October 30, 2023 – November 2, 2023

Sunshine Makes a Visit to Kentucky!

Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina is a Looper favorite, and even more so for the Admiral as Kentucky is her home state. Who would have thought Sunshine would someday make it to Kentucky!

In need of a respite from the grueling days on the rivers, we are most content to be docked in a slip for a few days. We have not been in a marina since we left Hoppie’s October 26!

The weather has turned for the better – the sun is shining! We awaken to frost (even a little ice) on the dock. It’s still sweater weather but at least sunny.

Captain Pat’s to-do list is a mile long. First on the list is a visit from the mechanic to fix the windshield wipers and the bilge pump. Both prove to be a two-day job and we are happy with the results.

Captain Pat is caulking the two dripping latches in the salon. He has to do this repair in two stages and hope the dry sunny weather continues. Fortunately, it does and the leaks are fixed.

Walmart Shopping Trip

Mark and Mel reserve a courtesy car and invite us to join them for a trip to Walmart. Of course, we say yes.

I joke that most women get excited for brunch and mimosas. Looper women look forward to a trip to Walmart!

Visit from Our Brother Paul!

The big highlight is a surprise visit from my brother Paul who lives in Lexington, Kentucky. I’m excited to give him an inkling of Looper life and introduce him to some fellow Loopers. I show him the laundry, bath facilities, and office.

Four Looper boats – Red Pearl, Odyssey, Blue Moon, and Cavalier – are celebrating as they have “crossed their wake” and completed their Loop. Everyone gathers at the marina gazebo to toast their accomplishment. Paul gets to experience Looper “docktails.” About twenty Loopers gather to congratulate them. We don’t stay long; it is cold and we have dinner reservations at Patti’s!

Patti’s 1880’s Settlement

Captain Pat finishes his chores just in time for the Looper celebration. Paul then drives us to Patti’s 1880 Settlement, a legendary restaurant in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, not far from the marina.

Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is a recreated historical log cabin village complete with an animal park, gold mining, gardens, streams, mini-golf, bakery, gift shop and restaurants. Patti’s 1880’s Restaurant is famous for two-inch pork chops, meringue pies and flowerpot bread.

The staff tells us they begin Christmas decorating in August! It shows. The interior and outdoor facilities are lit up with festive decorations.

Each dining room is decorated to a different theme. Captain Pat and Paul have the pork chops, the Admiral the catfish. Delicious! Coconut Cream Pie and Chess Pie for dessert.

A Night Off the Boat

Paul, in his generosity and kindness, wants us to experience some rest and relaxation off the boat. He rents a condo at the resort near the marina.

We pack our overnight bags and off we go. I am shocked the Captain leaves Sunshine! He hasn’t slept off the boat since late June when we embarked on our second phase of this Loop journey. I did make a quick trip home in October.

I can’t figure if he wants to give Sunshine a break, not leave his wife, or enjoy all the snacks and goodies Gail packed for us! Probably he just wanted some time with Paul!

You can see how comfy and welcoming the condo is. We enjoy the night, and breakfast the next morning. Then we are back on Sunshine and Paul departs for his drive home.

It is always so nice to see family. I so appreciated David and Vicki’s visit to Chicago to see us. I still have to post a blog on that visit. I will!

A Gifted Quilt

Our dock neighbors are friendly and nice. They are aboard “Fly Dixie,” a huge Hatteras from St. Louis, Missouri.

They plan to take Fly Dixie to Key West for the winter. Their three dogs – two Dobermans, a schnauzer and another small dog -. greet us when we come and go.

The day before we leave, I hear a call from David, our boat neighbor, on the dock.

“Cindy, when are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow is the plan.”

“I have something for you.”

He returns with his gift in his hands.

“I make quilts. I have a quilting machine at home. I bring unfinished quilts on the boat and bind them. I’ll meet someone and think ‘they could use a quilt.’ So, I’d like to give one to you and Patrick.”

He hands me the quilt. It is beautiful! Blue colors that perfectly match the interior of Sunshine.

“David! I’m so touched. That is so unbelievably generous of you!”

“I am happy to give this to you. Enjoy!”

Has that quilt ever come in handy! We took quilts off the boat in June, thinking we will not need them. Were we ever wrong!

My mother quilted and loved giving her handiwork away. Maybe she was sending me a sign from heaven. Especially as we missed the Quilt Museum in Paducah!

What a nice gift, David! Thank you.

Reluctant Wife, Supportive Wife

We meet some incredible people on this trip. People like David.

One day in the laundry room I’m chatting with Jill. Jill and her husband Scott are aboard ‘Hope and Dreams’ a ranger tug that I admire. Jill has this sweet disposition and is just such a lovely person.
We are discussing what brought us on this trip.

Jill says “I decided I’m not the reluctant wife. I’m the supportive wife.”

Her words have stayed with me. I need to be more of a supportive wife! It is all in the attitude.

And this is quite an adventure!

Here are more photos from our stay at Green Turtle Bay!