October 3: We headed up the Cumberland River on a glorious sunny day. The first part of the trip took us across Barkley Lake which was smooth as glass.
Barkley Lake-the lake is 2 miles wide in places but very shallow. It pays to stay in the Channel!
Millions of years ago, a gigantic meteorite (est. 20 miles in diameter) struck this area. The impact was so great that rock was pushed up from 2,000 feet below to form these layers.
Homes perched on the rocky cliffs.
"The Castle on the Cumberland"-Kentucky's maximum security prison. The main building was completed in 1888. In front of the prison but now underwater is the site of the last significant battle of the Civil War east of the Mississippi River. It was here in April 1865, that Union forces attacked forces from Northern Virginia.
October 4: We anchored in the Hickman Creek Recreation Area. The channel was well marked coming in but a little shallow at the entrance. Once in, however, we had the place to ourselves and had a great overnight anchorage.
Early morning in Hickman Creek after taking His Majesty ashore for his constitutionals.
Once the fog lifted, we left for a shorter run to the town dock at Clarksville.
Fort Donelson-A Confederate stronghold. On the morning of February 14, 1862, a Union fleet attacked the Fort. Although the Confederate defenders badly damaged the fleet, the Union forces encircled the Fort and forced the surrender of 13,000 troops. The result was loss of control of the River for the South and a major victory for the North.
October 5: We met up with some fellow Loopers in Clarksville and we departed to lock through the Cheatham Lock together-the only Lock on the Cumberland before Nashville.
A short run after the Lock took us to the Harpeth River which is considered one of the most scenic rivers that flows into the Cumberland. We anchored in about 7 feet of water and spent the night in a well protected anchorage.
October 6: After an early morning start, we arrived in Nashville after a 100 mile run. Long day but we are looking forward to a three day stopover in Nashville. We are tied up to the city dock which does not provide any amenities except electricity but is conveniently located right downtown.
Arriving in Nashville on a hot and humid day. The building in the foreground is called the "Batman".
October 7-8: Nashville: We played tourist for the next two days. We took in a show at the Grand Ole Opry, visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and cruised the local saloon scene to listen to yet undiscovered local musicians.
Music, music everywhere...
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