Paducah, Kentucky

9-9-2024

The public dock on the Ohio River at Paducah. Katie B tied up across from Checkmate.

Several hours following our departure from Little Diversion Canal, the fog finally lifted, and the day turned beautiful. Just as our worries about the fog and the leaking shaft seal resolved, we began to hear predictions of a growing tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico, which might be strong enough to ruin the weather in the deep South.

The strong following current took us down the river to Cairo, Illinois at the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. We said farewell to the Mississippi River, and our dramatic speed downriver speed at Cairo and turned up river into the Ohio, passing fleets of barges and tows. The Olmstead lock was ready for us and we passed through quickly and without any significant delay or difficulty. The Ohio River was quite different from the Mississippi, broad, blue with forest lined banks and much less current. There were copious anchorages on this wide portion of the river which we passed having decided to press on to the public marina at Paducah, Kentucky. This made for a long but satisfying, cruising day.

Upon our arrival at Paducah, we were greeted by Mike from Checkmate, who took our lines and helped us tie to the outside of the municipal dock. We took the opportunity to walk into Paducah and briefly explore the town. Because of concern regarding an impending tropical storm wave and the possibility of substantial rain, high wind, and flooding along the Ohio river, we made the decision to stay only one night at the Paducah dock and leave the next morning to transit the Cumberland River on our way to Green turtle Bay. Paducah, Kentucky, however is a really interesting little town with a lot to see. We decided that after arriving at Green turtle Bay we would obtain a rental car and drive back the 20 miles to Paducah to spend several days further exploring the city while the tropical storm passed over. I have included the photographs from Paducah in this portion of the journal for clarity.

Paducah Kentucky is an old Rivertown that was a hub for transportation from the river and railroads. Over the decades it has been the victim of significant and fairly frequent flooding by the Ohio river and today the old town is surrounded by a levy. The gates were opened to allow vehicle traffic and pedestrians during our visit. The levee walls have been decorated with beautiful, detailed historic paintings regarding Paducah's history. The town was a treasure trove of restaurants and chops and most notably museums. We particularly enjoyed the famous quilting, museum, which is almost an oxymoron. This museum has one nationwide to claim, and we were not disappointed. The quilts are really works of art, and we spend several very pleasant hours among their displays. We visited additional museums, including one dedicated just to Paducah and one to navigation on the river. Our visit to Paducah was thoroughly enjoyable and certainly left me wanting more.