For the next five days we just took our time slowly making our way down Lake Barkley and the Cumberland River to Nashville. Only going about 20-30 miles a day to a new spot to drop anchor. There were some really nice areas though. The whole perimeter of the lake has little coves to tuck into. Some of them were a bit of a tight squeeze getting into, but then it was nice and secluded off the main part of the water.

The shores were rocky enough so we could get to land without getting muddy, and it was nice weather all week so we were able to explore the different places we stopped.

Saturday we left a spot and was headed for one more just before re entering the river. However water levels have been low and when we came to the entrance there was a sand bar across it. So getting in there was a no go. We decided to go further down and stay at Clarksville marina, on the Cumberland river, where we will be also stopping on our way back up. As we were pulling in there was a wedding happening on the balcony of a venue right on the rivers edge. Looked like a very nice spot! The marina was also very nice and close to town. We didn’t need anything this time through, but it’s good to know.

Sunday morning there was a little fog in the marina as we were getting ready to leave. When we got back out onto the river there was a LOT of fog. We slowly made our way to the Cheatham lock.

We called a few miles out and luckily when we got to the lock they were ready for us and we got right through. We headed to Rock Harbor Marina. It was the last place to stop before Nashville. The municipal dock we are staying at there has power but no water or fuel. So we needed to make sure we were filled up before getting there.

Monday we made it to Nashville! We got there early and docked behind another Ranger Tug. After getting set up we went to check out the Johnny Cash museum. It was very interesting and had a lot of cool items from his life.

We walked Broadway looking at all the different places and ended up at Whiskey River Saloon for lunch. Very good food on a rooftop patio with a nice view of the city.

When we got back to the boat we met the others parked here and we all gathered for docktails. It is only a single dock going along the edge of the river with room for about five or six boats depending on their size.

Tuesday we went to the Country Music Hall of Fame. They had a lot of cool items from a whole bunch of stars.

As adults it’s important to make responsible choices for the betterment of one’s life. Such as just the right flavor of giant sundae for lunch 😄😋.

We walked the shops, and hung out listening to some of the different bands. Literally every bar/restaurant has live music playing every day. We chose Ole Red’s rooftop lookout for dinner. I got a very delicious breakfast burger and Don had a huge chicken fried steak.

We stopped in the famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, walked down Printer’s Alley and ended up at Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honkey Tonk. There were so many cool places to see and hang out. Just wander in to whichever has a band that sounds good.

Wednesday we went for breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe. They were very good. Fresh English muffins and homemade sausage. From there we went and toured the Ryman auditorium. The original auditorium of the Grand Ole Opry. But not their first home actually. We learned the show actually started in insurance office buildings but got kicked out when the audience started growing and got rowdy.

A Lyft got us to the Nashville Zoo. A smaller zoo but with very nice, natural exhibits and along with some of the big stars we saw a few new animals as well.

Our Lyft back to the city dropped us off at Rippy’s Honkey Tonk BBQ just before the rain started. They had very good food and a decent band to listen to while we waited out the rain.

Today is Day 100 on the Loop!!!

We went to Donut Distillery for breakfast. They had a bunch of yummy specialty flavored mini donuts. The maple bacon was my favorite!

Then this afternoon my cousin Chris, who lives here, picked us up and took us to meet his fluffs and then out for hot chicken. It was very good and the green apple boozy slush was particularly tasty!😋

He also took us to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, which was quite the place! The multiple atriums had a river running through them with lush tropical plants everywhere and multiple waterfalls. Different restaurants and stores all throughout. The river had water from over 1700 different bodies of water sent in viles from all over the world.

There was a cool fountain that put on a little show. It was a very cool place indeed and was nice to visit with family!

Tomorrow we head back north to get over to the Tennessee River.