Sixteen Miles of Water

I got the chance to hit the river and kayak today, first time this year. I may have been a little over confindent in my planning of this trip. I put in the river at mile 143 of the Cumberland River, just north of Cheatham Dam. My destination was McGregor Park at mile 127. With all my charts, planning and GPS, I did not plan on the wind.

The wind blew straight in my face no matter what direction or curve in the river I was heading.

I was traveling lite, as today was only a day trip. I am thankful that I had my favorite protein and carb sandwiches with me. AKA, peanutbutter and Strawberry Jelly.

Other supplies, cigars, Camelbak full of water, 4 additional bottles of water and 2 Diet Dews, and my emergency/survival stuff.

Familiar face, the kayak guy, complete with Cuban.

Downed trees along the shore.
Nice wide open river.

More river.

Yes, more river.

This is the McAdoo Creek inlet to the Cumberland.

River mile 135.6 is the at the mouth of McAdoo Creek.

Everytime I hit the river the cows follow me.

I heard a horn blow, loud, real loud.

I turned around just in time to see a barge taking a short cut around the river's bend. That's also where I happend to be floating at the time. I paddled backward as hard as I could and jumped out just as it passed by.

Hugging the shore line to get out of the wind.

Using the Clarksville Conservation Club as a windbreak.

The fishing was pretty good as well. Bluegill.

Large Mouth Bass.

And even turtles.

Fishing with everything tied down, learned a lesson last year when one of my poles went airborne after a vicious hit.

The Highway 13 bridge.

What's left of the boat ramp at Fairground's Park, I had to paddle farther down to McGregor Park for Stacy to pick me up.

A different view of the Corman Railroad bridge. Never seen anyone use a dog for bait before.

All finished and back on dry land. My arms ache, but all in all was a great day of kayaking the river, fishing and a great workout.

Of course, no fishing trip would not be the same if I didn't catch some of David Morey's favorities.

Tree Bass.