Day 138 – Friday, October 29, 2010

87° 19.963’ W
34° 48.741’ N
Joe Wheeler State Park (day 8)
Rogersville, Alabama

Last night was cold and the prediction for tonight is for a hard frost. The good news is the weather will start to warm up into the 50’s early in the week.

Greg acquired an SUV and drove the six of us into Florence where we found a five star Bar-B-Q stand. This wasn’t a sit down restaurant but they had outside tables and take out. From there we did a little shopping before returning to the boat. We also stopped at the University of North Alabama campus to visit their mascots a pair of twin Lions, one male the other female. The campus was beautiful and the enclosure for the Lions was very elaborate.

We are now waiting for the Flints to arrive back to their boat that’s docked close by. We are planning on traveling together as we head to Chattanooga on the Tennessee River and then back to the Tenn-Tom and on to the Gulf and beyond. Stay tuned as tomorrow will revel what is to come!

Day 137 – Thursday, October 28, 2010

87° 19.963’ W

34° 48.741’ N

Joe Wheeler State Park (day 7)

Rogersville, Alabama

The sun is now up and some of the boats have started to leave Joe Wheeler State Park Marina. Most of the 60 boats are heading south for the Gulf or going home for the winter.

(Much later)



Parrent Family



Tonight we celebrated the birthday of Greg Marsh one of our recent new friends. There was a dock party with food and drink followed by a dinner that we ate on the Bades boat that can seat six. The plan was to eat outside but the temperature dropped and we headed for cover. When it was time for birthday cake the Parrent family – Craig & Danielle – with their three children – Morgan (9), Ryann (7) & Jaxon (4) joined us on the dock and a good time was had by all!



The weather is now changing quickly as the temperature is dropping into the mid thirty’s and it’s time to move south. Today the plan is to visit Chattanooga about 200 miles from here, then return to Joe Wheeler Marina for one night before entering the Tenn-Tom Waterway 6o miles west of here. Once on the Tenn-Tom the river turns south and every mile brings us closer to the Gulf.

Day 133 through 136 – October 24, 25, 26, 27, 2010

87° 19.963’ W

34° 48.741’ N

Joe Wheeler State Park (day 3 through 6)

Rogersville, Alabama

Things are looking up! We moved back into the sun light, out from under the roof! Rain or shine we are happier!

The last four days have been a hoot! The AGLCA rendezvous was sold out to a group of people with the same idea of adventure, while having a good time. There were guest speakers addressing ports of call, crossing the Gulf, boating safety and generally every aspect of what we might encounter on our trip from here around Florida and up the coast to Norfolk, Virginia where the spring Rendezvous is being held May 14-17, 2011.

There has been Looper Crawls everyday where you have the opportunity to visit other boats at the rendezvous and see how they live aboard and learn the good and not so good points about their boat.



Concert



At concert



Breakfast lunch and dinner have been served the past three days. Happy hour receptions were sponsored by different marinas every night.



At concert



There was a concert in Rogersville, Alabama that was very entertaining but a little damp with storms and tornado warnings most of the day.

In fact the concert was almost canceled due to severe weather warnings. They did have a tent set up to cover everyone but the night air was cool and damp! This area experienced 3 ½” rain with heavy winds through out the night.



Barb and I never win anything but at this event we won four very nice prizes one being a stay at a bed and breakfast where the concert was held!

Today the 27th, the swimming pool was closed and the park is getting ready for the winter season. Another good sign for us to move south!



Day 132 – Saturday, October 23, 2010

87° 19.664’ W
34° 48.762’ N
Joe Wheeler State Park (day-2)
Rogersville, Alabama

We are still in exile under the roof but have been assured that we will move tomorrow where the action is! The exercise walking back and forth is good but after dark, its seems further away!

John Long a resident boater lent me his new pickup for we could restock the boat with refreshments! Southern hospitality continues to amaze us.

Tonight at 5 pm one of the Loopers hosted a lawn get aquatinted cocktail party with 30 pounds of shrimp and everyone else brought a dish to pass. There was enough food served that it looked like a dinner party!

I was told that we would move after 8 am tomorrow…………………slip location to be determined.

Day 131 – Friday, October 22, 2010

87° 19.664’ W
34° 48.762’ N
Joe Wheeler State Park
Rogersville, Alabama



Floating bollard



Wilson Lock



Today was most interesting as we had to pass through two locks to get here. The first one was Wilson Lock and Dam which raised us 95 feet. The second lock was the Joe Wheeler Lock and Dam which raised us another 48 feet. Barb and I think the Wilson Lock was the highest lift we have experienced so far out of the 222 locks we have passed through since beginning this adventure. The two locks have 10 floating bollards each and eight of them were used by loopers.

Wheeler Lock



Entering Joe Wheeler State Park



We arrived at Wheeler State park and were assigned our slip for the next week. All of our friends are close proximity to the Lodge and Barb and I are in a choice location under cover of a roof, but a 10 minute walk from the action! Tomorrow morning I will try to change our slip location. If I wanted quiet I would have anchored out under the stars.

Our absentee ballots were waiting so we voted and mailed them back to Illinois. We have paid for seven nights and will plan out our next month during that time.

Day 130 – Thursday, October 21, 2010

87° 40.421’ W
34° 47.170’ N
Florence Harbor Marina
Florence, Alabama



Leaving Ross Branch anchorage



Another great day on the water and after three hours on the river we entered the harbor and secured our boat in the assigned slip!

We took a taxi into town and had a late lunch at an Italian restaurant – Ricatoni’s – recommended by other loopers. I must say it was worth the taxi ride as the food was excellent!



Arriving at Florence Harbor Marina





On return to the marina we sat on the dock with another looper, Dick who we had met back in Green Turtle Bay and had cocktails before returning to our boat.

Tomorrow we will cruise to Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Alabama where we will spend one week at the AGLCA rendezvous.





Day 129 – Wednesday, October 20, 2010

88° 01.225’ W
34° 53.558’ N
At anchor Ross Branch
Mile 230 on Tennessee River

The weather continues to be most pleasant with warm and sunny days and cool nights.



Bulldog Sally

 We departed about 10 am ahead of Bades who were fueling their boat. As we were about to enter the Tennessee River I heard via radio an old friend coming into the harbor. It was the boat Bulldog Sally with Paul at the helm and Cindy getting fenders and lines ready to dock. We exchanged greetings and got a quick update on their progress then passed each other with a wave and thoughts of when will we see them again? I sure hope so as their great people.

An hour later Chris and Bruce slipped into our wake then passed us slowly by, leading us into tonight’s anchorage. I think were getting better at choosing a proper location then setting the anchor for it holds on the first try. Tonight were in a cove that could hold four boats safely with protection on three sides. Bruce and I were the first two boats in the cove before a third boat arrived a few hours later and anchored. The location is scenic with many types of birds present, including one eagle to keep everyone amused.

As soon as we were secure we launched or dinghy and motored over to the Boomer boat for a few hours then returned to Moor $tuff for dinner and a night cap and a good nights sleep.

Tomorrow we will motor to Florence, Alabama. We’re going to get out of here as soon as the morning fog lifts and try to arrive early for we can enjoy the town.

The way the river moves about so we seem to be in a different state every day! Tonight were in Alabama and it’s beautiful!

Day 128 – Tuesday, October 19, 2010

88° 14.880’ W

34° 39.411’ N

Aqua Yacht Harbor Marina (day 3)

Iuka, Mississippi

The day started out just fine with a plan to get underway at 10 am. When I went to start the boat I noticed one of my batteries had a low voltage so that was our first delay. While I was trouble shooting the electrical system Chris and Bruce where having a business problem that put them on their phone for a few hours. Meanwhile after a few hours of frustration my problem resolved itself with the flip of a switch that reset a breaker that I didn’t know existed! The Bades problem got resolved about the same time with most of the cruising day over.

With all of our plans changed, we did the next best thing and signed out the courtesy car and drove to the nearest rib restaurant, The Rib Cage! I’m grateful for the extra day here just to sample the ribs! They were great and I would recommend them if in the area.

Tomorrow we will get out of here by 10am and anchor out for one night not two!

Day 127 – Monday, October 18, 2010

88° 14.880’ W
34° 39.411’ N
Aqua Yacht Harbor Marina (day 2)
Iuka, Mississippi

Barb and I drove to the local Wall-Mart and restocked our boat. The day was low key and the next thing we knew we were having dinner with Chris and Bruce on their boat complemented with a few bottles of wine!

Sometime during the day we fueled up and pumped out and are now ready to move out of this harbor tomorrow morning. At present we plan to anchor out for the next two nights.

Day 126 – Sunday, October 17, 2010

88° 14.880’ W
34° 39.411’ N
Aqua Yacht Harbor Marina
Iuka, Mississippi



Approaching Aqua Marina



Heading to Aqua Marina



Another beautiful day! I was told by the locals that we are having exceptional weather for this part of the country which works for us! The weather, scenery and general boating conditions couldn’t be better.

From where we were anchored to this marina took almost no time! As we pulled up the anchor we waved good bye to a couple of house boats that were anchored within 100 yards from us. From there we slowly motored out of Dry Creek into the Tennessee River. An hour later we were at our destination.

Aqua Yacht Harbor Marina is a five anchor marina which we intend to stay at for two days. In the cruising guides one anchor is equal to one star so five stars is at the top of the list.

Tomorrow we will do a little maintenance and shopping then kick back and do nothing!

Day 125 – Saturday, October 16, 2010

088° 10.335’ W
35° 02.343’ N
At anchor in Dry Creek (day 2)
Near – Pickwick Dam, Tennessee

While at anchor last night the water was dead calm and the sky filled with stars. The temperature did drop into the low 50’s making it a bit chilly when we woke up. It’s a little surreal to see fog rising from the water with blue skies overhead. It doesn’t take long for the fog to burn off but does leave all of the outside surfaces of the boat covered with condensation. It usually takes us about a half an hour to wipe down the boat for we can move about without getting soaking wet.


Dry Creek Anchorage





The day light hours were bright and warm, so jumped into the dinghy to tour this area. The trees are turning brilliant with fall colors everywhere



We spent time with Chris and Bruce planning out the week ahead. We will leave here tomorrow and move 15 miles to Agua Yacht Marina for two nights. Hopefully we can use their courtesy car to restock the boat!



Day 124 – Friday, October 15, 2010

088° 10.335’ W
35° 02.343’ N
At anchor in Dry Creek
Near – Pickwick Dam, Tennessee



Getting ready to pass a barge



Boomer on the Tennessee River

The day started with every one getting their boats ready to travel. Barb and I said our goodbyes and slowly motored out of the harbor into the Tennessee River. I just can’t say enough good things about the people at the Clifton Marina. They were so much fun you didn’t want to leave! From the time we left Clifton Marina until we dropped our anchor we had traveled another 53 miles!



Catfish Restaurant from the water



Shiloh Park from the water



Approaching Pickwick Lock & Dam



Leaving Pickwick Lock & Dam



As the trip progressed we added additional boats to our group until we had a convoy of boats 100 yards apart. As we approached the Pickwick Lock and Dam timing became an issue so the faster boats moved ahead and six boats were locked through. After entering the cell we were raised 55 feet with the wind blowing most of the time. Having wind in a deep cell is not the experience one dreams of having! Once out of the lock Boomer and Moor $tuff followed C-Horse to a new location for us to anchor, Dry Creek. Diana and Howard from C-Horse invited the four of us for snacks and cocktails on their boat before it turned dark. As soon as the anchor was set we launched the dinghy and motored to their boat 100 yards away.



We are now back to our boat and have finished dinner which we cooked on the gas grill. For the rest of the night we will be on battery power unless we start the generator which I won’t until its time to make coffee in the morning.



We are not sure where we’ll anchor tomorrow but I am sure it will be another adventure!









Day 123 – Thursday, October 14, 2010

088° 00.347’ W
35° 23.152’ N
Clifton Marina (day 3)
(Mile Marker 158.5 Tennessee River)
Clifton, Tennessee

The harbor was busy early with most of the boats leaving for other ports of call. It was fun watching some of the larger boats maneuver to get out of their tight quarters. A total of nine boats departed. Everyone helps each other and there are lots of good byes and parting remarks as they left the harbor.

Dragonfly a solar powered Erie Canal long boat arrived late afternoon. They move slow but keep catching up with the pack. This is the fourth time we have encountered each other, three times in a marina and once in a lock on the Ohio River.

Tonight dinner was soup made in a crock pot by a fellow looper on the covered deck and all the loopers joined together for the feast.

Tomorrow we will leave Clifton and move closer to Joe Wheeler State Park. The talk at present is to anchor out about 40 miles from here.

The weather continues to be good. The nights are cool and the days are warm with an abundance of blue skies.

Day 122 – Wednesday, October 13, 2010

088° 00.347’ W
35° 23.152’ N
Clifton Marina (day 2)
(Mile Marker 158.5 Tennessee River)
Clifton, Tennessee



Shiloh



Today started out with a few locals trying to trouble shoot the Bades boat problem. After a few hours of intense work including one of them, Carl, diving under the boat looking for a rope on the shaft, a broken hose clamp on the turbo was located and the day got better! A half hour later it was repaired and their boat is 100% again.

Shiloh



Bruce - Greg



Later we visited Shiloh National Battlefield. We used the marina courtesy car and drove to the battlefield. It’s hard to picture how 80,000 men 40,000 plus on each side could line up and shoot point blank for two days leaving close to 24,000 men dead and countless others wounded!



Shiloh



On the way back to the marina we stopped and dined at a famous local restaurant, Hagy’s Catfish Hotel that specializes in Catfish and hushpuppies. The coleslaw was unique and served dry with the dressing on the side. You add what you wanted and mix it yourself! I asked what it was made with but was told it’s a family secret.

When we returned to the marina eight additional looper boats had arrived and filled this place up. A party was in progress under cover of the dock patio which we joined and a good time was had by all.

Day 121 – Tuesday, October 12, 2010

088° 00.347’ W
35° 23.152’ N
Clifton Marina
(Mile Marker 158.5 Tennessee River)
Clifton, Tennessee



Leaving Pebble Isle



Our cruising plans changed a couple of times before getting underway. Instead of a twenty mile day to an anchorage we did sixty miles plus and choose a marina close to the Shiloh Battle fields. Tomorrow we will make arrangements to rent a car then drive to Shiloh on Thursday.



As the trip up the river progressed today a major weather front with severe warnings was posted for our area. Everyone was able to out run the storm and get into safe harbor comfortably. There is a covered area close to the boat where you can sit at a table and eat, drink and socialize while it’s raining ----- which we all did!



Barge mining sand from bottom of river



Shorline along the Tennessee River



The kitchen was closed when we arrived, but after we asked where we could eat they offered to turn on the grill - and grilled burgers for the ten of us! I sure like the Southern hospital we have encountered!





Tomorrow will be a day to kick back and rest or repair boats. Bruce has a small problem with a filter that he will change.



There are five looper boats in this small marina at present. Barb and I have met four of them before arriving here. The list of loopers keeps growing.





Arriving at Clifton Marina



As we move up river which is east of here, our destination is the AGLCA* Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler State Park in Alabama. We will stay there seven nights from the 22nd of October through the 28th. Many of the loopers we have met are also going there for the week.

*American Great Lakes Cruising Association



On the dock at Clifton Marina



Day 120 – Monday, October 11, 2010

087° 52.019’ W
36° 03.718’ N
Pebble Island Marina
New Johnsonville, Tennessee



Leaving Paris Landing



Arriving at Pebble Isle

Today was a mixed bag. We left Paris Landing at 8:45 and carefully entered the main channel in the river. The weather was a little overcast for the first hour with wind and a chop on the surface I followed the markers carefully and after a few hours ran the boat aground! I’m not sure just what exactly happened but the sound of mud and gravel under the boat with the possibility of serious damage to the props as well as the hull does not make for a good day! We were lucky that the lake bottom was muddy and we did no damage to the boat. After a few minutes we floated free of the bottom and continued on without any problems. We were very lucky today that the lake bottom was soft and forgiving.

The good part of the day was when we reconnected with Chris and Bruce. There is a flotilla of loopers here that all showed up on the dock for a dock party. The camaraderie of loopers is wonderful.



Dock Party



Day 119 – Sunday, October 10, 2010

088° 04.897’ W
36° 26.496’ N
Paris Landing, State Park
Paris, Tennessee



Fall colors

The day started early with many things to do before leaving Green Turtle Bay. With all of our chores completed and the boat fueled and pumped out we departed the marina at 11:15 and headed south.

Barkley Canal to Kentucky Lake

 



Kentucky Lake is large compared to Lake Barkley. For most of the 44 miles we traveled today the shore line was a mile to a mile and a half wide. The buoyed channel favors the land between the lakes shore line so there was beautiful scenery to see as the shore line was bursting with fall colors.



Along Kentucky Lake

Tennessee River here we come!



We arrived at Paris Landing State Park at 4:15 pm and found a wonderful marina and park. Joan and Jay that entered the marina ahead of us on SV Windsong are loopers and they invited us to join them for dinner at the Paris Landing State Park Restaurant. A park ranger picked us up at the marina then gave us the grand tour of the park before delivering us to the restaurant. After dinner he picked us up again and returned us to our boats.

Tomorrow we will reconnect with Chris and Bruce at Pebble Island Marina on the Tennessee River.









Day 118 – Saturday, October 9, 2010

088° 13.553’ W
37° 00.438’ N
Green Turtle Bay Marina
Grand Rivers, Kentucky



Leaving in the fog!



Today Barb and I set an alarm to get an early start. The first time out of the rack, I cracked the blinds to see nothing but fog. A half hour later the fog was starting to lift so we prepared to leave! 10 minutes after leaving the dock we encountered patches of heavy fog for the next hour. Considering everything we should have stayed put another hour! Radar is a wonderful tool when you can’t see 10 feet in front of you.



Fall colors along the river



The cruise was very long with no mishaps. We had another beautiful day as the weather was perfect for this time of year. The only thing slowing us down was the abundance of fishing boats that were out due to the weekend! Considering all, we entered the harbor a half hour before sunset. The scary part is I’m not sure I would have found the harbor entrance after dark!



Land Between the Lakes bridge



Barb is busy doing laundry and I’m preparing for tomorrow. If our do list is completed by 10 am tomorrow we will get underway again and play catch up with Chris and Bruce that are now in Tennessee. With luck we may catch up with them Monday.



Tomorrow morning I will wash down the boat, add fresh water then refuel and pump out the holding tank. A quick trip to the ships store at Green Turtle Bay and we are good to go!

The plan is to cross over from Lake Barkley to Kentucky Lake via the Barkley Canal. The canal is one mile from here. Kentucky Lake is part of the Tennessee River that was formed when the TVA flooded this area. The latest advice given to Barb and I is to anchor at Leatherwood Creek tomorrow night, about 52 miles from here. I haven’t checked the charts yet, but we don’t see it as a problem.

Day 117 – Friday, October 8, 2010

087° 21.886’ W
36° 31.790’ N
Cumberland River City Dock
Clarksville, Tennessee



Leaving the dock in Nashville



Calm waters



We slipped away from the dock after saying farewells to Cindy and Paul and a few other loopers that were spending the night there. By 8 am we were underway.



Barge that caused our delay at the lock



The water was like glass most of the day due to no wind. Our only delay was at the Cheatham Lock and Dam which lasted two and a half hours. After we were lowered 26 feet we cruised directly to Clarksville where we had stayed before.

If there isn’t any fog in the morning we will get underway at first light. With luck and enough daylight we will make Green Turtle Bay tomorrow before night fall.

Day 116 – Thursday, October 7, 2010

086° 46.375’ W
36° 09.723’ N

Nashville Municipal Dock (day 3)

Nashville, Tennessee



Bicentennial Wall in park



Bell caroline looking towards Capitol



We had another great day enjoying the city of Nashville. The day started with taking the free bus to Bicentennial Park. It was educational as it is entertaining. At one end of the park is a Bell Caroline that plays a southern song on the hour.



On the bus ride back to the city we stopped at the Ryman Auditorium and did a back stage tour. From there we stopped at an ice cream parlor on Broadway and had a couple of sundaes.

Later in the day we joined Cindy and Paul, had dinner at a local Italian restaurant then went to a live radio broadcast from the Ryman Auditorium called Opry Country Classics. We heard Lynn Anderson, Wade Hayes, Johnny Lee, Eddy Raven and Gene Watson. The entertainment was great and all of us had a great time.

 Tomorrow Barb and I will leave Nashville and start back to Green Turtle Bay.