Sunday, Sept 19, 2010 Location: Green Turtle Bay Marina, Grand Rivers, Kentucky

We have been without a computer for almost a week. I said yes to something I should have said no to and I was locked out entirely. Therefore, the delay to any updates to the blog (and everything else I do online). Fortunately for me, one of our boater (looper) friends offered to take a look to see if they could help, and after several hours, corrected the problem. She has not had to worry about her wine glass being empty!!!!! I can’t thank her enough.

We arrived here, at Green Turtle Bay Marina, in Grand Rivers, Kentucky on Thursday, Sept 16 and are staying until Tuesday, the 21rst (first day of Autumn). Seems like most of the loopers stop here for R and R on their way south. We’re spending time swimming, resting, doing nothing, cleaning the boat, doing laundry and grocery shopping (what’s new) and just “stopping”. Feels good to not be on the “go” for a change.

My same computer savvy friend was also a hairdresser in her past life and gave me a much needed haircut and I now have short hair again – no more long hair for me – ever!

Our last week’s travels took us south to the end of the Upper Mississippi River and onto the Ohio River

where we lost our 4-5 knot pushing current that we had enjoyed on the Mississippi.

Cruising the Mississippi was so enjoyable to us and so different than the other waterways that we have traveled on. There were boiling swirls in many of the turns we made making maneuvering challenging, and tugs with many barges – up to 40 at a time. As we approached each one, we would contact them by radio and request passing or overtaking instructions, sometimes carrying on friendly conversations.

the Mississippi swirls

Captain Richard has been at the helm most of the time; his legs and feet tired from standing and manually steering around the numerous logs and debris on the Mississippi. We’re reminded of two boats that have travelled with us that have damaged propellers when coming in contact with the debris, making us extremely cautious. No marinas and few places to anchor have added to the excitement of travelling on the Mississippi.

Since leaving Lake Michigan, we have passed through Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, and are now in Kentucky.

Now that I once again have the computer, will keep the posts more current.