Down Mighty Rivers

Well, today Oct.6,we have lots of time to catch up. Storms are expected all day. So here goes! We left off watching Fox news in Evansville. We arose on Oct. 2, not to the severe weather that was predicted, but to blue skies. Evidently the storms were moving faster and cleared out before expected. This , we learned, is not always good news for boaters,since the fast movement of the storm clouds is caused by high winds! Being relatively new at this travel bit, we decided to depart at 7:58am CST. Lesson # 5--never, ever leave a cozy dock when winds of 10-25,(with gusts of 35 )mile an hour are expected. The winds were coming directly from the west and ,of course, the river winds almost due west in that area. By 9:15amCST we welcomed our first spray into the fly bridge and also our second,third etc. throughout the day. We arrived safe and sound in Golconda with only a minor ding in the dingy prop (Very High gusts going through Meyers lock) and a ripped zipper in some fly bride canvas. Captain John just informed me that the predicted winds were only for 10-20 mile an hour,but we learned after we arrived at Golconda that the winds actually gusted to 35 mile an hour. I say over 10 can be uncomfortable!

Oct.3, we decided to stay in Golconda for the day,since winds were still high. We had a beautiful spot and the sun was shining warmly. We walked into town for lunch at the Sweetwater Saloon and had our usual burger, salad and Ginnis Sat. lunch in honor of Wes and Sally. There were even bikers in the bar,so we felt right at home! We met some nice dock mates who invited us to party with them Sat. night and had a great time. Golconda marina is a happening place. Oct. 4,we departed Golconda at 9:32am