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Published: October 9th 2016
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Feeding Turtles at Green Turtle
The kids had great fun feeding the turtles at the marina The last few days have been spent cruising up the Cumberland River towards Nashville and anchoring in little coves or inlets overnight. We had planned to leave Green Turtle Bay on Wednesday, however, one thing you quickly learn about life goes on a boat is that plans change (which is great for me, as I love change).
On Wednesday, we ended up heading back into the marina to take some led lights to James (we had some extras of on board) and pick up some tools we had lent to Andrew and Jack. What was planned as a short trip turned into a longer visit (time flies when you are enjoying yourself!). Part way through the morning, it was decided that Nancy and James (“Living Life”) with their boys were going to come out and anchor with us. Not wanting to pass up an opportunity to enjoy their company, we decided not to leave until Thursday. (Note: if you do not know all these names, you may want to go back and read some of our prior posts)
Early that afternoon, Nancy, James, Lucas and Marcos came over to where we were anchored and “rafted off” us (tied up
to our boat). The kids had great fun hopping from boat to boat, telling us stories and Lukus had a great time learning all about Minecraft. We also decided the water ought to be clean enough to jump in ~ ok it was probably more the heat going to our heads and the desperation of not having had a shower for a few days that convinced us ~ so everyone (minus me; took me until the next day to take the plunge) had a nice little swim.
On Thursday, we spent the morning changing the oil on our boats (well, ok, the guys did that part), playing with Lego (well, ok, us girls did that part), and chatting. We finally pulled anchor mid-day on Thursday and headed south on Barkley Lake towards Nashville. Since we had started out late, we decided to travel just a few hours, ending up at another nice little anchorage. Nancy and James were not far behind and rafted off to us once again.
That evening we all swam, enjoyed some “docktails” (actually I don’t think we can call them that since we weren’t at a dock, but I like the word), shared dinner
and played a great game of Yahtzee.
Through all of this, the boys, and especially Marcos, have bonded very closely to Lukus. They love to hang around him, listen to his stories, and share their ideas with him. Whenever they raft off, the first thing Marcos asks is for permission to come aboard our boat. These two are some of the most thoughtful kids we have ever met (except for my kid, and Lukus’ nieces and nephews of course). The respect they show to everyone, including each other, is inspirational to witness.
The following day, on Friday, we continued our course south on Barkley Lake and then east on the Cumberland. After a full 8 hour day of travelling, we finally found a spot to anchor on the side of the river. Not quite as ideal an anchorage as we have recently had, with barges passing by less than 100 feet away, but with Nancy, James and boys again rafting off us, it was an enjoyable evening.
The next morning, Lukus awoke to the sound of someone sneaking on board and rustling around. Stepping out, he was pleasantly surprised to find that Marcos had decorated our boat
with streamers and balloons for Lukus' birthday. Marcos and his mom then sang him happy birthday. Earlier the day before, the boys had even presented him with homemade birthday cards (which they made of their own accord). While Lukus generally does not like to make a big deal of his birthday (he prefers “born day”), I know he was very moved by the thoughtful gestures! Made his 42
nd birthday a memorable one for sure, even as the balloons drifted off the boat and across the river.
We parted company with “Living Life” that day, as they had to stop in the city of Clarksville for some medications and provisions. Poor Marcos was quite upset when he found out we would not be seeing them that day (I think Lukus was a little disappointed too), but we will meet up again in Nashville.
It is amazing to me sometimes, how quickly close relationships can build. Especially when you are in the same boat (sorry, cheesy pun); traveling the same course (oops, another one slipped in there), and facing the same challenges. We really have bonded with this wonderful family.
Nancy and I were chatting the other day about
Another Visitor on Board
From butterflies and spiders to huge crickets, we have had our share of visitors on board how sad it can be to watch a once close relationship drift apart. Yet, reflecting back on these relationships, you realize that some people are brought into your life for only a season. They bring with them growth and life lessons, and then depart. And, there always seems to be new people coming in, filling the void; bringing with them fresh perspectives and change. The whole cycle makes looking back at fading relationships less sad, filling us with gratitude for what was and hope for what may be.
Serious reflection moment aside, we are on our final leg into Nashville, Tennessee. I have always wanted to experience “music city”. We are looking forward to seeing the city and listening to some live music. The only live music we have had since leaving home is the impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday sung yesterday by young Marcos and Nancy (which was definitely enjoyable!).
This morning, I finally broke down and hauled a bucket of water out on the back deck, sat down and enjoyed a good washing. Just to assure you, I have washed before now...but not out on the deck :P While it is true that I only used
about 3 litres of water to bathe (have to conserve water), I can guarantee you the view was more extravagant then most people get while showering!
This afternoon, Lukus chipped some ice off the back of our fridge, and made me a lovely drink with…ice! For someone who doesn’t really need this luxury, it is still amazing how such a simple thing still becomes thoroughly enjoyable! He also cooked up some “tube turkey” (ground turkey in a tube) for a Thanksgiving lunch Surprising how yummy something from a tube can be when you add the right spices and herbs and a whole bunch of love (if you need to know where to find love, you can ask Lukus, apparently it is not aisle five of the grocery store).
Now, feeling clean and refreshed, I think we are ready to hit the streets. Nashville, here we come!!
Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family!!
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Mike Herring
non-member comment
Your Trip
Having a great time following your trip via the Blogs, sounds like you are having a great time and meeting some wonderful people. I gave your Blog address to my brother and his wife, they are going to send you their Email so they can follow you also, they have a sailboat and have the same dream.