Nov. 10, 2015

Leaving Wheeler Marina for Aqua Marina




WHEELER LODGE IN FALL

It was sunny and calm, just the kind of day we'd awaited for a 60 miles transit. 0800, a record early departure, sent us right to Wheeler Lock, then, ten miles later, Wilson lock. From there was just a nice cruise downstream, destination Aqua Marina at the north end of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. We had two days of boat repairs and BBQ ribs research here.  

NEON FRIES!

We also visited the Shiloh Civil War Battlefield twice, getting perspective on what had to happen to keep us one country.
 
While side-tied at Aqua the wind shifted at night to SSE and slammed us against the dock with great force. We were compelled to deploy all fenders and fender boards to protect the boat from the dock, as the surface is covered with jagged bolt heads.



WORLDS BIGGEST FENDER DISPLAY

 The Tenn-Tom is the largest project ever undertaken by the Army Corp. of Engineers.  It required moving 1/3 more earth than the Panama Canal and is 5 times as long.  It actually connects two separate drainages, that of the Tennessee River and the Tombigbee, sending Tennessee R. water down to Mississippi and Alabama. The politics had to have been convoluted, to say the least. The project, finished in 1984, took 12 years to build and was  over 200 years in the planning, starting with French explorers.

The Tenn-Tom cuts many days off the barge trip from the Gulf to Chattanooga and beyond.  An average barge "tow" carries the equivalent of 500 semi trucks. 



Nov. 7th, 2015, Wheeler Marina, northwest Alabama

Power of the Burgee

We have been here a week now, doing lots of projects, meeting some good people and touring the surrounding areas. Living, so to speak, in different parts of the country is fascinating, seeing the different styles, cultures, foods, economies and historical sites.

Weather has had some rain, not good for biking, so a car is very nice at times as we are a few miles from town.

One day, having noticed our AGLCA Burgee, Wayne of  Help Me Rhonda, a Gold Looper, stopped by the boat and offered to take us shopping.  Wayne and Rhonda took us to lunch and all over the area for provisions.  They gave up their day to help us out, which we think is pretty special. Thanks, you guys, and thanks, AGLCA!

Our boat neighbors, Steve and Eva, have a rental car and have taken us riding as well.  We feel lucky.

Our boat is one of  only two remaining at the once-packed transient dock. 
Yesterday was balmy. The air has acquired a chill today.  I'm thinking like a duck, time to head south. 
Tomorrow we too, will be gone.




All Alone for now






Wheeler Lodge in November

Oct. 30, 2015

After a night at Goose Pond Marina we continued downstream to Guntersville Lock where we had lost steering coming up.
We entered the lock, secured to the wall and found the boat being pushed bow-first into the concrete, port engine shifted into reverse but stuck in forward.  I know, it didn't compute for me, either.  Shift would not move either way, necessitating shutting engines down.  Managed to leave lock on one engine. After a couple of hours we determined it was a linkage slippage problem, got it adjusted and continued on two engines.  Exciting for a bit.  Fears of extensive towing and repair shop delays were relieved.

Leaving on one engine

Sightseeing homes, leaves changing colors.

 Got into Ditto Marina where we met Charles and Joyce on their Great Harbor N37

Leaving Ditto we called for our first bridge opening at the railroad bridge and, by golly, they opened it right up for us, just like the books say.

 On our way back to Wheeler the ceiling dropped and rain intensified as visibility decreased.  We docked that afternoon in the rain with navigation lights and radar on.  It felt good to get tied up in a safe harbor and settled in to familiar surroundings.

October 24-29, Chattanooga

Only one spot left at the riverfront Bluff dock, right behind Reflection, with 2 kt. current. George and Pat were there to help with lines.

 

King of Crabs

 Stairs and waterfall from boat to downtown

Long-necked turtle

Bluff Dock at City Front

Aquarium

Tom and Connie

R-Pad pulled in to our dock the next day.

Hickory smoked Ribs at Sticky Fingers.

 

 The Aquarium is first rate, river and

ocean and some butterfies, too.





Jellies

Chittlins, huh?  Came out empty-handed.

Leaving town in the clouds.

Downstream at last!!

Current finally at our back.

 

 

October 24,2015

Arriving in Chattanooga

 

Heading upriver toward Chattanooga we saw the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge but those pictures are in the previous post. Here we are about to dock on The Bluff in downtown Chattanooga.

Our night time view from The India Jayne

Our 43 foot boat looks small all by itself on The Bluff dock. Last night the Dock was
completely packed with other boats.

Looking up the hill at the Hunter Museum of Art. All around the grounds and in the neighborhood we saw beautiful Sculptures.

 We had a bike ride through town and then out on a bike path to Chickamauga Dam. It was about 15 miles on our little fold up bicycles. Not bad.

Glass walking bridge



Friday, October 23, 2015

End tie

Having recovered steering, we locked through, docking at Guntersville Marina.  Another Looper, Jack Nickerson (Patty) appeared to take our lines, take us on errands and take us to dinner! Wow, The Loopers! Harbor Hosts Jack and Jane Conway ferried us to the restaurant and even supplied technical support about the steering failure.

 Many, many beautiful homes line much of the river (all homes with docks are beautiful).

After cruising past miles of pristine forests...  You think you are in the wilderness...  then, Yikes! A nuclear power plant pops out! 




The waterway is sometimes unimaginably beautiful and tranquil.

 Now we are getting into the Tennessee Gorge country. Rocks look painted with an artist's brush.




 Here is where we start the day, doing engine and system checks.

Twin Yanmar 370 hp

 One must descend the stairs to the laundry department to wash clothes.

Pam has become an expert at looping a bollard.

Raccoon Creek Sunrise

 After anchoring out for the first time, the evening was serene, followed by a gorgeous sunrise.

Raccoon Creek bugs species are not endangered but at least stayed outside.