Great Loop #38 Paducah, KY

[@haldriver1378]

My grandfather owned a grocery store here in Paducah when the flood came in 1937. He began "rebuilding" while the flood waters were still in the second floor (where they lived). He rowed a boat to dry ground where he rented a horse and wagon to get cleaning supplies and paint. When the water was low enough, he laid flat in the boat and went inside. He cleaned and painted the ceiling sitting in the boat. Gradually, he cleaned and painted the store shelves. He made more trips, by boat and wagon, for new stock. When the water finally receded, he opened the doors for business as if nothing ever happened. At that time, there were only three grocery stores in Paducah and his was the only one that was open. For the better part of a year, if you wanted groceries, there was only one place to go. Driver's Grocery. Perry Ford Driver. 1901-1979

[@staycool123]

What an incredible story Hal! Thanks so much for sharing this part of your family history. The people of Paducah were extremely fortunate to have your grandfather’s store especially at such a difficult time. He was certainly a dedicated individual. Thanks for watching this episode.😎

[@Madara8989]

"... but it looks kinda sketchy" Yup, sounds like Paducah all right (I live on the opposite side of the river)

[@staycool123]

From the water, the big walls constructed to protect cities from flooding do look “sketchy” and uninviting but it’s a reality of the water levels and the need to protect the cities. Paducah was a neat stop. I never knew there was a quilt museum! Thanks for watching!😎

[@Madara8989]

@@staycool123 Gotta be honest, I was mostly taking a jab at Paducah's local reputation. During the pandemic, there was a local news channel that said something along the lines of "try to stay away from the South Side of Paducah, it's too dirty to not give you Covid" lol They definitely have some good spots, especially on the North and Western sides. If you like museums (and forgive me if you mentioned this in the video and I'm just forgetting), if you're ever in the area again, there's a Superman Museum that hosts the world's largest collection of Superman memorabilia in Metropolis IL (same town as the Harrah's you saw from the river) and they have an annual Superman Celebration.

[@phylliscrisp7005]

Enjoying your videos. Met you at Green Turtle Bay, you were parked by my son's boat, Barry.

[@staycool123]

Hi Phyllis! You were busy helping Barry fix up his boat when we met. Glad you’re enjoying the videos and thanks for watching.😎

[@jeffedwards5890]

What you smelt was the paper pulp plant in Wickliff Ky, across the river from Cairo, Ill.

[@staycool123]

Interesting… thanks Jeff. It smelled a lot like a lipid plant we passed on the Illinois previously.

[@tmac709]

Ooooops, now I'm all caught up. Paducah looks like an excellent place to stop for a few days to explore the town.

[@staycool123]

Paducah is an interesting spot, really nice docks for visiting loopers.

[@damogaming1189]

sseeing people viewing the town i live in feels so weird

[@staycool123]

Paducah is a great stop along the Great Loop. We really enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.😎

[@ednaward8690]

I have lived in Paducah all my life the foot of Broadway is looking over the Ohio River. They have alot of activities there. You can drive down the foot of Broadway that's what it's called you can park down there and watch the boats it's beautiful and peaceful. You were talking about the flood that came my mom was in that flood she had to get out by boat I hope that you had a chance to walk downtown on Broadway.

[@richardreno5956]

I've been corrected on the pronunciation of Cairo 😂 They pronounce it Care-O

[@staycool123]

Hi Richard, we learned this after the fact. Thanks for letting us know!😎

[@potoole1953]

Another great video...

[@staycool123]

Thanks for watching Patrick!😎

[@buckpowers4837]

It is pronounced "ka-ro", and a neat spot ro learn history of So. Ill. As you can tell the colors of the water of the Miss. and the Ohio are so different that you can see them mix nas you go down stream. Water flow and the terrain will be lots different as you go down to the gulf. Enjoyed the MIGHTY MISS..

[@staycool123]

Thanks for your comment Buck! We have enjoyed experiencing all the different rivers and waterways coming down the inland rivers. So interesting to see!😎

[@toddcarlson8207]

Very interesting your comment about the wind shifting at 10:00 pm, and the resulting aroma ;-). Those are interesting (albeit unpleasant) factoids of your trip! I'd guess that experience is a lot different than your home cruising waters. Probably more like our cruising in the Pacific NW (British Columbia & Washington State). Cheers

[@staycool123]

The aromas were not something we had anticipated, but perhaps should have, considering all the industry along the inland river system. The waterways in Canada both Ontario and BC are quite different in that regard! Thanks for your comment Todd!😎