Friday October 16, 2009

Under way at 7:00 AM sharp. Gained speed with reduced rpm's going the rest of the way down the Big Muddy. The upper Mississippi ends at the confluence of the Ohio and that's were we turn. Have to go upstream on Ohio to the Cumberland River, a 58 mile leg. The Ohio has a strong current (3 kt.) and it slows us down even with half again more engine power.

Major traffic jam at the intersection of the rivers at Cairo, IL. Tows going downstream on the Mississippi, upstream on the Ohio, some going across the river, some anchored, and some tied to shore empty. And un-barged tows looking for a load. We're able to get through without a problem after talking to several.

Made it to the Federal cells (mooring stations) 10 miles up river on the Cumberland just as twilight was fading. Sufficient light to tie on after a long 11 1/2 hr. run. There's a campsite near us on the shore resembling a weekend fishing site. A little frivolity from the campfire but not enough to bother us.

First, now that we're secure, well deserved cocktails with munchies. This is movie night after our sauerkraut and kielbasa cock pot dinner. Um-um good. Ice cream sandwich for desert. Hog heaven couldn't be better.