October 5, Day 114 - Little Diversion Channel to MM 947

We ended up having a very long day today, traveling approximately 81 miles.

We had a delayed start because of heavy fog, but it lifted around 8:00 and we headed down the Mississippi. We were running about 10.5 knots with a 3 knot current in our favor. Our stop was originally planned for the Boston Bar on the Mississippi, but we were there a little after noon and decided to press on to the Ohio River. When we turned into the Ohio, we lost our 3 knot favorable current and ran into a 2 knot current against us.

There were lots of tugs and barges at the beginning of the Ohio, but most were anchored waiting to be called upon. The tug captains told us the economy has really cut down on the barge traffic – not good for them, but good for us as far as lack of river congestion.

The first lock on the Ohio River (#53) had their wicket dam down, so we did not have to lock through, but went over the dam instead (I guess we count this as a lock though so we’re at 124 completed). On the way to #53, we passed the construction project on a new lock and dam that will replace #52 & #53. The project has been ongoing for over 12 years and is scheduled for completion sometime in 2013.

Our anchorage tonight is just off of the channel along the side of the Ohio River. We found a spot with good holding and out of the wind expected for tonight. After we settled in, Gerry worked on internet and e-mails and Linda fixed honey mustard chicken in the pressure cooker. It was delicious.

After the fog lifted, we had a pretty nice day but it is supposed to rain in the morning and thunderstorms are predicted for the afternoon. We will try for another early start and head for Green Turtle Bay. It should be a much shorter travel day.

Departing Little Diversion Channel

Emerald Lady beside us. They actually travel faster than we do, so they are usually out front a mile or so. They also have the AIS system (like Second Star has) so they have been keeping us informed of barge traffic. We will get our own system when we get to Green Turtle Bay. Gerry ordered one on line and had it shipped to Grand Rivers.

An ongoing dredging operation. Quite the big piece of equipment

This shows one of our fellow boaters making the turn from the Mississippi River into the Ohio River. It was almost like putting on the breaks because of the change in the current.

The water tower for the metropolis of Mound City. (Not to be confused with the metropolis of Metropolis .... which I think we pass by tomorrow -- stay tuned).

This was the tug Sunflower. We passed her on the Ohio, but it took us quite a while. We raised our rpm's quite a bit to finally get by.

This is the new Olmstead Lock which is currently under construction

Here is part of the structure that was cast upriver near Paducah, Kentucky and then floated down to the construction site.

Here is lock # 53. However, the wickets in the dam were lowered, and we just floated right on by.

Debris and a green buoy on the shoreline

Good sky ...... bad sky. Unfortunately, it looks like the bad sky will win out tomorrow.

Sunset at the anchorage.