Captain's Blog

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2010 Archive

December, 2010

31st: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

18th: As we wrap-up another great year, I wanted to thank all of our visitors and sponsors for their help in growing this site. Our peak traffic was in November, with 99,984 hits. September was good, too, with 1,400 unique IP addresses revisiting the site.

Have a Merry Christmas, and we'll see you on the water in 2011!

8th: It appears that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a permit for Nugent Sand and Gravel to conduct their barge fleeting and cleaning operation withing "The Cove" located at the tip of Six Mile Island. See here for more details: link

Thanks to Capt. Joe Frith from the Forum for submitting this rendering of what the cove could look like with 41 barges during the summer as described in the CJ article.

November, 2010

4th: Today marks the launch of our revamped "Port KY River Forum." If you're not already a member, sign in today! Note that all the previous discussions were retained in the update, you just need to log-in to see them.

October, 2010

30th: How's this for a great father/son winter project? Warren Leggett and his son are building a 22' wooden boat in Pewee Valley. We'll keep you updated on the forum:

10th: The file size of this blog has grown, so I've split off the older posts into an archive. (Link below)

9th: What better way to enjoy the fall color than with highs in the 90's! Below, a picture of the Lankfords on their 280 Doral leaving Seig's.

8th: If you're heading up Harrod's Creek, watch for this tree just up from Cunninghams. Capt. Joe Frith reports that while the creek is 12' deep in the middle at that location, the tree is only 5' underwater (see picture). Thanks, Joe, for the heads-up!

September, 2010

19th: Had a good time today listening to the Jim Willis Creek Concert benefiting Edge Outreach. Cunninghams and Captain's Quarters were both packed with onlookers. Below, a picture from the creek:

16th: Remember that big tree in the water across Harrods Creek up by Cunningham's? Somebody partially removed it, and we now have a submerged obstacle right in the middle at a 3' depth. Watch your running gear! Somebody needs to fix this one. Thanks to the folks on the forum for getting the word out.

2nd: Remember that old 103' boat at the south end of Six Mile Island? She's on her way to Nashville for restoration. Read about it here: link

The Lost Pearl, a 1966 Gustafsson & Anderson 103' motoryacht. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Yacht Sales.

1st: I shared breakfast with a towboat captain recently, and heard some hair-raising stories about boats he almost ran over. Sounded like a good article...check back shortly under "Featured Articles."

August, 2010

28th: Anybody else think the new arena looks like a fish? See the forum for some pics from the other side.

25th: "The Cove" controversy made Fox 41 News yesterday: link (watch video)

21st: Sounds like Madison is the place to be this weekend for the Ribberfest! Also, my VHF radio article got picked up and beamed to over 1,000 Cincinnati boaters. Thanks for the publicity, and Cincinnati boaters welcome to the site!

13th: I overheard a conversation in a boating store where a new boater asked if he needed a VHF radio for the river and was thereby inspired to do an article for the site addressing that very question. See "Featured Articles" to the left.

8th: Port KY "River Cards" are updated and available. Updates include expanded wording on Visual Distress Signals, more things on the map like mileages to other cities, as well as new highlights on the map. Please ask for them at:

• Marine Sales & Service
• Sea Ray of Louisville
• Arnolds
• Harrods Creek Marine Supply, and
• River's Edge Marina

2nd: I talked to Sgt. Glaser (ret.) today about the 12-Mile No-Wake Proposal. He is waiting for the correct political opportunity to move forward. We'll keep you posted.

July, 2010

28th: Sadly, there was another rope-swing accident at Eighteen Mile Island last weekend. Please visit "Local Knowledge" (left) for a press release by Don Dahl, Assistant Chief, Oldham County Fire Department. (scroll down to the rope swing picture).

25th: I'm just finishing a 3-week non-boating commitment. Can't wait to get back on the water!

5th: Armed with a bunch of new pictures from some recent trips, I've updated and added to several Featured Articles (link to left). Check out "Tips on Locking Through," as well as trips north to the KY River and Craig's Creek/Smuggler's Cove.

1st: Below, a picture of the morning mist coming off the KY River at Lock 1. We just returned from an overnight there, and found it to be very tranquil. We enjoyed a good lunch on the way home at the Madison Lighthouse Restaurant, where we ran into some friends from Admiral's Anchor. Whether you're in Louisville or Madison, we hope you have a good weekend!

June, 2010

25th: Did you hear about Mimi Hughes plans to swim the length of the Ohio River? She started in Pittsburgh, and passed through Prospect this morning. The kids were out skiing/tubing, so with permission we were able to come abreast and yell "Go Mimi, Go Mimi!" (link) Also this weekend is Riverfest at Shady Glen...

15th: Looking for something new on the water this weekend? Be sure to visit KYS's 2010 "Smokin' on the River" BBQ, Blues & Boats Festival on Friday and Saturday. Forum members check your e-mail for more information.

14th: Thanks to "RiverKat," who sent in artwork for the site. She's in Middle School, and is into her 2nd year of kneeboarding on the river. I'm glad to see we have another generation of boaters in the making!

May, 2010

31st: What a great Memorial Day Weekend for boating. The river was at normal pool and wasn't too muddy, and we only had a few showers. Between Friday and Monday, our family enjoyed two meals at waterfront restaurants and several more at anchor. We enjoyed good times and fun with family and friends. Here's to a good summer!

29th: Did you happen to catch the plug for PortKY.com on AM-970 WGTK? They featured a boating segment with forum member Capt. Lee Scheele.

15th: Check out the forum and the newsletter (via e-mail) for a deal from Sieg's on the River! Expires May 28th.

9th: Happy Mother's Day! Seig's is scheduled to open any time now, located adjacent to Heather's where Cutter's Wharf used to be. How about the river level? After the rain a week ago, the river peaked at 21.5' on Thursday before rapidly receding to normal this morning. Here is a picture from the Rose Island Yacht Club at the peak, courtesy of William Glass:

April, 2010

25th: "Party Cove": Please see the "Local Knowledge" link to the left regarding the official position of Port KY LLC and myself regarding operations within the cove...

18th: What a great time at Thunder yesterday! Good weather, and lots of boats! It was certainly a little crazy coming home until we got past Harrod's Creek.

17th: Thunder Technique: Having trouble anchoring in 40' of water with 50' of anchor line? Try the "Overhead Anchor Toss." Yep, saw it tried last night. When it didn't work the first time, they tried it three more. Yes, the bottom is 40' down, but it's all in the "air" you catch before the big splash. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes! See the Forum for more...

12th: Less than a week until "Thunder," and the river is looking pretty good! The fantastic weather recently has helped everybody get their boats ready a little sooner than usual. The Events page has been corrected to show the Steamboat Race on April 28th.

1st: On March 29th, a few concerned boaters (above) met with Louisville Metro Councilman Kevin Kramer (R-District 11), who serves on the Public Safety Committee, to discuss the issue of a Twelve Mile Island no-wake special anchorage. We were able to share our concerns and hear about his insights into the government process. Also in attendance were Lawrence Glaser, LMPD River Patrol (Ret.), Mark Windhorst (President, Harrods Creek Boat Owners Assoc.), myself, and Don Nordin from Tartan's Landing. You can download and return the petition (link) if you'd like to help (see above).

March, 2010

22nd: This just in--Boarding ladders are back in production, and are available locally! Contact William Glass, Dealer, at 502-664-5777. Please mention "PortKY.com" for a special price and a donation to the site.

21st: The temps hit 70 this week, and one of our youngest fans contributed this picture. Megan, 10, drew this at the Macaroni Grill--the adults were talking, and she was dreaming of being back on the water. Thanks for the contribution!

7th: Spring is here, if only for a few days! We helped celebrate the conclusion of the PortKY-sponsored Captain's Class (OUPV Portion). These guys test in a few days, and should all do just fine. Here is a picture from Captain's Quarters:

February, 2010

28th: I had a chance to meet the Louisville Captain's Class of 2010 yesterday. Looks like a good group, and I hope they have as much fun as we did last year. It was also good to catch up with Capts. Ron Getter and Dick Devoe from True Courses. This year's class featured folks from the Louisville/Southern Indiana area and one student who drove up from Lexington.

26th: Now available: Shirts! See the "Apparel" link to the left.

19th: Feeling too warm? Take the Polar Plunge on the 27th! (see Events link to left).

14th: Our last 6" of snow is melting, and there is another 4" in tomorrow's forecast. I suspect the river will be up for a while when all the snow from PA, OH, WV, and IN starts to melt. With only two months until "Thunder," I've been asked for suggestions--I decided to type all kinds of Thunder information into a new "Featured Article" (see link at left)

13th: Like anything else, this site has gotten a little expensive. Check out the "Sponsors" link at left for information on boaters who have helped us and what you can do. Also, find out how to win a free hat!

2nd: Time is rapidly closing to reserve your spot in the 2010 True Courses Captain's School. If you're sitting on the fence, please commit, as it is possible the class could cancel. Capt. Ron reports that their classes to the south of here have been full, so we're not sure what's different in Louisville this year.

1st: What better time of year to do some big tweaks to the site. I'm going to go with the best of 2009 and make some changes. Gone will be "Advertise Here", "Slips for Sale/Lease", and "Local Brokers/Services." When you get right down to it, I started this site for fun and I have no desire to pursue business interests within it. Less overhead means more time to see you on the water! BTW, if you have a slip to lease out or sell, I'd suggest you go with Craiglist or an ad in your marina.

January, 2010

23rd: What happened to all the big boats at the boat show?

10th: A Picture from the Louisville Yacht Club. Brrrrrrrrrrrr.

6th: I sent notices today to our Forum members with information on "Party Cove" and recent public notices describing the proposed activity. Please see the Forum for details!

2008-2009 Comments and Pictures: (link)

*Disclosure per FTC Regulation: PortKY.com has received advertising revenue from True Courses Captain's School