Tennessee River-Ohio River - May 9-14

Sunday, May 9 the winds and rain continued so we stayed one more night at Grand Harbor Marina. On Monday, we pulled out, and after a mile we turned onto the Tennessee River.  We are now traveling downstream. Woohoo! Shortly after entering the Tennessee River we locked down 55 feet at the Pickwick Lock.  We traveled 110 miles and dropped the anchor in a pretty bay just outside of Pebble Isle Marina. 

The next morning after a stop for fuel, we continued north just 36 miles to Panther Bay. We are now on part of the Tennessee River that opens up to the Kentucky Lakes. This is a beautiful stretch with many bays that are perfect for anchoring out in small coves. It was a sunny, warm afternoon that was perfect for some down time. Of course a dinghy ride was in order for some exploration of the area. Dinner called for ribeye steaks on the grill to celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary!

Wednesday was another short travel day, just 30 miles. We had hoped to anchor out in an area called the Rock Quarry, however once inside the quarry we realized the water was too deep! That never happens! We showed depths of over 100 feet. So we continued one more mile and ducked into a small cove called Brad’s Cut. Another grand afternoon was spent enjoying the warm sunshine, watching the bald eagles, turtles and jumping fish. Not as exciting at dolphins, sea turtles and sharks, but....

On Thursday after 10 miles we locked down 57ft  thru the Kentucky Lock & Dam.  After another 20 miles, we left the Tennessee River and joined the Ohio River.  Shortly after getting on the Ohio, we came to Paducah, Kentucky where we docked at their city dock. We were able to walk into town to get a few supplies and have dinner. 

The captain advised the first mate that it was time to get cracking again and cover some miles. Friday we left the dock by 7:30am and traveled till 7:30pm. Whew!  We cruised our remaining 46 miles downstream on the Ohio and then....turned on to the mighty Mississippi River. 

Captain visiting local florist 

37 great years!

Anchored out in Panther Bay
Note stern line tied to log to keep us from swinging 

Rock Quarry 

Pulling up stern anchor.
Never know what you’ll pull up

Paducah City Dock
Floating dock-at flood stage the dock can reach top of poles

HappyTeam

Black Warrior River/Tombigbee Waterway - May 1-8

Saturday, May 1 we flew to Mobile to begin our journey back to Grand Haven. By Monday morning we were ready to roll. We left Dog River, traveled 8 miles to the north end of Mobile Bay, thru the Mobile Industrial Harbor and on to the Black Warrior River. We traveled 68 miles upstream and anchored out at the Alabama River Cut. 

Tuesday we cruised 70 miles to our 1st lock. We locked up 34 feet. No more salt water, not more tides, no more dolphins, but by golly, we got gators! Soon after the lock, we pulled into Bobby’s Fish Camp for fuel. We were planning on continuing, however our phones started lighting up with weather alerts including tornado watches. We checked out radar and yup, a storm was a coming. We strapped the dinghy onto the lift and tied the boat to the dock with every line we had. The storm hit with a vengeance. High winds kicked up the River and we heard trees cracking and falling in the woods across the River. Glad we were tied to something solid.

Wednesday we really covered some ground (water actually). 150 miles and 2 locks later, we dropped anchor at Sumter Recreational Area/Park. We had to ease our way in across a shallow bar (less than a foot of water under the boat), and then found 10-12 feet to anchor in. 

Thursday was another big day. We traveled 107 miles and thru 5 locks. We dropped the hook for the night just above Glover Wilkins Dam, were we endured a quick storm and were treated to a majestic double rainbow. Wow!  

Friday we traveled 43 miles and transited 4 locks, the last of which, the Jamie Witten Lock was our largest lock so far at 84 feet.  At this point the we have lifted 341 feet over 450 miles of River. Whew. We decided since it was such a beautiful day we would treat ourselves to a short travel day. By early afternoon we were anchored in a scenic, remote finger of Bay Springs Lake. 

Saturday, 35 miles, no locks. By noon we entered Grand Harbor Marina, at the top of the Tenn-Tom Waterway. That afternoon, Captain Maintain did oil changes while the first mate used the marina courtesy car to pick up some groceries.  That night we used the car again to eat at Freddy T’s, a local restaurant nearby. 

Next up, the Tennessee River! 

Captain and new crew member

Freighter loading facility-Mobile 

US Navy Ships - Mobile 

Cruising up the river

Magnificent rainbow after storm 

Debris in lock from flooded rivers

Lock duty!

Awesome afternoon on Big Springs Lake