4 September, 2021. Serenity and crew crosses her wake and completes America’s Great Loop

 

35 SM; 6.8 hours and one final lock up

Marvelous anchorage last night.  So peaceful, never woke until 0500.  Kim’s early morning anchorage video. But we have a mission today.  Buck strong currents up the Cumberland river arriving at the Barkley lock and dam.  Overcast, rain threatening and more forecast later today, we made ready to get underway.  All set, anchor hoisted at 0700.  Brief journey around the towhead island, exposed to the strong Ohio river currents briefly, then turning into the Cumberland with it’s own swift currents.  Ran a couple of extra hundred RPM today just to stay consistent at 5 MPH.  Six hours to make 30 miles but we made it.  I had called the lock master early this morning to ensure there was no unscheduled maintenance and to let him know we were coming and his lock was the last lock on our journey.  A mile before the lock I hailed the lock master via radio with our position and requested a lock up.  He welcomed us back and said the lock was ready, door open and proceed on in.  That we did and tied up on the starboard side.  Arrived at the lock at 1300.  A pretty quick ride up of 47 feet.  Shortly the doors opened and we exited into Lake Barkley.  Bitter sweet knowing we entered and exited our last lock on this journey.  

Approaching the opened Barkley lock

Doors closing behind Serenity

We had traveled down the Cumberland River from Mt Juliet, TN, 200 miles to the east, 1 November, 2019.  We will not return back up the river.  Instead, two miles ahead, we cross our wake, the track/location we passed on 5 November, 2019 and proceed to the same anchorage where we spent the night.  Kim’s anchorage video

Crossing tracks, crossing our wake

Completing the Loop at 1330 after 6322 statute miles traveled.  2086 hours total on the Yanmar diesel.  We popped the top on a sprite and toasted our achievement and completion. The crew filled with various emotions.  We have enjoyed the clean water of Lake Barkley this afternoon with swim call.  Made spaghetti from scratch for boat supper.  Storms, hopefully not severe and heavy rain on the way tonight and tomorrow.  Will set the anchor alarm once again; verify the anchor is set and ride it out.  

We intend to remain on Lake Barkley for a couple of days, then we will take Serenity to Green Turtle Bay marina, just 3 miles away.  Due to the holiday weekend we cannot get a slip until next week.  Then pick up a rental vehicle, unload all of our stuff and head to SW Missouri.  We will return back in a few days with all of the boat cushions and stuff we off-loaded two years ago that belong on Serenity.  Serenity will get a very through cleaning, oil and filter changes and waxing inside and out.  Serenity has been a great little boat and a safe boat.  The Yanmar diesel has performed flawlessly.  We have spend every night aboard, 302 nights of travel.  We have several more nights aboard before this adventure concludes.  

In a few days I will gather statistics and post.   Thank you to those who have followed and offered encouragement along the way. To many who met us in some marina and we shared time, and good food together thank you.  

6323 SM; 2086.2 hours hobbs.