Traveling the Great Loop

Sept, 25: today’s run: 70 miles

As we continue southbound, Kentucky on the portside, Indiana on starboard, miles of forestry line the river. A large sign announces the riverside town of Tel City.

Apparently, residents don’t need fuel for their vehicles on weekends. The town’s only gas station isn’t open.

Bollards vary from lock to lock. Cannelton Lock was newly reconditioned with smooth concrete walls. But the bollard had only one protruding knob to prevent lines from slipping off. It was challenging to keep the line around the bollard as the lock emptied. Since then, we have learned that other boaters put a 360 degree wrap around this type. But it’s important to be able to release the line quickly and the line must never get jammed within itself which could happen when using the 360 degree method. Envision this: A line is around a bollard while the boat is going down with the receding water. The line gets stuck preventing the boat from floating downwards with the lowering water level. The result is life threatening; the boat hangs in extreme heel from the line. The person in charge of the line on Baccalieu II, always carries a knife in the chance that it jams.

A northbound view of Cannelton Lock and dam; mile 720

Notice the turbulent wash from this tow. When overtaking, it’s imperative to avoid driving into it. The turbulence takes command of your steering.

We spent a quiet night at anchor.