Kenlake Marina -- Our Next Stop

As we left Green Turtle Bay Marina, we went through the canal that connects Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.  It is about 1-1/2 miles long and is a very busy through-way.  As we entered Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River, the water was the largest body of water I had ever seen.  The Tennessee River is so much bigger and deeper than the Cumberland River -- it is absolutely gorgeous.  We decided to significantly change the number of miles we would travel in a day -- and we wanted to stop and visit most of the marinas on the Tennessee River -- so we traveled about 18 miles on Wednesday!!  It was a great ride -- the weather to travel could not have been more perfect.  It was about 80 degrees, sunny, low humidity and light wind. 

On Wednesday, August 23, we arrived at Kenlake Marina.  Many marinas on the Tennessee River are protected by huge rock walls so water currents and waves/wakes wont erode the banks of the River nor rock the boats in the marina. By the time we arrived at the marina we were, of course, ready to eat!!  After we got checked in, we headed to the restaurant and had the best hamburger ever!!  We were also fortunate to have a covered slip so we didn't have to worry about the dew getting our boat wet at night!!  

There were literally hundreds of sailboats at this marina.  Gene was an early-riser and took some amazing sunrise pictures including the sailboats. 

We met the owner of the marina – he bought this marina about a year ago and has some pretty impressive plans to expand the marina including more boat slips, an additional restaurant for upscale dining, a smoke-house, showers for transient boaters (like us), laundry facility and more.  We will definitely make another visit to this marina in the future.

A few years ago, a barge hit a bridge on Hwy 68 -- right at this marina.  The bridge had to be re-built.  It was built higher so sailboats could get thru it without having to take their mast/sails down.  Also you'll notice another large barge heading toward the bridge ---- he made it thru safely!!

We took a long walk that evening thru the Kenlake State Park.  It was a gorgeous state park.  Everything about this section of the Lake is so amazingly beautiful.  

Tennessee River View at Kenlake