June 27, Day 14 - In Eddyville (Kingston)

We slept in this morning, and then did a few maintenance chores. We decided to spend another day in this anchorage and take the dinghy into Kingston to explore the local area. The weather is a little threatening but, so far, no rain. Since the anchorage is at the end of the river just before a waterfall it is relatively quiet especially since all the signs not only say “no wake” they say “dead slow”.

We dinghied to the waterfall and then turned around to head to Kingston. The skies were growing darker so we did a quick stop at the boat and picked up some rain gear. About half way to town, the heavens opened up and we got soaked. It was our second freshwater shower in as many days. Once in Kingston we parked the dinghy at the town dock and slogged through the pouring rain to find a place to eat and dry out. We ended up at Rosita’s where we had Mexican food and a couple of drinks. By the time we finished it had stopped raining and we were somewhat dry so we walked along the streets exploring the town.

Skies started darkening again so we headed back to the boat. Did a few odds and ends and then decided to dingy ashore for a walk. Because we were using the docks at the local marina we decided to grab a quick drink so we wouldn’t have to pay for the dockage. At the bar we met Larry (the owner), Erin (the bartender), Captain (not sure who he really was) and Kathy (the waitress). Quite the entertaining group. Definitely lots of “local flavor” at this bar.


After a drink we were going to leave when a couple wandered down the docks from their boat. One of the locals mentioned they thought the couple were doing the Great Loop so we introduced ourselves. Turns out this couple, Ralph and Ann, had circumnavigated twice on their Amel sailboat. They had since sold the Amel and bought a powerboat, A Four Winns, Harmonie II, and were doing the Loop on that. They were definitely full of all kinds of stories and information, especially about the Bahamas and where we should go during our time there. Even though they were originally from Ohio they had kept their sailboat in Annapolis, so we had quite a lot to talk about. Needless to say, we never got our walk in. We ended up eating and talking with them until the mosquitoes got too thick and we each departed for our respective boats.

All in all, it was a very pleasant evening.


View of a small waterfall and the current at the bridge close to the area where we anchored.


A view of the city marina in Kingston. Taken from an overhead bridge while we were exploring the town (during a non-rainy period).

Lots of old ships on the way to Eddyville where we anchored. This was a floating hospital. Workers were refurbishing some other ships a little further upriver.

The waterfalls at the head of the river. Current was pretty strong here.

Monk's vineyard at anchor.