To return to the Mississippi from our hideaway anchorage, we first have to maneuver around the log dam that formed while we were sleeping.
It is at Cairo, IL that we will turn off the Mississippi and head into the Ohio River.
One would assume, Cairo, with its prime location at the confluence of the Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers, to be a thriving river town. The assumption would be correct if made in the 1800’s as it was a hub for steamship and ferry travel, industries supporting its population of 15,000+. However, with the rise of railroads making Chicago their hub, and the advent of bridges which significantly lowered the demand for the steamboat and ferry business, Cairo was left behind in the mass exodus of industry and people moving towards brighter futures. The perfect storm of severe flooding, racial tensions, and economic demise, left Cairo withering into what it is today: an abandoned forsaken ghost town. The Illinois state funding for the town is non existent and even the local government is reluctant to invest into and improve upon its own city. 1,500 souls still call Cairo home, but for how long they can linger without any government life support, time will tell.
We arrive to the mouth of the Ohio River, and as luck would have it, a barge is concurrently heading upriver.
What’s a little more churn to these turbulent waters?
For all the travels we have done on this journey, this stretch of the Mississippi can hold its own for being the most treacherous, ranking high even among our Hilton Head Island “against the tide” arrival, Lake Michigan’s New Buffalo’s approach through the rocks during rough water, and the choppy beam seas off of Key West. The lesson: Whether the body of water is a lake, an ocean, the gulf and yes, even a river, conditions can be dangerous at times and water needs to be respected! Of course, avoidance, when you can, is key!
The water is nice and calm as we enter the Ohio River. Unlike our arrival to the Mississippi River, we do not have the flying Asian carp to greet us. Why? Because they are floating. The river is dotted with dead smelly fish. 😝
We have one lock on the Ohio River before we arrive to Paducah, KY. It is the Olmsted Lock and Dam.
We arrive to Paducah. The transient docks are new, concrete, and floating. Very nice!
We are not the only ones to arrive to the Port of Paducah!
We will spend two nights exploring Paducah, taking a much needed break from the last two long days of river travels.
Paducah, sitting at the junction of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, was a nice surprise! With its quaint streets, boutique stores, and upscale dining, it ranks as one of our favorite river cities we have visited thus far! There is a a lot happening on this beautiful Saturday in Paducah!
We also take a tour of the National Quilt Museum.
Leaving the museum, we walk along the river, enjoying the wonderful murals painted upon the levee walls. Absolutely no signs of any graffiti, which is so typical in larger cities, to mar the beauty!
Paducah takes pride in all arts, whether it be the quilts on display in the museum, the murals depicted on the flood levee walls, the red bricks that line the historical streets, the local crafts exhibited in the boutiques, the pop up sidewalk artesian sales or the impromptu musical performances. For these reasons, they rightly earned their standing as one of nine U.S. cities in which Unesco named a Crafts and Folk Art City.
While crafts and arts may be front and center in this small river town, technology is also embraced. Our visit happened to coincide with the Electrek American Solar Car Challenge.
According to their website, “The American Solar Challenge is a biennial event organized by the Innovators Educational Foundation (IEF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing hands-on, multidisciplinary learning experiences for college students. This event encourages students to design, build, and drive solar-powered vehicles across the United States, promoting STEM education, sustainable technology, and innovation. In Partnership with the National Park Service, the Electrek American Solar Challenge will once again follow a National Historic Trail. In fact, the 2024 event will follow seven trails as a part of our “See America by National Historic Trail” theme.”
Today, we are lucky to see the cars in person as they all congregate at the checkpoint in Paducah, making their way from the starting point at Nashville, TN to their final destination of Casper, WY.
While the afternoon embraced the future of cars, the evening celebrated its past with Paducah’s cars and cigars event.
Along with some “appropriate” entertainment!
We had a great time in Paducah. In addition to the sites and sounds of the city, we also enjoyed some local cuisine. Our dinner at Freight House was excellent as was our tuna appetizer at Stella’s. Highly recommend both!
To cap of our stay: a full moon!
Tomorrow is a big day as we head to Green Turtle Bay and become fully looped! 😁
Love it! Great log of your journey. Will have to visit Paducah one of these days.
Glad you’ll be fully looped soon😎