Ice Ice Baby.....

Days 14-18

We left Alton Marina sadly knowing what was to come in the next few days...See night picture of the beautiful bridge with the marina close by.

Day 14 (8/8) we pulled up to Hoppies Marine which is simply a few 100’ barges tied to shore.  We filled up with fuel, filled our water and were very very happy to plug in to run our AC.  The days have been in the 90’s.  Even though it was only 2:30 we knew our next stop was 41 miles and we needed the afternoon “lecture” from the owners on how to navigate the rest of the Mississippi and on up through the Ohio River. Most everyone stops here to here the info on river conditions and so did we.

Day 15 saw us ambling toward the closed Kaskaskia Dam some 41 miles south.  See the pic through our screens at the functional but not inspiring view. A big cruiser showed up and were in a panic because they did not know of the closure and had a “very important meeting” to get to.  So, helpful Mark inflated our dinghy and paddled them to shore!  (Of course, then he went back and brought the back to their boat). They had friends drive the 40 miles down to the closed lock to pick them up!
No AC and very hot so Mark and I slept on opposite spaces in our saloon.  I brought 3 sets of sheets.  Our bed has one of course but then each of us has a set to “sweat” on when we need to and we needed to.  Fans were all on and we waved at each other across the cabin (2’)😅

Day 16 Floated away @ 8 knowing we needed to get to our next anchorage 69 miles away.  Surprisingly arrived early due to a 5 mph current helping us along.  Passed 7 tows this day plus a harrowing current flux tempting to turn us sideways as we tried to anchor at the Little River Diversion Canal (told to us by Hoppies). Waved at each other again as we fell asleep (no touching, too hot)

Day 17 was special because we left the great Mississippi River and entered north on the Ohio where we not only said “Hi” to Kentucky but also to the 2 mph current against us. We went fro 10-11 mph to
4-5 mph speed.  the Ohio is so much calmer than the Mississippi and we didn’t mind too much the current.  It’s also wide so we just waved at the tows as we passed. We had one lock to traverse and we were told to come on through following a tow without any barges.  Well. White knuckle time as the chamber was narrow and the tow was kicking up a wake. I would have taken a picture of Mark’s stressed face as he “surfed” one wake and then another but I couldn’t loosen my grip on the rails!
Needless to say, as soon as we cleared the 1000’ lock wall Mark said “Beer Please”.

We found a peaceful anchorage off the channel.(see sunset pic) and had our first Manhattan toast or two.  There was a little breeze so we snuck in our bedroom with 2 fans and fell asleep.
No touching still!

Day 18. (8/12) I was hopeful that we could make it to Lake Barkley where there is a very nice marina.  We pulled anchor at 6:45 and headed toward Lock 52.  We were fortunate to only have to wait 3 1/2 hours but unfortunate as to not to be able to make it to the marina so, we are again anchored out of the channel ready to enter the Cumberland River. This river will deposit us at Green Turtle Bay and Resort on Lake Barkley where they even have a “spa” which would be awesome but of course I am too frugal!!!

Now to the meaning of the title.  Our ice in our coolers melted by the end of Day 15.  I began making ice in our ice cube tray in anticipation but couldn’t keep up so most of our drink cans and bottles have been transferred to the fridge.  We drink tons of water, lemonade, and powdered ice tea all day due to the heat and it’s nice to have them cold!!!  So ice, ice, baby is what we dream of and can’t wait to
get tomorrow. Very simple needs...

Kaskaska

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