Taking The Long Way

Paducah is another decision point. It is on the bank of the Ohio River where it meets the Tennessee River. A 24 mile run up the Tennessee River takes you to Kentucky Lake. A 44 mile run up the Ohio and then the Cumberland River ending at Barkley Lake about a mile from Kentucky Lake. Why then do many people recommend the longer route via the Cumberland River?

Some told us the Cumberland was more picturesque. Some said not as much tow traffic. This last is certainly true. I usually verify the lock queue reports and transit times before we leave the dock. The Tennessee River is certainly busy and the tows are large; often requiring that they split into two sections which are locked through separately and then reassembled. However others believe the long wait times relate to the lock attendants at the Kentucky Lock and Dam. Believing the attendants do not like pleasure craft and make them wait for hours holding station below the dam.

We opted for the Cumberland River route. The queue report shows substantial less traffic, smaller tows and lower wait times. The origin of tows carrying rocks and gravel we had seen previously on the Ohio River, quickly became apparent. At least two large limestone quarry operations are located along the banks of the Cumberland. The river banks nearby are lined with barges waiting to be filled or waiting for a tow to assemble them and push them down river. These are complex operations that permit different grades of aggregate to be moved by conveyor, shovels or in some cases directly dropped from a haul truck.

While not quite as picturesque as we were led to believe, we did only have to wait 20 minutes for the lock. Just enough time for us to appreciate their welcoming committee. A flock of Cormorants has taken up residence and perch on the light standards along the lock wall. Given the lift here is 64 feet, their droppings have a wide splatter pattern. So we suggest our fellow boaters take shelter under a flybridge or wear a washable hat.

There are lots of pretty parts though and it was quite tranquil.

While locking up I spotted a not so shy green heron picking food off the lock door. I didn’t get a picture as I was somewhat occupied but later I caught this blue heron posing.