Chester to Rayland Marina, Tiltonsville OH

Day 5:  Wednesday, August 17, 2015

We are using a satellite tracking device called a "Spot Gen3" that places a point on a Google map every 30 minutes as we move along.  As long as I remember to turn it on, you will be able to click on the link Second Winds Progress Live to monitor our progress.  

We awoke to rain, and it rained, and it rained, and it rained.  On such a day, one must begin with a great breakfast so we enjoyed sausage gravy on toast with V-8 juice to add the health component.

We got underway at around 9:00 in a very light rain that only intensified off and on for the rest of the day.  The landscape has a much less appealing appearance when viewed through wet, soggy eyes.  We did see a couple of barges on the river today but as I mentioned before, the numbers are significantly down. 

Not far down the river from Chester (where we had spent the night), we

Historic Newell suspension bridge opened in 1905

encountered our first lock and dam.  As we approached, we saw a small barge leaving so I assumed that I would be next in line for the lockage.  However, as I got closer, I realized that a large barge carrying coal had been waiting along the side of the river so when I called the lockmaster, he informed me that we would be next in line after the barge.  He enquired as to whether we were a barge or a recreational. It is a rule that rec boats are third inline after military and commercial traffic.  We

Modern Veterans Memorial Bridge in Steubenville OH opened  1990

spent probably 45 minutes in the driving rain circling.  About the time we heardthe barge signal that he was clear and leaving, we heard another tow call and ask for an upstream lockage.  The lockmaster called and said that he needed to wait on this barge before he locked us through.  A few minutes later, I heard him call the waiting barge and informed him that he had a “Rec Boat” that he was going to let go through first.  He didn’t call me back but the gates swung open and he blew the “come on in” whistle.  And so we did.

This lock had what the professional guys call “floating bitts” which are mooring

Following a barge entering the New Cumberland Lock

pins that move up and down with the water level. In the previous three locks, the bits were stationary at the top of the chamber so we needed to slacken our mooring lines as the water level drops.  The floaters are really much easier.

As we left the lock chamber, we passed the awaiting barge and I gave him a call thanking him for waiting for us.  He responded with a no problem and a “stay dry!” Yea Right – in a driving rainstorm!

There were a couple of towns that we had planned to visit but in each case it was raining so hard we decided to pass them by. 

Ohio Edison power plant with major highway going through the middle of it.

As we passed the town of Steubenville, we were reminded of the first trip that we made down the river in 2003.  It was a Sunday morning and we were gently sailing around the curvy river when I heard a voice in the radio say, “I don’t know what that sailboat is doing, but I can’t stop.”  I looked back and saw a row of barges quietly coming around the corner.  The towboat was so far back, we couldn’t hear it.  I started the motor and pulled off the side.  After he passed, I called him on the radio. We had he first of many conversations with these modern day river pilots.

Common sight along the river.  This truly is the "Rust Belt."

Near the town of Weirton we pulled into the Weirton Marina for fuel.  We found no one around to greet us so as I walked past their fuel pump, I realized that they had a sophisticated self-service system. You first had to agree to take responsibility for any fuel spills that you create then select how you want to buy your fuel, fill up, Dollar amount.  After that, you swipe your credit card and dispense your fuel.  We had used 6 gallons in our 65 miles of travel.  We got back into the boat and traveled on, not having seen a soul.

As we travel, our goal is to stop often and visit the small river towns that pass,

however, in the unrelenting rain we opted to bypass, I’m sure, some gems.

At around 5:00, we pulled into the Rayland Marina located off of the main river near the Ohio town of Tiltonsville.  The narrow shallow entrance was a perfect place to tie up for the night.  There were 5 relatively small stern wheelers and a small tow boat moored in the harbor amongst quite a large gaggle of runabouts.  The manager, owner of one of the fancy little paddle wheelers, proudly told us of the adventures that these folks have with their boats.  Again tonight, the mooring fee was $15.00.  We can’t get over these prices.  In the high tourist areas, it is not uncommon to pay $2.25 per foot of boat length and one place made sure that the boat length was not the factory length but the length including the motor and rudder out back and bow pulpit out front.

We prepared spaghetti and meat sauce for dinner topping it off with a glass of white wine and a piece of blob carrot cake for dessert.  The rains have stopped. Life is good!