Midnight Rambler on the Loop

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• Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake: Paris Landing, Rockport Anchorage, Clifton, and Counce, TennesseeOctober 12, 2026

  October 7 through October 12, 2026

  The river is truly a magical place, filled with a wonderful tapestry of sights, sounds, and stories. As we travel by boat, we find ourselves imagining what life must be like for those who live, work, and play along its banks. We let our minds wander and our hearts dream, wondering about the lives unfolding just beyond the water’s edge. Every now and then, we’re fortunate enough to step ashore and catch a small glimpse of life on land, but those moments are often fleeting. What makes them truly special is when we meet a local resident who welcomes us into their world and generously shares a piece of their story. These personal connections are among the greatest gifts of our travels, reminding us that behind every shoreline are people, experiences, and stories that make this magical river come alive.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Ohio and Cumberland Rivers: Paducah and Grand Rivers, KentuckyOctober 6, 2026

  October 3 through October 6, 2026

  The reward for surviving a few days navigating the mighty Mississippi River was a chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy the beautiful city of Paducah, Kentucky, followed by a little boating paradise at the spa-like Green Turtle Bay Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.

  Our arrival in Paducah was delayed by nearly four hours as we waited our turn to pass through the lock. Despite our best efforts to get there early, we were bumped by several large tugs pushing barges ahead of us. By the time we finally arrived, we had just a few hours in the late evening to wander Paducah’s charming streets, followed by a few precious hours the next morning before continuing on to Green Turtle Bay. It was a brief visit, but enough to leave us wanting more!

  Green Turtle Bay is one of those special gathering places along the Loop where fellow Loopers come together to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy the friendships that make this journey so memorable. And that’s exactly what we did! With approximately 40–45 boats gathered here this time of year, the marina is buzzing with activity, friendly faces, and plenty of opportunities to catch up with old friends and make new ones. There’s a wonderful sense of community here, and it’s a joy to be surrounded by so many people who share the same adventures and love of life on the water.

  Even better, Green Turtle Bay’s proximity to Paducah, along with the marina’s courtesy vehicle, gave us the perfect opportunity to return and explore the city more thoroughly. After our too-brief first visit, we were delighted to have another chance to soak up its charm. Between reconnecting with friends, enjoying the marina’s relaxing atmosphere, and spending more time discovering Paducah, these days have been a welcome reminder that the Great Loop is about so much more than the miles we travel. It’s about the wonderful places we discover, the people we meet along the way, and the friendships that make the journey so special.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Mississippi River: Grafton, Kaskaskia, and Cairo, Illinois (revised)October 2, 2026

  September 29 through October 2, 2026

  Our time on the mighty Mississippi was remarkably brief, both in days and in miles traveled. After spending two nights at Grafton Harbor Marina, surrounded by dozens of fellow Loopers, we finally set off on our journey down the river. It seemed everyone was eager to get moving and make tracks through this stretch of the Great Loop.

  The Mississippi is a busy, working river, bustling with commercial traffic and enormous towboats pushing seemingly endless strings of barges filled with who-knows-what. And, let’s just say, the muddy brown water isn’t exactly tempting for swimming. Still, beneath its rather rugged exterior, we found plenty to appreciate. Watching the hardworking crews aboard the towboats and dredges, tirelessly moving cargo and clearing the river bottom to keep the channels navigable, gave us a whole new appreciation for the people who make this vital waterway work.

  It’s certainly a different world from the leisurely cruising and picturesque harbors we often enjoy, but that’s part of the adventure of the Great Loop. The Mississippi may not have been the prettiest stretch of water we’ve traveled, but it offered a fascinating glimpse into a hardworking river community—and a reminder that not every mile has to be postcard-worthy to be memorable!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Illinois River: Peoria, Bar Island, and HardinSeptember 28, 2026

  September 26 through September 28, 2026

  Oh, my! We’ve only been on the river for a few days, and already we’ve seen and experienced such an amazing variety of things! Life along the river is full of surprises, fascinating sights, and little adventures around every bend.

  Many, if not most, of the homes along the river are built on stilts, presumably to keep them above flood level. I can hardly imagine watching the water rise beneath your home and hoping it never climbs too high. What a different way of life, shaped by the unpredictability of the river.

  Then there are the towboats, skillfully maneuvering four to six rows of barges, often two or three barges wide, beneath bridges and around winding bends. Watching these massive tows navigate the river with such precision is truly amazing.

  And woven throughout the journey are all sorts of unexpected treasures, from the fascinating Caterpillar Museum to quirky little eateries like Kuchie’s, with its extravagant milkshakes and Bloody Marys, and the infamous Mel’s Illinois Riverfront Restaurant, serving up home-cooked meals and delicious desserts.

  There’s never a dull moment. From the remarkable sights on the water to the delightful discoveries along the shore, the river keeps us entertained, all day, every day!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Illinois River: Joliet, Ottawa, and HennepinSeptember 25, 2026

  September 23 through September 25, 2026

  The next chapter of our wild adventure takes us down the inland rivers! Our first day began with a 15–20 minute ride in Lake Michigan, navigating 3–6 foot waves. Quite the send-off from the lake! Perhaps she was sad to see us go and decided to give us one last wild ride.

  From there, we entered the Calumet River, which eventually merges into the Illinois River. And let me tell you, the wild continues! We’ve got everything from beautiful wild birds to towboats pushing massive barges, plus low bridges that need to open to let us through. And yes, my friends, we’re back to locking! Just when we thought we had our fill of locks, here we go again. Fortunately, our new friend, Captain Jenna on Timeless, led the way making that initial foray a little less tense and somewhat enjoyable.