Golconda back to Big E

October 25 - 26, 2001 - Golconda back to Big E

We left Golconda Marina at 9:55 am Thursday as planned. We had big storms predicted all day yesterday, much like you had at home. It was a strange day. We walked up town to the Library and had lunch and looked over the few shops. When we came back, the courtesy car was there, so we borrowed it and did some grocery shopping. It was very warm, about 80 degrees and windy. We were watching the sky and, as we were returning, it started to rain - the raindrops were the size of oranges. Within minutes it was pouring hard and the high wind gusts hit us and blew everything in its way (charts, chairs, rugs etc.) everywhere. What a mess. I knew we were in trouble when Bill started the engines in case our lines failed and we were set adrift. I can't imagine where we would have gone. Luckily that didn't happen. Then Bill jumped off the boat to try to tie up tighter. I wasn't much help; I just tried to keep my cool and stay out of the way. The two strong men from the 70 foot new houseboat docked near us came running and helped us get the lines tightened enough to hold us. The wind and the storm didn't last long, but it was scary. There had been a tornado warning all day, and when the rain finally came the temperature cooled way down. It's cold today, but the wind isn't too bad right now. The river is a real mess with log and debris. It would be terrible if we hit a big log. We are headed back to Paducah to pick up the parts for the generator and wait for Jo and Ralph to arrive tomorrow. I thought the wind wasn't bad, but I was wrong. By the time we arrived at the Smithland Lock, it was pretty strong and the waves were building. We had to wait about 20 minutes while they got the lock ready. It was hard to get the line around the bollard as the wind held us off, but we did, and all was o.k. I'm glad we don't have any more locks today. The river got very rough by the time we reached Paducah about 1:00. We were going to get fuel before we docked, but it was so windy, we decided to wait and do it later. Tom met us on the dock and helped us tie up. It's always nice to have someone on the dock to help. The wind is really howling and rolling us around. I just looked out and there are about 4 boats coming in off the river. Gosh, I wish this wind would STOP. People are all over trying to get their boats tied up safely. The owner of the marina Sherman, and his right hand man, Tom have been most helpful and friendly. Tom is bringing donuts in the morning.

It seems that we are never lacking for excitement on the rivers.

After the sun set, the wind calmed down and we walked uptown for dinner. There are a lot of good restaurants within walking distance.

It's now Friday the 26th. It's still so COLD AND WINDY, we can't believe it. I can't even get on and off the boat without Bills help. It's unbelievable. Can you believe, the bearing for the generator didn't arrive, so we're going to try again and have one shipped to Green Turtle Bay. So Bill borrowed Tom's truck again and went back to town and bought a portable Honda generator to use in emergencies. Oh Well! Jo and Ralph arrived about 3:00 and it was great to see them. They thought the Big E Marina was quite a sight. The wind was still blowing a gale and the steel barges were making all kinds of noises. Bill was a little leery about leaving the boat, but he put out all the bumpers he owns and we went to Cynthia's for dinner. I don't know why we thought we were on our summer vacation - it's only 30 degrees tonight and I have on all my winter clothes. We plan to leave in the morning for Green Turtle Bay, so the winds had better die down for us. Please send us some Good Thoughts, we need your help.