Abaco

Barb and I decided to go to the Abacos (Bahamas - The Out Islands) on our own after our very good friends were not able to meet us there in the last week of May, 2010. 

We selected a hotel, the Abaco Beach Resort at Marsh Harbor on Great Abaco Island, and arranged for two days of scuba diving and three days of boat rental (a 20' center console). 

View from our Hotel Balcony

Great Abaco Island is situated on the Sea of Abaco which is defined by the various cays (pronounced keys) to the east and Great and Little Abaco Islands to the West.  In general, the width (E to W) of the sea is less than 10 miles and the boating area in the main hub of activity is about 40 miles North to South of the total 120-mile-long island chain.  In the summer, seas are calm, so the little Albury 20 footer did just fine.  The boat is built on Man-O-War Cay (population 300 Bahamian residents and about 135 foreign resident families) just some 10 miles across the Sea of Abaco.

Barb at the Helm of the Albury 20

Docked at Guana Cay, on our way to Nippers

Hope Town on elbow Cay is probably the most picturesque destination with its striped lighthouse and well kept cottages and narrow streets.

Hope Town Lighthouse on Elbow Cay

Street in Hope Town on Elbow Cay

Breakfast in Hope Town at Hope Town Harbor Lodge

Abaco is a destination that  one can enjoy on a your own boat or a rented sailboat, cruiser, hotel or cottage.  If you are land based, a rental boat is highly recommended since there are also deserted beaches, reefs as well as the various cays to explore.

Up River

Barb and I had hoped to do an up-river trip, as far as Portsmouth, Ohio - approximately 110 miles each way. The plan was to leave on Wednesday, the 5th of August and return on Tuesday the 11th. Heavy rains on the 3rd and 4th altered the river conditions to the point we needed to postpone and shorten our trip. Finally, on Friday, we shoved off at noon after taking on fuel.

Our original destination that day was Manchester Island, but the late start and our new slow, more fuel efficient cruising speed, as well as a strong river flow (current) relegated us to make headway at about 8.6 mph. With lost time for the Meldahl lock thru and the 71 mile distance to Manchester Island, we would not have arrived until well after dark.

Barb tending the stern while locking thru

Instead, we decided to dock at Augusta, a destination we went to last year. With the addition of our bicycles on board, we explored more of the town and surrounding area. Dinner was at a little pub, (Augusta Pub), which was pretty good for pub food. A free Stella Artois glass was awarded for ordering three Stella's (Barb participated), so after dinner we left with our trophy in search of ice cream.

Augusta has a number of beautiful historic homes and a great dock (if you are self sufficient for power).

Home with garden in Augusta

Barb on board Degaje with histroric homes in background

Barb biking around the Augusta area

The next morning, we departed after a leisurely breakfast, a trip to the grocery store and a bike ride. Our intended destination, Manchester Island (again) but as luck would have it, the water pump on the generator went out. Our choice was to return to Cincinnati, or locate a marina for transient moorage that had electric. We contacted the Lively Lady Marina in Aberdeen who had space. They are located directly across from Maysville KY, which boasts some decent restuarants, art galleries and murals painted on the flood wall that protects the city from the ravages of the Ohio. We decided to take a chance on their small dock for a quick tour and lunch before arriving at the Lively Lady.

Degaje at Maysville

Flood wall murals at Maysville

That evening, while at anchor in Aberdeen, we enjoyed the view of the Aberdeen-Maysville bridge's lights reflecting on the water:

Aberdeen-Maysville Bridge

On Sunday, we stayed at the Lively Lady until afternoon, bicycling in Maysville, washing the boat, kayaking, and generally relaxing. Mid afternoon, we traveled a mere 9 miles down river to Ripley Ohio, where the Ripley Boat Club had a few transient spaces available. An easy docking with a helping hand positioned us for the night. It turned out there was a motorcycle gathering in Ripley that day, so most of the bars were open. Barb and I decided to have our happy hour on the Degaje, where it was quiet.

We were gain underway by 9:00 AM the next morning, heading to New Richmond for lunch and then back to ORLC (home).

Ripley

On the way to New Richmond, a riverside park and museum lies a couple of miles above Meldahl Dam. The museum is about an old lock (lock 34) and other interesting facts about the river.

Lock 34 Museum at Chilo

Regrettably, the museum did not open until around noon, so we walked around and left. To our surprise, the starboard engine would not start, no power, no gauge activity - - nothing. Degaje at Chilo

We tried jump starting the engine, cleaned the battery terminals, reset the ignition breaker, still no joy. A call to Washington Marine resulted in Greg arriving about 45 minutes later, who found the problem - the battery cable connections to the terminals.

After locking through Meldahl dam, we stopped at New Richmond for lunch, a short walk, and then continued down river toward home. The radar and sky showed sever storms in Cininnati, so we turned around and kept out of the storm's way, then reversed course again and arrived in Cincinnati in clear weather.
The trip did not go as planned, a late start and an early return. A failed generator requiring docking instead of anchoring out and a starboard engine that would not start. The boat is named Degaje, a Creole word meaning to "Make Do" or "Be Flexible". We were!

Madison, Indiana

Whiel in Madison, we stayed at River Crest Marina. This Marina is under new ownership and currently being "re-introduced".
Friends, Laura and Dick Young arrived stayed with us Friday night. On Saturday Morning, we went for a short cruise of about 10 miles down -river.

and returned for lunch and hiking at Clifty Falls State Park.

While Madison has a lot to offer, historic homes and mansion tours, events, etc., we did not take advantage of them due to limited time. We did have a great meal on Saturday night before saying farewell to Dick and Laura. On Sunday morning, we shoved off to a strong headwind and current to return to Cininnati in about 10 hours.

Smugglers Cove to Madison Indiana

A late start this AM, finally underway about 9:00 AM, through the lock by 10:00 AM.

The river has been very quiet with regard to pleasure craft, and moderately busy with barge traffic. We are learing to throttle down and cruise at 8.5 to 9 mph, at around 1400 rpm. An additional 1 mph requires an additional 500 to 600 RPM. Rather than our usual 1 gal per mile, we think we are getting up to 1.5 miles per gallon, and really enjoy the trip more.

The Craigs Bar Power and Light plant was pretty interesting as we went by , smoke billowing, towboats bringing coal to the conveyor (picture below):

Barb continues to take the helm more and more (as long as the captain runs below for more coffee . . . see carafe to her left), which is great for the Captain who can relax, and enjoy the scenery between coffee runs.

Cincinnati to Smugglers Cove and Madison, IN

It once again has been a while since we made an entry on this blog. Last year (2008) we did mostly local boating, but were also distracted by a trip to Italy for touristing and our nephew's wedding. One trip that we did (alas, no photos were taken) was to Augusta, Ky. Nice trip with a public dock, but no power which is not a problem in our case.

We left this AM from Cincinnati with our destination once again at Smugglers Cove marina. This will be a stopover on our way to Madison Indiana to meet some friends for a couple of days and enjoy the area.
The river was calm, and finally going down to pool, but drift persisted. Should be gone in the next few days.
Rather than eat lunch on board while under way (our usual practice) we decided to stop at Rising Sun and sample some local fare. We were not disappointed and other than the heat, the chance to exercise our legs was welcome.

Degaje docked at the public dock in Rising Sun.

Inland Marina to Golconda Armina, Golconda IL (10/24/07)

We decided to leave early from Evansville at first light in rainy weather. Drift (floating debris) was light to none, so we made good time to Golconda, though two cold and and rainy lock thrus.

We passed Cave-in-Rock, a place that was variously the home of pirates, counterfeiters, hi-jackers, assorted yeggs, and the haven of brave pioneers. First written about in 1924 by Rothert in “The Outlaws of Cave-In Rock” the Cave was used by Samuel Mason to provide a waylay for New Orleans flatboats to which he lured them and who were expeditiously murdered for their cargo. Now a state park, the mouth of the cave is 55 feet wide and extends back come 60 feet, it was originally partially concealed by vegetation

After arving in Golconda, the rain continued with moderate wind. We were able to call a local tavern and have them pick us up for dinner, drinks and a little pool (Springwater Saloon). Very freindly folks at the local watering hole.

The balance of this cruise is continued at Island Hoppers Blog, managed by the first mate.

Rocky Point Marina to Inland Marina, Evansville, Indiana (10/23/07)

Rain rain go away . . . the childhood poem of a rainy day dismay rings through my head as we motor down the river, two lock thrus and finally dock at Inland Marina in Evansville, Indiana.

During the day we noted a couple of dredges, "mining" the river bottom for gravel. They scour the bottom and offload it to barges on both sides of the dredge.

Mining the Ohio River

Although a bit soggy, our spirits are high . . . the question “are we having fun yet?” being bantered about from time to time. We are told by Katie at Inland Marina that the river is going up 9’ to action stage (23.4’) by Wednesday midnight.

Moorage at Rocky Point Marina

Fueling at Rocky Point Marina

We are currently tied up at the gas dock, but have water, 50 amp service, and a courtesy car at the marina. There is a couple in transit from Terrace Park who have left their sailboat here, rented a car and returned to Cincinnati for a couple of days, pending better weather.

We anticipate slow or no passage tomorrow, needing to make 112 miles or stay here another night. We will see.

Louisville Kentuckty to Rocky Point Marina Indiana (10/22/07)

We left Lousiville early this AM after a heads up from the lockmaster at McAlpin Dam who infored us he was locking though a towboat ( Crescent City) and a pleasure boat at 8:15 AM.

We made it and total lock thru time was about 15 minutes, score one for the good guys!

McAlpin Lock Thru

The weather forecast was for a good morning and a rainy afternoon which was exactly correct. The river between Louisville and Canelton is pristine, very little development. Add that to the rainy afternoon, besides towboat traffic, no one on the river.

A rainy day on the Ohio

This allowed us to make very good time, 7.5 hours for a total of 120 miles. Score two for the good guys!

In route we passed Leavenworth Indiana, well known for it's luxurious inn and where Jenny and Dan opted for luxiourious accomadation over the modest venue of the Greenbriar in West Virginia (http://www.leavenworthinn.com/).

Leavenworth Inn

What a surpise to see our former Rear Commodore involved in a new business enterprise on the river after Leavenworth (Terry's Camp). We all wish Terry the best of luck!

We arrived at Rocky Point Marina in a steady rain and docked with little fanfare. The marina was recently purchased and provided a very good meal at their on-site retuarant.Tomorrow we expect to arrive in Evansville Indiana, a short 73 miles or so.

Warsaw Kentucky to Louisville Kentucky

The trip from Warsaw, Kentucky to Louisville, Kentucky took six hours, mostly owing top operating at reduced speed in order not to wake the numerous boats that were enjoying this beautiful Sunday.

Dan Crocker helping to lock thru

The shoreline was beginning to take on fall colors, the water having a blue-green quality and cliffs overlooking the river in the Madison Indiana area. Truly a beautiful day.

Several options for moorage in Louisville included Captains Quarters, Louisville Boat Club and Limestone Marina. We were fortunate to be able to overnight at Captains Quarters, arranged by a mutual friend. In addition, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Captains Quarters with guests John and Connie Emmerich.

Island Hopper at Captains Quarters

One cannot be impressed with the amount of boating activity in Louisville, even this late in the season. The river is wide (lake like) with interesting areas to beach (18 mile and 12 mile island).
Tomorrow will be a longer day, with the goal of completing around 112 miles

Cincinnati to Warsaw, Kentucky

It’s Fall and after three straight seasons in the water, Barb and I have put Degaje in to storage for the winter. I am now aboard the Island Hopper, helping transit the boat back to Florida. My part will be from Cincinnati to Mobile, with the wives joining us at Green Turtle Bay.

Kevin Ed and Dan at start of trip

The first day (October 20th) took us from Cincinnati to Warsaw, Kentucky (63 statute miles) where we stayed at Smugglers Cove Marina. A good dinner at the marina restaurant, the Sunset Grille consisted of the special, T-Bone steak, baked potato and corn on the cob for $13.95.

The second day (October 21st) started late, since we had a relatively short distance to cover (65 miles) to Louisville KY. A very quick lock thru at Markland Lock and Dam (small chamber) started the day on a good noteFirst lock thru of the trip, Markland DamConfluence of the Kentcuky and Ohio Rivers

Happenings To Date

I have been negligent in continuing this blog, so I thought I would bring it up to date. Last year after the Island Hopper trip, the boating season saw a lot of high water and not a lot of activity. This coupled with work and family obligations made for a poor boating season.

Outings were close to home with the exception of a trip to Manchester Islands http://www.fws.gov/northeast/ohioriverislands/ about 70 miles up river. The trip took a little over 8 hours with jet ski in tow. enjoyed a nice evening watching a family of beaver while we, Barb and I, ate dinner and finished off a bottle of wine. The next day centered around jet skiing and swimming. The return trip was via White Oak Creek Marina (Higginsport).

This year our boating activity has also started a bit slow but promises to be a little more active. A recent trip to Smugglers Cove http://www.smugglerscovemarina.com/ (63 Statute miles), returning via Light House Marina was very enjoyable and included a rendezvous with Island Hopper, Moggie's Tub and Break Away.

The picture below is the gang enjoying dinner aboard the top deck of Degaje.

Below, happy hour aboard Degaje tied up next to Island Hopper

Although we grilled out the first night, we decided to take advantage of the Sunset Grill (part of Smugglers Cove) with gambling afterwords at Belterra Casino for those so inclined.

Day 15 - Louisville Kentucky to Cincinnati Ohio

The last day of our trip started with our usual early start and a light cleaning of the boat.

We found fair amount of recreational river traffic on the river owing to the holiday weekend. This slowed our progress and delayed us by about two hours when compared to a non-holiday weekday.

All in all, we have traveled around 1700 miles in 15 days, and performed 19 lock throughs.

Members of The Ohio River Launch Club and family were on hand to take a line and greet us as we arrived.

The Launch Club - Island Hopper's New Home

Ohio River Lanch Club, Island Hopper's new home for the next two years, than back to points South.

Back in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati skyline as we approach the city

Day 14 - Owensboro Kentucky to Louisville Kentucky

Another early start, need to cover 150 miles and two lock throughs to get above the dam in Louisville. Day went well, with the exception of sporadic drift, which was dense at times.

River was muddy until shortly before Louisville at which time it cleaned up to a nice blue green.