Travel Day 53 to Paducah, KY 10/2/21 9 States to Date: NY, PA, OH, MI, IN, IL, MO, KY

Leaving early on a rainy morning, we were right around the bend from the confluence of the Upper Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Since we are where the Ohio River ends we are going against the current now, which really changes our speed. In the Mississippi we were making about 9 knots. Once we were in the Ohio we averaged around 4.5-5 knots.

Olmsted Lock

Up the Ohio RIver is the Olmsted Lock and Dam. Although we left first, Flying Colors and Our Pas Time quickly passed us and got to the lock first. We had called ahead and the lock master was waiting for us. We all locked together and also had to wait for a push boat without a tow. Once out of the lock the push boat zipped right by us.

The dock at Paducah was filled with looper boats, including our buddies Cashelmara, Jackpot and Anna Mae. The dock was really nice and sturdy and since we were opposite the fuel pumps the hose for the pump out reached right to the boat for a quick empty. The dock was filled and boats even had to raft up. The ramp was extremely long and steep with tall pilings in case of flooding. The landings on the marina ramp were also able to raise according to flood conditions. The bridge before the marina has markers up to and over 50 feet. There is actually a flood wall built around Paducah. It is decorated with historical murals.

The first night in Paducah, Brenda and Sonny went with Hal and I to Broussard's for dinner. It was a nice cajun restaurant. The catfish was a little too spicy for Brenda but we all enjoyed the zingy flavors.

The next day we all walked in to town for linner at Doe's. The gumbo and catfish were on point. Since no one was interested in going to the National Quilt Museum but me, I skipped ice cream and went alone. The quilts were amazing, especially the ones from the 9/11 Memorial Exhibit.

Interesting information about the Olmsted Lock:

This strategic reach of the Ohio River provides a connection between the Mississippi, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. More tonnage passes this point than any other

place in America’s inland navigation system. In 2012, 91.4 million tons traversed this portion of the Ohio River. 25 percent of all coal shipped on the inland waterways transits Locks and Dam 52, destined for many of the 50 power plants located on the Ohio River System or for many of the 17 power plants located in the eight states on the Upper or Lower Mississippi River. Commodities also move through this stretch to the Port of New Orleans for overseas markets.

Total estimated project cost with inflation $3,082,777,000

Average annual net benefits of completed project $640,000,000