Ohio River to Paris Landing, TN

Once turning up the Ohio River on 10/1, we hit much more tow/barge and dredging traffic than expected. We also lost speed……decreasing from 12.5+ mph on the Mississippi to 8.5+ mph on the Ohio as we were moving upstream against the current. We were still moving with a group of boats, so often times got notice of what was ahead of us based on radio chatter. We spent this night anchored at the Olmstead Lock and Dam, with 7 other boats. The current was fast and water slapped against the hull…..so needless to say I did not get a good night sleep…..John slept like a baby….LOL! Ray & Jane (Pura Vida) hosted a wonderful anchortails at Olmstead. We then made our way to Paducah, KY and tied off at the Paducah City pier, with a bunch of our fellow loopers. It was nice to have electricity and be able to fill the water tanks after being on anchor for 3 nights. We went walking a couple of days, had some nice group dinners, went grocery shopping and Robin visited the National Museum of Quilts. John can’t stand a dirty hull and he spent a lot of time getting the terrible water spots off of our blue hull – it’s looking good now! We stayed there for 2 nights. We then made our way up the Ohio River to the Cumberland River, thru the Barkley Lock and into Green Turtle Bay Marina and Resort (GTB). GTB is a highly recommended marina thru the AGLCA (America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association), and it did not disappoint. We spent 3 fun nights here. We walked into Grand Rivers several times (only about a mile away), did some grocery shopping and ate at the infamous Patti’s Restaurant. We have been buying Patti’s seasoning (meat seasoning) for many years and had not realized it was from a famous restaurant near GTB……it was definitely a treat! We participated in a 70th birthday party for Bill from “Let Time Go Lightly”……his wife Patti sure knows how to throw a soiree! It was sad to leave all our friends at GTB, but we had to move on to get to the Rendezvous at Paris Landing and meet more loopers! We spent one night at anchor at Dry Fork Bay, on Kentucky Lake. It was an absolutely beautiful and quiet spot. We are now at Paris Landing State Park and Marina for 6 nights and will attend the AGLCA Fall Rendezvous. There are about 50 looper boats here and approx. 250 participants, and there will be several presentations covering many different “loop” topics. We hope to learn much more on the southern and east coast loop route – including what changes to expect after Hurricane Ian hit southern Florida. After the Rendezvous, we plan to do a side trip to Chattanooga (and Muscle Shoals) over a 2 ½ week period. We hear its beautiful and should be a perfect time for fall colors. We should be in Chattanooga around 10/25 for 4 nights if anyone wants to go on a road trip for a visit!!!!!