After a few days of projects on the lil-farm this week, I decided it was time for a little adventure on the water. I dusted off the kayak and set-out to do some paddling. Since it’s Kentucky Derby weekend, what better place to paddle than on the Kentucky River! I launched my kayak from the Bill Fint Boat Ramp in Tyrone, Kentucky, just a few miles from Downtown Lawrenceburg, at about 11:00 AM.
I headed north, my destination… Frankfort, Kentucky, the State Capital.
It was a beautiful day, sunny and about 70 degrees. I have always wanted to kayak from Lawrenceburg (Tyrone) to Frankfort. The two cities are only about 12 miles apart via Hwy 127, but following the river, they are a little over 20 miles apart. The ironic thing about kayaking from Tyrone to Frankfort is that at one time, Tyrone was a contender to become the Kentucky State Capital. As history would have it, Frankfort won out and became the State Capital and Tyrone became a sleepy little river city of no more than a few dozen inhabitants!
Along the way I passed under the Tyrone Railroad Bridge and the Hwy 62 car bridge. On the west side of the river, just past the bridges you can see the Wild Turkey Distillery up on the hill.
No more than 20 mins into the trip, I encounter a 5 foot long copperhead snake crossing the river (pictures above and below). I don’t know what it is with me lately, but I always seem to unintentionally find the venomous snakes? The creepy crawler paused long enough for me to get a few pictures before reaching the east bank of the river where he quickly escaped into the base of a hollow tree.
After an hour of paddling, I reached Lock 6. It’s the only Lock between Tyrone and Frankfort, but since the locks are no longer operational, anyone Kayaking the river will need to portage their boat to the other side of the dam. I’d recommend exiting the river on the west bank about 100 meters before the dam and then walk along the concrete apron along the lock past the dam. The concrete apron has steps all the way down to the river where you can safely re-enter the river.
Above and below, Lock 6 on the Kentucky River. Ever wonder where all those plastic bottles people throw out the windows of their cars end-up? They often end up in a river somewhere!
Above, along the way I saw some really beautiful homes and also encountered some, shall we say… atypical, improvised dwellings…
There were numerous houseboats (above) and even some travel-trailer boats (Below).
Below, the table stranded in the tree shows how high the water level sometime reaches!
Finally after about 20 miles of paddling for almost 6 hours non-stop, I reached downtown Frankfort. The Capital Dome can be seen above the trees less than a mile from the Kentucky River! (Above).
Above, the railroad bridge in Frankfort. Although no longer in use, the bridge still makes for a great photo op!
Below, my Kayak sits a-top a picnic table in the Frankfort, River View Park while I wait form my ride back to Lawrencebug.
Note to self…. a 20 + mile kayak trip on a river with virtually no current, for my season opening kayak adventure is probably not a great idea. I am whopped, my arms and chest are pretty sore!
I am sure I will sleep well tonight!