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Nashville, Tennessee, Cumberland River
Oct 16; Cheatham Lock: mile 148: Rock Harbor: mile 190, today’s run 64 miles: (Two hundred miles from the Ohio River turnoff.)
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Before continuing to Nashville, we made a stopover at Rock Harbor Marina, (mile 175), an hour and half from Nashville (by boat). We left the boat at the marina and returned home to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with our family.At home, the trees were just beginning to turn colour. That was one of the things I missed most when sailing months offshore; the changing seasons. I might complain about the cold but the seasons are in my DNA. Like an animal instinct, it needs to be satisfied.
When we returned to the boat, it was 51F/10C degrees. Where did that hot Nashville weather go? We don’t leave the heater on overnight so each night, before going to bed, I set out my ‘rise and shine’ clothing: sweat pants, sweater , socks, and lay them beside the bed. Sometimes, after waking, I warm them up under the covers before I put them on.
Soon after getting up, it’s usually around 5 o’clock, I turn on the heat . In about three minutes I’m taking off a sweater and turning the heat down. Heating the cabin is that fast. The heating system, reverse-cycle air conditioner (using a heat-pump) is not new technology, but I think of it as a phenomenon. Heat is absorbed from cold seawater and fans distribute it.
After making coffee, (hot water and lemon for me), I sit down at my computer. This is my set up. After the sun comes up, I use an umbrella to shade my screen. This is not an exotic life we’re leading folks.This is my galley. It didn’t look like this yesterday. Friends are joining us for a few days tomorrow. I often serve soups for lunch accompanied by a sandwich or quesadilla that I have grated raw sweet potato and grated cheddar between two floured tortillas. Sometimes I use refried beans and serve them with salsa. I heat the quesadillas on my two-burner Kenyon induction stovetop. Last night, I made chili on the cooktop and chicken soup in a pressure cooker. The chill of the evening cooled the ingredients sending an inviting scent of flavours into the air. Installing a second freezer under the stairway is a Back Cove option.
En Route to Nashville
This railroad bridge is open for boat travel. It’s recommended that boat operators do not use autohelms while navigating under bridges. The steel used in the construction of old bridges could knockout the autohelm’s compass. Nashville, home to over 180 recording studios, 130 music publishers, 100 live music clubs and 80 record labels.We stayed one night docked under the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. From here we could walk into town.Oh, oh! The elevator was out of order. The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Nashville is the state capital of Tennessee. One of the original five and dime stores that opened in 1913.Lower Broadway rocks with music day and night.Lower Broadway St., a mix of bands, bars and people ready to party. Each floor featured three different bands.The bands are often standing with their backs towards the windows that overlook the sidewalk.Or on view from a side window. Often the music isn’t country music they are singing.
Who can pass up a candy store?Built in 1892 by Thomas Ryman, the building was founded as a place of worship for the Union Gospel Tabernacle. In 1934, following the death of Ryman, the Ryman Auditorium became the home to radio WSM’s Grand Ole Opry . The Opry ran there for 31 years and came to be known as the Mother Church of Country Music.
But even as early as 1925, WSM was known for its country music theme. In 1932 when a radio tower was erected on the outskirts of Nashville, the Opry grew in popularity. The WSM radio channel was designated as one of the fourteen national clear channels and was granted not only the ability to reach 40 states, but to transmit at full power at night time. Nashville became the ‘country music capital’.
We purchased 2 last minute tickets to the Grand Ole Opry House, the new venue for the Grand Ole Opry. Yep, that’s us, the only 2 people in the place not wearing blue jeans. We forgot where we were. I like watching backup concert musicians, and my seat, located in the wheelchair row 6 metres from the stage, offered a good side-on view. I saw some pretty swanky looking cowgirl boots.
The star performer that night was Lainey Wilson, winner of several country music awards including country singer of the year and song of the year. Her list of accomplishments is a long one. How lucky were we?
4 responses to “Nashville, Tennessee, Cumberland River”
Mike Brennan
Donna, Many, many years ago, maybe forty-five, Pattie and I were invited by friends to go to the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night show and WSM broadest while on our way to Florida. We were in the front row and there were many big country stars there that night but I can’t remember the names. Even though we were not into country music and we were not even aware of the Opry it was probably one of the most fun evenings we have had. Mike
Donna, nice galley on Baccalieu, and sparkling clean. Clearly not suffering from bad weather. 5am is nearly start, even on central Time. Lainey Wilson is the icing on this river cruise!
Mike already told you about our visit to the Opry MANY years ago. You were extremely lucky to see Lainey Wilson as she is now the ‘flavor of the day’ in country music.
Your galley is small but you seem to produce amazing meals there! You both look the same and sound like you are really enjoying your ‘adventure’. We are enjoying the trip vicariously.
Pattie
Traveling the Great Loop 
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