The rain had stopped but the wind was stiff.  It was blowing 20 to 30 mph with gust exceeding 40 mph.  The temperature was 60 degrees and dropping. It was Sunday and downtown Nashville was quiet.  With our jackets zipped tight we made our way up to one of the few places open to eat and had a light breakfast. As we ate we discussed the situation. When we left for the cruise we were aware of the forecast of high winds today. Our plan was just to stay in Nashville and sit it out on the dock and read or just kick back. But they had not forecasted accurately the amount temperature drop, which now was predicted to fall into the low 50's by afternoon.  Even with our jackets it would be uncomfortable sitting on the dock in the wind. This meant we would be confined to the interior of the boat.

The alternative would be to cast off and "try" to make our way back north. I warned Vickie this would not be the pleasant smooth water cruise we experienced coming down. It could be rough, in fact, very rough.  The one thing going for us is that the Cumberland is fairly narrow and twists and turns which would help prevent the water from building. Still it wasn't going to be cakewalk as the waves would often be straight off our bow and Therapy can pound in these conditions. I gave her the choice and she surprised me when she said she wanted to give the river a try. Looking back, I realize she probably decided it would be less painful to take a beating on the water than spending the day sitting with me at the dock in Therapy's close interior confines.

We shoved off but in the first two miles began to question our decision. I have been on rougher water but Vickie hadn't and this wasn't enjoyable for either of us. In all my travels this was the strongest gust I have encountered on the water. Therapy was making sounds I had never heard before with the side windows and overhead hatches vibrating against the powerful burst.  Also, her bow would suddenly swing a foot or two to the side as the wind attempted to change our course. I looked at Vickie and she motioned to continue. Wow, she really didn't want to set with me in the boat at the dock! But then the river veered to the port and things calm down a bit as the tree lined shore blocks the onslaught.

And this is how the day goes. Sections of rough water where I use trim tabs to force the bow to cut through the chop then runs of reasonably smooth water. About 3:30 pm we are through the lock and again find ourselves at Clarksville, TN. As mentioned earlier the plan was to take a walk and visit some of the historic points of interest. But the wind was still blowing a good 20 mph with gust over 30 mph and the temperature was now 53 degrees. I didn't take much consideration to decide a casual stroll was not going to be pleasant. But Clarksville is the last opportunity for a sit down dinner before nightfall. Plus if we continue on we will reach the lower section of Lake Barkley, which surely will be quite rough. We decide to just sit at the dock and read for an hour or two and let the wind blow.

About 5:00 pm we decide to brave the elements and exit Therapy and start walking towards an O'Charley's Restaurant located a little less than 1/2 mile away. We didn't get far and we both decided that the wind was still very cutting and we opted for a fast food fried chicken place that was much closer. The food was acceptable and we enjoyed the warmth and shelter of the building. We took our time, as there was no hurry to go back outdoors.

After eating and back in Therapy we continued our northward track. I was hoping to make one of my favorite anchorages before nightfall.  Right the Kentucky/Tennessee state line (74.6 mile marker) is a tiny cove that affords 360-degree protection from the wind. This was ideal for us as Vickie is annoyed by the sound of water lapping against the hull when trying to sleep (music to my ears). In the past I have spent several nights there and know it will eliminate that concern. Fortunately we idle in just after sunset and she is pleased by the still water. Because it is so sheltered I take the lazy way out and drop a single anchor and secure it to the mid cleat adding only about a 2 to 1 scope. I know this isn't according to the book but with my 12 lb river anchor it is sufficient in these conditions.

In no hurry to get back up the lake we sleep in late - a luxury usually denied. And when we rise we find the wind has also taken a holiday and the water is again smooth. The remaining 34 miles up the lake are both uneventful and enjoyable and I look forward to having a burger for lunch at "Rudy's" in Kuttawa Marina. But it is not to be. As we approach the small floating restaurant/dock we note it is surrounded by yellow caution tape. Closer inspection reveals several of the docks were damaged and the fire marshal had ordered the facility closed until repair can be completed.

A little disappointed we idle toward the trailer and prepare Therapy for the ride home. Over the four days we had spent three nights onboard and covered 298 miles. My fuel burn was a little off but still managed a respectful 8.3 mpg using about 36 gallon. Although not perfect, it has been a very nice trip even with our Nashville excitement and the windy return. I was particularly pleased Vickie had enjoyed herself and volunteered she wouldn't hesitate to go again. How about that! A soul mate indeed.       

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