Journey's End (& Craigs Creek Bay)

We passed through the last of our 28 locks for this trip with only one minor incident on Friday. We were told to wait along the guide wall on the Kentucky side until the tow pushing 15 was safely in the outside lock, which we did for about ½ hour. As the tow wiggled his barges into the lock we noticed the water receding in our lock (there are two again). Once the tow was safely in his lock we had to wait for two smaller fishing boats to exit ours. I noticed at this particular lock there is an observation deck and it’s loaded with tourists watching the boats lock through. As this is our last lock and we’re feeling confident in our abilities as we saunter in, approach the wall and I’m just about ready to expertly lasso the bollard and guess what – there’s no bollard. Ha Ha on us, it’s an empty chamber. Oops, so Tom has to reposition away from the wall and begin our approach again. When we get to the next bollard along the wall the pin I am to lasso is almost a foot above my head – this is different. I missed the first time, but got it on the second try. And here we thought we had the procedures in these locks down pretty good. Goes to show ya never be too confident and to always be prepared for the unexpected.

Immediately following that lock through the captain of the tow in the other lock radioed us and say’s “go ahead captain” since he exited just ahead of us, but we were looking for our anchorage for the night 1 mile down river and declined. I feel it’s important to mention this since most times we found the tows to be indifferent to us, so thank you “Winchester” for your courtesy.

Our anchorage for the night was behind a small uninhabited island in Craig’s Creek Bay. That was the only thing uninhabited in this bay since there was a marina and a number of homes that lined the banks. Across the river was the Balterra Casino, a very popular casino in these parts. Again, we found ourselves being rocked around by tubers and otherwise fast speedy little boats most of the evening. As dusk approached so did a little Bayliner which dropped their anchor just off our bow. Off in the distance someone was using up the rest of their July 4th fireworks but I still didn’t see them.

Our passage up river that brings us into Cincinnati was just a continuation of our already pleasant trip. The landscape is breathtaking at times and it’s hard to believe this region is as populated as it is. Also the unfortunate aspect of this region is the number of power plants, seems around every corner there are stacks spewing their white vapors into the air.

Cincinnati was a HOOT to boat through. Both local pro stadiums are on the banks of the Ohio and the Reds had just started a ballgame. There were a number of small boats lingering around the area, we assume waiting for that one long ball. I felt very jubilant standing the bow for the last couple of miles as we passed under 7 bridges looking left and right and snapping pictures.

Amanda & Stella joined us at the Marina to help celebrate the completion of our trip which lasted 35 days and took us over 1800 miles on the water.