Cruising Barkley and Kentucky Lakes

 

As we cruise down the Cumberland . . . .

 . . . . we see the beginning signs of fall . . . .

 

 . . . . but that doesn't stop the locals from swimming in their "riverfront beach". 

 

 

 

 

 

 Spiritus passes the TVA Cumberland's steam plant as the ferry crosses the river.

The original red & white striped 1,000 ft high stacks were made obsolete by new technology.

The new 600 ft stacks, to the left, have scrubbers that remove impurities before the gases are released.

 

 

 

 

 

Getting our happy on after anchoring at beautiful Hopson Creek on Barkley Lake.

 

 

 

 

Sunset at dinner time from our salon door!

 

 

 

 

 

While we were enjoying our morning coffee, the deer came down to the river for a morning drink.

 

 

 

 

 

The view off Spiritus' bow at our anchorage in Duncan Bay on Kentucky Lake show the first signs of fall.

 

 

 

 

 

This pristine anchorage says "dive in for a  refreshing swim"!

 

 

 

 

 

 The Captain is trying to convince the First Mate that it is actually fun to scrub the hull.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can't beat this dinner with a fabulous view from Spiritus' bow.

 This fisherman stayed until dark trying to catch his dinner!

 

 

 

 

 

The mist on the water at sunrise is nature's preview of the impending fall season.

 

Entering Ginger Bay for another peaceful anchorage on Kentucky Lake.

The First Mate goes for a dip before dinner . . . . .

. . . . . while the Captain sings a sad song about a drowned lover!

 

Sunset brings another spectacular view of nature on Kentucky Lake.

 

 

 

 

These trees are a reminder of former hilltops, even though we think of them as islands on the river.

 

 

 

If you think your morning commute is complicated!!

 

 

 

 

 

A looooong time ago, this served as a warehouse on the Tennessee River.

Leaving the river channel, we wind our way into the protective waters surrounding Pebble Isle Marina.

Spiritus is nestled in the same slip she occupied a month ago, on our way up to Nashville.

The owners of Pebble Isle graciously prepare homemade cinnamon rolls and coffee

 every morning just for the transient boaters.

 

 

 

 

 

Johnsonville Historic State Park, adjacent to Pebble Isle Marina, has exhibits focusing on the 1864 Battle of Johnsonville.

Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked Johnsonville from across the Tennessee River.
The carnage caused more than 6.7 million in damages to this important Union depot.

The park has several well-maintained walking trails that lead to upper and lower redoubts and the old train turntable.

The views along the trails are breathtaking but could be greatly enhanced by an occasional ice cream stand!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The replica of the Union soldiers' quarters . . . . .

 

 

. . . . . give you a view . . . . .

 

 . . . . . of how austere their living conditions were.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We discovered this quiet anchorage in Lick Creek . . . . .

. . . . . where we joined by Firebird, another Grand Banks 36.

 

The passage between the river and Lick Creek is distractingly attractive and exceptionally narrow.

 

 

 

 

 

As we travel together, Firebird provides a contrast to the steep cliffs along the river.

We were pleased to see the wild goats are still on the island at Swallow Bluff.

Our new friend, Joe Blanchard, rows his dinghy from Firebird to Spiritus to join us for docktails.

Some folks live alongside the river a little more comfortably than others.

 

Blondie is ready to take us to shore from our anchorage at Pickwick State Park.

The First Mate warms up her rowing arms for our trip ashore!

The grounds throughout this state park are absolutely beautiful.

The First Mate signals the spot where Spiritus completed the Great Loop in 2013.

It was exactly 2 years ago that we crossed our wake at this same location.

 

Grand Harbor Marina & Resort is beginning to feel like a second home!

 

 

 

 

 

 You gotta' love a marina that welcomes Loopers with "Ahoy Y'all"!

 

 

 

 

Located steps from Spiritus, the swings are one of our favorite places to relax and enjoy the view!

 

No visit to Grand Harbor is complete without a visit to the fun-filled Freddy T's.

 

 

 

 

Special friends, KT & Garth Thompson, drove from Memphis to visit us for the weekend.

 

 

 

During docktails, we enjoyed this sensational sunset complete with a contrail to remind Eddy of his "former" life as a pilot.