DAMAGE

May 31, 2010---Expecting to travel 60 miles or more today, we got an early start. Left Kentucky Lake Marina at 5:30 a.m. As we approached the lock several attempts were made to contact the lock controller both on the radio and telephone. Never did get a response. There were 2 tows that appeared to be waiting for the lock. So we decided to go back up the Tennessee River about 3 miles and take the 1.5 mile Barkley canal that crosses the land between the lakes. Arrived on Lake Barkley which is on the Cumberland River. went past Green Turtle Bay Marina and into the Barkley Lock with no waiting. Lowered down 57' and proceeded down the Cumberland River 30 miles to the Ohio River. It was 10:30 a.m. with plenty of time to go up the Ohio some distance. Then it happened, about 1/2 mile from the turning point into the Ohio. Hit an underwater obstruction really hard. There was a loud thud which caused damage to the prop and broke engine mounts on the starboard engine. Fortunately the port side was okay. Turned around and slowly made way back to Barkley lock at 5 mph on the one engine. It was a long six hours. The lock master was very cooperative and had the gate open with a green light allowing entry into the lock. A smooth 57' lift and Barkley Lake was in view. It is less than a mile to Green Turtle Bay Marina. Having called the fuel dock on the phone, personnel were available to help tie the Dream Manor securely in a slip. It has been a very long day having travel about 70 miles.