Louisville to Rocky Point Marina

As previously posted, we had a 129 mile day today.  What was not planned was fog that delayed us about an hour and a half from departing.  Drift (debris) was typical for the high water levels and there was a fair amount of commercial river traffic catching up for the 4th of July holiday.  The good news was that we have ascertained the "push" we are getting from the high water levels is helping a lot with fuel economy, so we did not pack extra gasoline in 5 gallon cans on the deck, though dodging drift has added undetermined amount of miles to a typical trip down the river.  We arrived at Rocky Point Marina 10 hours after departing from Louisville, less than the anticipated time, but partially due to 300 extra rpm (2300 vs 2000) in our speed.

Foggy morning delayed an early start

 

 Bridge construction in Louisville, boaters view

 Louisville's historic water tower, built in 1860 in Greek Revival style.

 

Locking through McAlpine dam in Louisville 

Caesar's casino near Louisville

 River pics

This area, known as the"Big Bend" is 2/3rd mile by land, 8 miles by river

At Rocky Point

Louisville

Smugglers Cove to Louisville was not unlike a couple of days ago, strong currents and a lot of debris.  We decided NOT to stay in Louisville other than tonight.  Tomorrow, we will have a 129 mile day from Heather's on the River to Rocky Point Marina.  We are hoping the river forecast changes or at least can stay in Owensboro vs staying at Rocky Point more than one day. Regardless, without a change in river levels, we will need to cool our heels 2 more days somewhere.

Dock at Heather's on the River in Louisville.  Not first class, but we are the only ones here and have have fuel, power and water.

Decided to have dinner in Louisville on the fly bridge.

Carrollton Ky heading toward Louisville

Looking aft inside Degaje.  All the comforts of home.

Barb at the helm posing for a picture to be sent to the grandkids (grandma driving the boat AAAARGH)

First and only mate Barb at the helm

Folks waiting for the Regatta in Madison Indiana.  We arrived at 11:00, races started at noon.

Smugglers Cove 4th of July

Still at Smugglers Cove for tonight.  Will watch the fireworks and head to Louisville tomorrow.  Bad news is downriver the level is rising so we may stay in Louisville for more than one night.

New Chapter

As we enter retirement, Barb and I decided to relocate the boat to Green Turtle Bay located in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Grand Rivers Kentucky.   This will involve moving Degaje 450 miles down the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers over a period of 9-10 days, with 9 lock throughs.  The difficult part has been the planning, scheduling and adjusting for river conditions.  We finally decided to leave today in less than ideal conditions, then cool our heels at Smugglers Cove 66 miles down river for a few days, waiting for conditions to improve.  We have now arrived at Smugglers Cove.  Below are pictures of the launch in a high river and a dock which was inaccessible resulting in a direct launch and go from the trailer.

BVI's

Just in case you all think we have not been doing anything, here are a couple of videos from the BVI's in April.   After a couple of nice sailing days, we got weathered in at Trellis Harbor.

Finally, we broke free in 22 knot winds and had a great sail heading toward Virgin Gorda.

On the Hard

Degaje has been on the hard at Washington Marine having strut backing plates replaced and a replacement of fresh and waste water tanks in preparation of changing our cruising grounds to Tennessee next year. We plan on taking Degaje down the Cumberland River and cruising the Tennessee over the next couple of years.  Keep tuned to this blog starting early summer 2015.

Degaje IS looking good, a lot of TLC and looking forward to more cruising over the next couple of years

Just returned from a trip up-river to Portsmouth OH, see video below:

July 4th Weekend

We finally launched on June 20th.  For the next week and a half, we cleaned, shampooed carpets, etc.

On the 2nd of July we ventured down to the Launch Club to put towels and linens away, make the beds and generally straighten up.  Had a nice cruise downtown and back, then fired up the grille for dinner, followed by wine and chat with friends and then to bed.

Sophie, our dog was aboard on her best behaviour.

July 3rd involved cleaning the outside and top deck furniture just because it needed to be done and  in preparation for Kevin and Debbie who will join us on the 4th for for lunch and some kayaking.

Spring 2011

It has been a very wet spring with the river at or near flood stage in to May.  Couple this with a busy work schedule and a trip to Abaco, it will be a late launch.  Worked this weekend getting Degaje ready, but still on the hard.  Will call tomorrow to schedule the launch, hopefully finishing waxing tomorrow night.

Prepping Degaje for Launch

Season is Over

On the 15th of October, Degaje went on the hard until spring.  A bit early, but travel for work is picking up, we have a wedding in Virginia to attend this month and then a week aboard the Island Hopper, Long Boat Key to Naples and back.

We are hoping for an early spring launch, but that is entirely dependent on how the river is behaving.

2010 Riverfest

As the 2010 boating year begins to wrap up, we had another successful hosting of freinds aboard Degaje for the Cincinnati Riverfest Fireworks.

A few of the crew aboard Degaje for Riverfest

In excess of 1,500 boats were expected on the river along with an estimated 500,000 watching from shore. 

Looking up-river as boats continue to arrive

The show was good, though a little less than previous years as the economy seems to take its toll. 

Waiting for the show to begin

Showtime!

Last 7 minutes of the 35 minute show

Cincinnati to Agusta

Readying the boat today for passengers, our good friends John and Vicki Moseley.  We will be traveling to Augusta, KY, having dinner at the The Beehive Tavern, spending the night on the dock and then on Saturday,  back down river to anchor out below Meldahl dam, back to ORLC Saturday night.

Beehive Tavern

The Beehive Tavern (http://www.beehivetavernrestaurant.com/)  was built in 1796. In the late 1863 Morgan's raiders attacked Augusta Kentucky after 6,000 troops had been sent to aide the Union leaving only 100 home guards in place. As part of Morgan's famous Raid, Confederate Col. Basil Duke led 350 mounted infantry into Augusta where they encountered heavy resistance from the home guards who had taken up defensive positions within the city. The Confederates opened up on Augusta with cannon, reportedly hitting what is now the tavern, however the home guard stood firm repulsing the Confederate Raiders from the city.

On Friday morning, after loading John and Vicki's kayak and other assorted gear, we departed ORLC.  Little did we know that Degaje would live up to her name, again!
It was a beautiful day after a hot and wet summer, as we headed up the Ohio.  John took the helm as Captain Ed took to other duties.

John at the helm

After passing by various towns and waypoints we requested a north bound lock through at Meldahl dam, but found that the small chamber (usualy reserved for recreational/pleasure boaters) was closed and both lock chambers may be closed for a day or two.

We decided to stay in our pool, and not lock through.  The water was pleasant just below the dam so we decided to swim and kayak here, and later go back down river to New Richmond for dinner.   We chose Front Street Cafe, a garden restuarant with country/bluegrass music and great food (http://www.frontstcafe.com/)

Vicki reading on the bow while heading up-river

Barb and Vicki enjoying "adult" beverages

Vicki

John

Barb

Afer dinner and drinks at the Front Street Cafe we motored by night to an anchorage about 45 minutes down river.  Dessert of sorbet, fruit and a bottle of wine followed, with the promise of more kayaking and swimming the next day.

"Smoke on the Water" . . .  Fog burning off Saturday morning at anchor

Our boats name, Degaje is Haitian Creole which means to make do or be flexible. once again, we were.

Cincinnati - Louisville - Part 3

Barb and I were up early this morning and able to catch a spectacular sunrise after which we went on a walk to a local coffee shop and then back to the boat for some phone calls and emails.

Sunrise

We then joined Dan and Jenny to return to the  Falls of the Ohio Discovery Center that had been closed on Sunday.   Prior to 1927, there was no dam or locks, so when the river was high enough a beautiful falls existed here.

Falls of the Ohio pre-1927

Play Ball!  A visit to the Lousiville Slugger museum was well worth the stop and included a factory tour. 

Louisville Slugger Museum

The day ended with a visit to one of the oldest continually operated family run confectioner in the US (http://www.schimpffs.com) and dinner at Vincenzo's, a very nice upscale Italian restaurant (http://www.vincenzositalianrestaurant.com/).

The return portion of the trip included an overnight at Smugglers Cove, 70 miles from Louisville and 67 miles from the Ohio River Launch Club.