state park here in Kentucky that we decided to spend a couple of nights.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
They made beautiful use of natural wood and stone throughout the lodge, giving it
a warm, cozy feeling during the inclimate weather we experienced while there. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During our walks we saw deer roaming freely and unafraid throughout the park.
  
  
 
 
 Sometimes the view behind you is even better than the view ahead.
 
 
 
 
The oncoming tow serves as a reminder that the river is still a much used and
 integral part of our nation's transportation system.
 
 
 
 
 
Mom & baby were too busy eating to even notice us passing by!
 
 
 
 
   
This is the view Union troops had of the Confederate's Fort Donelson as they moved a fleet of four ironclad ships upriver in February 1862.  Even though they badly damaged the fleet, the Confederates eventually surrendered 13,000 troops.
 
It was General Grant's first major victory which catapulted him to national prominence.
 
 
 
 
 
Approaching Dover Island, our next anchorage on the Cumberland River.
The main navigation channel goes to the left of the island and we anchored on the right side.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our anchorage allows us to watch the tows traveling up & down river . . . . .
 
 
. . . . . while safely allowing us to grill dinner and swim afterwards!
 
 
 
 
 
 
It was fun watching these "baby" cormorants work on developing their flying skills . 
 
 
 
 
 
The Cumberland City ferry, the only ferry still operating on the Cumberland.
 
 
 
 
Sometimes we feel guilty disturbing the calm, placid water as Spiritus makes headway.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Everyone just wants to mooooove to the water.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The city of Clarksville is getting the waterfront ready for the weekend "Riverfest" celebration.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guess who spotted the distant red roof from the flybridge soon after our arrival . . . . .
 
. . . . . and how long it took us to get over there?
 
 
 
 
 
Spiritus is safely moored at the new Clarksville Marina while her crew walks to an awesome,
nearby waterfront grill for dinner (No, not the Dairy Queen!).
 
 
 
 
 
A view of Clarksville from their wonderful, new waterfront park.
 
 
 
 
 
 
It's surprising how many folks like to live life on the edge . . . . .
 
. . . . . quite literally.
 
 
 
 
 
Cruising through some more beautiful scenery on our way to Nashville.
 
 
 
 
 
Auburn's biggest fan displays her enthusiasm over news of the team's 2nd win!
Our friend Frank Painter kept us updated via text messages since we couldn't receive
 radio transmissions of the game.
 
 
 
 
Passing by the Blue Moon restaurant as we enter Rock Harbor Marina.
 
 
 
 
 
All restaurants hate to give up floor space (i.e. table space) for a stage, so the Blue Moon
built a floating stage and connected it to their outside seating area!
 
Peter Moon sings our request for a James Taylor number.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Why is this couple smiling?
 
Because they know this is the last sunset before they reach Nashville!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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