Florence to Guntersville, AL - Oct 3-5

On Thursday night a storm blew through which really rocked the boats in the Marina. Friday was overcast and windy so it was a good time for Steve to do the first oil change of the trip and for Sheli get a walk in at the park/campground near by. At night we walked into town for Florence First Fridays.  This is a street festival held on the first Friday of each month with musicians and vendors on the sidewalk and a band playing on the closed downtown street. All the stores, restaurants and bars offer special deals and entertainment. The big draw for October is the Pumpkin Drop. A pumpkin is dropped from a lift, 50 feet in the air and smashes onto the pavement in the middle of the intersection. Thud wap!  (We're living large now!)

Saturday morning we were on the river by 7am. Today traveled with Twelve Stones and Endevour through two locks.  After the second lock, Tweleve Stones and Endevour turned off to Joe Wheeler State Park Marina. We will be returning here next week to attend the American Great Loop Cruisers Association (AGLCA) Fall Rendezvous. We continued on to Decatur to the marina at the Hard Dock Cafe. It was a crazy windy day and the white caps on the water reminded us of being on Lake Michigan.  At night we took a taxi to the award winning Big Bob Gibson's BBQ. It did not disappoint.

Before departing Sunday morning, we again streamed a sermon from Woodhaven Ref. The river surroundings are becoming more rocky as we move east. We past through one lock just prior to destination of Guntersville. Guntersville Marina will be our home for the next few days as rain and wind are forecasted.

 Pumpkin Drop!

 

 See freighter locking down in the left chamber?

 This erupted while waiting for the lock. It must be the discharge for the locks.

 Freighter leaving lock.