ssloop: Kentucky Dam-Pickwick, TN

Tuesday noon after spending the morning washing the boat and doing laundry, we cast off our lines and headed south on Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River in reckless pursuit of our long lost friends on Thistle. We buddy boated two summers ago in Canada with Greg & Reenie on Thistle.
We very much enjoyed our time together that summer and looked forward to catching up with them.
Late afternoon we pulled into Pebble Isle Marina to find they had just arrived and were tying their lines. The evening was spent sharing pizza, stories and laughs.

Wednesday morning, after homemade cinnamon rolls at the marina office, be both pulled out and headed south on the Tennessee River. The PV2 got up on plane and went ahead to scout out anchorages for the night. We settled on a great little spot between Swallow Bluff Island and Dickey Towhead. We dropped the anchor and the dinghy, took a swim and watched for our friends to arrive.
Our welcome wagon dinghy picked up Greg & Reenie shortly after their arrival and transported us all to a small sandy beach on the island to enjoy a beautiful sunset. We had read that wild goats lived on the island and sure enough we were greeted (or not) by 3 of them as we approached shore. They allowed us to enjoy their beach in peace. They looked mean, but they really weren't that baaaaaad!

Thursday morning we pulled out of our anchorage and were joined by 4 other boats along the way. The Lock Master at Pickwick Lock & Dam advised us that if we hustled he could lock us all through before an approaching down bound tow. We all picked up the pace and nicely made it. After locking up 55 feet, Thistle & PV2 turned into Pickwick Landing State Park Marina for the evening. We took the dinghy to the State Park Restaurant for our farewell dinner with Thistle as we will part ways in the morning. We will miss them and hope to catch up again this winter.