Defeated Creek

Several years ago while camping in Crossville, TN, we met some people who told us about Defeated Creek and what a beautiful park it was. It’s located on Cordell Hull Lake…that’s close to Carthage, TN…home of Al Gore, btw. Being a Corp of Engineers Park, if you have a Golden Age Passport, you can get in for half price. Being over the age of 62, Frank has the GAP, so we could stay for $12.50 a night! No wonder you have to book reservations six months in advance! However inexpensive, it’s the beauty and proximity to the lake that brings the campers. The Corp keeps the place well maintained and manicured; plus, the sites are huge…nicely spaced apart…and most have lakeside views with full hookups. We were just delighted when we arrived to find such a fantastic place and so close to Murfreesboro!

Lakeside Camping Sites at Defeated

Now, the main reason we came here was because we wanted to camp with our friends, Gregg and Carol. They once were Rvers, but gave it up years ago to become world travelers. Now, the itch to camp has returned and they decided to purchase something small to get started once again. In July they brought home a little "tag-along" unit…a Casita. I don’t think Carol’s ability to speak Spanish (she does teach it) and drink Margaritas had anything to do with the choice, but at least they can once again hit the open road and go for weekends in their little taco!!

So reservations were made at Defeated and then we invited some more friends to join us for our long weekend. We invited Marvin and Dawn and Gregg invited Lisa and Brian. I’m not going to mention that most of these people are still working professionals and that they decided to play hooky on a Friday…and a Monday!! Well, it was just too beautiful of a fall weekend not to!

Marvin and Dawn...Brian and Lisa

Our weekend couldn’t have been more perfect for camping and boating…did I mention Lisa and Brian brought along their new ski boat? We also rented a pontoon boat on Saturday to tool around the lake. Even "the boys", Marvin and Dawn’s two Cocker Spaniels, Bronson and Brady, could join us on board!

Boating and other Antics On Cordell Hull Lake

The weekend became an orgy…No Not That Kind!…of boating, eating, drinking, and eating...again and again!! Oh, and we can’t forget the campfires…mornings and nights! Captain Gregg would fuel the morning campfires…6:30 a.m. on the dot! So it was always morning coffee around the ole campfire. Sgt. Major Frank would see to building the night “cocktail” fire…then we could all get “blistered“!

Food was not a problem. We had the most "humongous" delicious breakfasts! Eating out in the morning air with the smell of the campfire…nothing could ever be better. Marvin and Dawn did the first morning at their site…sausage pinwheels, bacon, eggs, toast. You name it…we had it! Oh, and the tomatoes…can’t forget those. Gregg and Carol brought a huge box of tomatoes from their garden…homegrown;I had been looking for them all summer! The next mornings, we dined on country ham and biscuits, scrambled eggs, pancakes and sausage…all prepared by lovelies Lisa and Carol! Those were just the morning courses!

Ring the Bell! Breakfast is Ready!!

Evening meals of steaks, baked potatoes, salad, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad…and I’m not even telling you about all the appetizers! Then there were the desserts!! Lemon Meringue pie (a surprise for Frank since he had been whining about wanting one), to-die-for chocolate brownies, and cheesecake…this was not camping!! This was over indulging!!

On Sunday after the Country Ham and biscuits, we went on a 70 mile boat trip. We had an objective…to lock through the Cordell Hull Dam. Brian, who was our boat Admiral that day, along with Gregg, had made the 1:30 appointment to go through the lock.

Upper Level of the Dam


We put the boat in below the dam on the Cumberland River. Having a few hours to kill before the appointment, we took a ride down the Cumberland. The water was smooth as glass that morning and not another soul out. We had it all to ourselves…a beautiful warm sunny day.

The Crew...Aaargh!

Lisa and Carol Vamping on the Cumberland

We arrived at the dam a little early, but the lock master was there ready to put us through. This lock would rise over 60 feet to bring us up and into the Cordell Hull Lake on the other side. That’s a pretty big lock considering this summer we visited the Soo Locks and they only rose 35 feet.

Approaching the Lock

We were the only boat going through. Surprising they would open the lock for just one, but this is a service provided by the Corp of Engineers at no charge. The only catch…you can only go one way on the same day…that’s their policy and no changing it! Later, the men would have to drive Brian back to the boat ramp to pick up the truck and boat trailer.

Going In and Closed

The ride to the top and back out onto the lake went off without a hitch. Some in the boat were expecting roiling waters and a possibility of slamming into the side of the lock while the waters rose. I think they were a bit disappointed of such a smooth ride up! Anyway, we were back up and ready for more boating. This time a trip up to Granville Marina where we planned to have dinner.

Up and Out of the Lock

Arriving at Granville, we found the nicest marina complete with restaurant and cabins. Usually marinas can be rather unkempt, but this one had plenty of lakeside charm. We ordered baskets of fried catfish with all the “fixin’s” and dined on their outside patio overlooking the marina. We were even allowed to bring our own wine…during the weekend there was never a shortage of wine...or tomatoes!!

Monday was our last day, and after another morning breakfast and boat ride, all had to leave us to go back to the work world on Tuesday…except for Marvin; he’s a young retiree, too! We had a fabulous camping weekend with everyone and we were sad to see everyone leave (we stayed two more days). However, we will be planning a reunion again next year…this has to become an annual event!

So Until Next Year...Hasta La Vista Amigos!!
We'll be Back!!