PADUCAH, KENTUCKY 8-24-2017

Our boat didn’t sail right by Cape Girardeau but it seemed like it.  In fact, the ACL’s Queen of the Mississippi moored up right next to us on the river side so American Queen had to back out to get under weigh. 

Blocked in by the enemy!

The river is wide and smooth and pretty, bordered sometimes by thick foliage, sandy beaches or rocky ledges.  Our luck holds steady for now, the sky has been clear and the sun shines warmly.  Of course there has been a bit of humidity but it has not been oppressive.

Mark Twain Library
 (this is where I write the blogs)

Nevertheless, our trusty skeeter repellant stands at the ready.  On another administrative note, the food and wine provided by our hosts in the lovely dining room has been delicious and generous.  Last evening, our treats included crawfish bisque, alligator in red sauce and black forest cake.

Dining room

Staircase and chandelier

About midday, the Captain announced that in awhile, the boat would hang a sharp left and head up the Ohio River and sail toward Paducah, as planned.  He also learned that there is pier construction happening in Dover so the boat cannot park there so our original route has been modified a little and we’ll get a generous long day in Paducah instead.  In case you wonder, a “ship” has been in salt water, therefore, we are a “boat.”  Our sister boat, the American Duchess traveled with us down the Ohio, today.  When we arrived at the Mississippi, she turned north and we said, “good bye” and headed south.

Our sister ship, American Duchess

There was a community of settlers in the Paducah area living peacefully alongside the friendly Indian tribe.  In 1827, however, things changed.  Gen. William Clark bought 37,000 acres of Kentucky land including that upon which Paducah is located for $5 (total cost).  From whom he bought it is not clear to me since the Indians were here first.  He presented the Indians with the deed and ordered them to move so they did.  He named the town Paducah to honor the Indians’ chief, Paduke.  Small comfort, I guess, as Chief Paduke and his folk were evicted.

Because of its geography, where the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers converge, this area has been a strategic port city since long before the Revolutionary War.  It was always easiest to move things along the water rather than over the rugged land.  In wartime, the rivers became major arteries for gunboats, troops and supplies and later, the area became an important railway hub as well.

In 1937, the Ohio River overflowed its banks and flooded the area for weeks.  The flood waters reached 61 feet and 27,000 people evacuated.  Afterward, a floodwall was constructed and colorful murals were painted over many blocks by artist Robert Dafford depicting historic local events. 

Painted flood wall

Check out the thickness of the flood wall!

The town is now a home for many fine arts including drama, photography, distilleries (moonshine) and quilting!  The National Quilt Museum holds a competition here each year.  Libby Lehman’s artistic award-winning quilts are on display as are the quilts of many other fine artists.  I am amazed by the incredible detailing in the quilts that adorn the walls here.  I supposed it would take me the rest of my life to create just one of these pieces of art.  There is one display that left me in disbelief, though.  It is a wooden quilt.  Yes, wood.  I suppose Mr. Quilt said to Mrs. Quilt, “If you can make a quilt, so can I.”  It is so realistic the fact that it is not actually cloth is spell-binding.  One must touch it.  “DO NOT TOUCH!” it says.  Too late.  Lindy can testify that this quilt is made of wood.  Not a “fine” art but an art form nevertheless, is gunsmithing.  Ferd Hummel had a shop in this town and did gun repairs for Federal troops during the Civil War.  He was awarded a patent in 1881 for his breech-loading firearm.

Wooden quilt!  

Lindy schmoozing with Captain Bobby

Captain Bobby Duncan can drive a boat and also play a guitar.  He invited guests to join him for a jam session with the Steamboat Syncopators last night in the Engine Room Bar!  We had acquired a small bottle of chocolate moonshine in town and took a small glass with us to the bar to hear the captain rock out!  He and the band were amazing.  Behind the band there are large round windows and beyond them, the big red paddlewheel splashes and churns round and round, keeping time to the music. 

Captain Bobby (on the right) rockin' out!

It looks as if you are staring into the window of a massive front-loading washing machine!  We danced, sang, sipped and laughed with the captain until, at last, we were hit over the head with the Sleep Fairy’s wand.  What an end to our wonderful day!

Fritz and Pal on their veranda

Osprey eating MY walleye!