Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Day 30 (5/10/21)

Kentucky Lake - The big water slog

Start: River Mile: 118

Finish: River Mile: 100

Day Total: 18

Trip Total: 555

Last night, we were chased into our tents around 5:30 pm with a final two rounds of rain and lightning. So, 12 hours in the tent was a long time after already being in them on and off most of the day. 

It was a very soggy pack-up today, everything was wet and muddy. I contemplated paddling in my wet clothes from yesterday so I would have dry clothes tonight to change into. As soon as I got out of my sleeping bag I knew that was not a good idea. The temp was 45 degrees with a cold damp wind. So, I put on all the dry clothes I have, and got my boat packed. As we made the 200 yard haul of our boats to the “ramp” I thought to myself that I’d need to take off a layer of two before getting in my boat so I wouldn’t over heat once the sun came out.

My kayak ready to haul to the river

Once I had my kayak in the water and the portage wheels packed up and strapped to my back deck, I got in my boat and settled in for a long windy day. As I paddled away I realized I hadn’t taken any layers off, too late now I kept paddling. And, boy am I glad I stayed dressed the way I was. The weather called for 4 mph out of the North, but instead we got 10-15 with gusts of 20 mph. Combine that with an air temp of 48 degrees and it was cold almost miserable conditions.

Well, that’s the way it’s been on this trip, so all we can do is Paddle, Paddle, Paddle. The river is running straight north for the next 80 miles on the stretch known as Kentucky Lake, the last big pool Kentucky Lock & Dam and the final river stretch to the Ohio. And the wind was coming from NNE right in our faces. Jon did an great job finding us a path through these small finger shaped islands to keep us out of the direct wind for almost half of our day today. The weather also said that by 10:00am the sun would come out and the temps would reach 65 degrees. More lies! We didn’t see the sun at all and the temp never got above 55. 

Jon working the angles to avoid the wind

I’m sorry to complain but it’s been a rough couple days. I just need to remind myself that this is a trip that I love doing. Jon is an awesome paddling partner and we’ve had so much help and support from countless people along the way. I always say the paddling is not the always the best part, but there is always a lot of cool paddling along the way. I just need to focus on the joy that I feel out in nature and not get down when things get difficult. Jon loves it when I have a bad day because then he gets to be Mr positive!

Jon called ahead to the New Johnsonville marina and campground and spoke to the owner. He offered to let us camp for free and even gave us the code to the laundry and showers. Just one more example of river magic. 

Camp at New Johnsonville Marina Campground

After we got camp set up, we walked the 2 miles to the Caseys quick stop and bought pizza for dinner and subs for lunch tomorrow. There was no where to eat our pizza at Caseys so we went next door to the New Johnsonville Police Dept and asked we could use their picnic table. They thought what we were doing was pretty cool and allowed us to enjoy our pizza and mark up our maps for tomorrow.

Back at camp I took advantage of the laundry and dried all my wet stuff from the last two days. Now, that makes me happy! We are closing down the evening with a Bourbon next to a campfire. What a great way to end the day. We have exactly 100 miles to go until the Ohio river. We will be in Paducah Friday or Saturday.  

Good Night All