Almost to Salt Water!

Day 18
October 28, 2014

Depart: Anchorage at mm95/7:11
Arrive: Anchorage at I-65 Bridge/3:40

Weather Conditions: another perfect day

We really covered the miles today.  With no locks to work through we just set a course for down river and off we went.  We did meet 4 tows heading up the river that slowed us down a little.  This part of the lower Black Warrior has many switch backs that are not the best places to meet up with a barge. Pleasure craft have to time their meetings so that there is plenty of room for both vessels.  There is also more industry along this stretch, probably because of its proximity to Mobile.

                                     Some of the many industries lining the riverfront. 

Our anchorage today is at the 21mm just north of the I-65 bridge.  It is not going to be the quiet, peaceful anchorage that we are used to.

Our Final Locks (At Least for 2014)

Days 16 &17

October 26 & 27, 2014

Depart: Kingfisher Marina/6:44

Arrive: Anchorage at mm145/3:30

Depart: Anchorage/7:11

Arrive: Anchorage at mm95/4:07

Weather Conditions: cool mornings, sunny afternoons

An early morning was on tap for our exit from Kingfisher Marina.  There were 5 boats headed out, so the Demopolis Lock gave us a 7:00 time for lock down.  No problem, we seem to have adjusted quite nicely to cruising time.  Cruisers and farmers have at least one thing in common.  We start asking what time it is about 6:30, then struggle to stay up until 8 or 9.  Then, of course, we are up before daylight.  One looper told me that 9:00 is the looper's midnight.  I don't know what we will do when the time changes and it is dark at 6:00.  Sunday was an exciting day! We made our first siting of alligators as they lounged along the banks enjoying the sunshine.

There are many homes that hug the shore along the Tenn-Tom.  Some, like this one, are very nice, while others have definitely seen better days.

Not everyone can find a produce stand in the middle of nowhere. Jess and I took the dinghy over to the beach after we dropped anchor on Monday evening. As we walked along the sand we found a watermelon vine running across the beach. Obviously someone had picnicked here during the summer.  By the way, the watermelon was very good!

The sun peeks through the trees as we silently move out of our anchorage on the 27th.

After a two hour wait for a tow to lock down and another one to lock up, we finally were able to take our turn with four other loopers.  This picture shows us escaping captivity as we exit Coffeeville Lock.  

This is our last lock until we reach the Erie Canal.  This lock is number 15 for us. The other loopers began their trip in Florida. They were congratulating themselves on making it through almost 200 locks.  We obviously have quite a few more to go!

Roll Tide! (Again)

Day 15

October 25, 2014

Depart: Anchorage/7:40

Arrive: King Fisher Marina, Demopolis/1:30

Weather Conditions: won't last forever, cool mornings, nice afternoons

Short day today!  We have about 50 miles to go to get to TV.  Yes, I know we need some fuel, a pump out, and full water tanks, but let's get real, the reason we are stopping at the marina is actually TV.  This is a very nice marina, with all of the things that are important to people that live in very small spaces.  The laundry is fantastic by marina standards, and the showers are very clean.  There is even a heated pool somewhere, although we have not searched for it.  No time, the games are starting!  We did take a short walk to stretch our legs, but it is now time to get the cable set up.

Cruising under the I59/20 bridge.  We have been traveling for two weeks and are now two hours from Birmingham!  Life on the water is not going to break any speed records.

The white cliffs at Epes were stunning in the morning sunshine.  There are some beautiful red trees that  contrast brilliantly with the chalk white slopes.  Unfortunately they don't show up that well here.  Again, I will add some from my camera later.

2 More Locks (Again)

Day 14

October 24, 2014

Depart: Columbus, MS/7:45

Arrive: Anchorage just below Heflin Lock/4:10

Weather Conditions: couldn't be better

Our initial plan for today was to get through Bevill Lock and then as close to Heflin Lock as we could get comfortably.  We did so well that we conquered both locks today.  That makes for an easy day getting to the marina tomorrow.  One of the Active Captain reviews for an anchorage we were going by mentioned that an alligator had been spotted there.  Jess has been on alligator watch ever since.  I think he is really set on sighting one before I do.  The challenge is on!  We did enjoy watching several bald eagles as we continued down the river.

This the snag boat Montgomery, a sternwheeler that in its day plied various southern waters.  She is now available for tours at the Tom Bevill Visitor's Center.  Hopefully I will have a better picture when I can get photos from my camera.

Jess did think about getting dressed today, but when I told him that teenagers wear their pajama bottoms to school all the time, he decided that was all the permission he needed.  I think the lock tender, a Mississippi State fan, was very understanding.  Although, when I gave him a "Roll Tide" he did threaten to not open the gates.

2 More Locks

Day 13
October 23, 2014

Depart: Aberdeen Marina/9:25
Arrive: Anchorage at Columbus, MS/2:40

Weather Conditions: very cool in the morning, beautiful afternoon

We started our day by waiting for some of the loopers who had stopped further up the river to catch up, so that we could lock through the Aberdeen Lock together.  When we know that there are other pleasure craft planning to lock down, we try to all go through together to save the lock tender from having to turn around the lock more often than they have to.  Jess and I don't plan too far ahead, but with ballgame day coming up we have planned to get below Stennis Lock today, so that we will be able to get to a marina on Saturday.  We anchored so close to Columbus, MS. that we were able to dinghy to a very nice Riverwalk Park that gave us access to the city where we had a nice walk through the historic district.  We then met George & Martha Alexander from Aunt Aggie for dinner.  I will add some pictures from Columbus later.

Following the markers through the Cypress Trees was no problem for Bama Dream's skillful captain.

We had to pull over to wait for this tow to get through Stennis Lock.  There are 12 locks on the Tenn-Tom, which would normally mean that there could be a lot of waiting, but the lock tenders are great about notitying the locks downriver of boats heading their way, so most of the time they are ready for us.

Cell coverage is definitely sketchy along this stretch, although I am not sure this is the answer to the problem. 

The home of Tennessee Williams has been restored and now serves as a Visitor Center in Columbus.  I am not sure the paint scheme is authentic, but it is pretty.

     We enjoyed strolling down the side streets of Columbus, where there are many stately antebellum homes.

             The sun had fallen into the river as we returned from our trip into Columbus, MS.

Aberdeen Marina

Day 12

Oct. 22, 2014

Depart: Anchorage on Aberdeen Lake/9:30

Arrive: Aberdeen Marina/10:55

Weather Conditions: Awesome

We planned a short day today so that our visitors from Hamilton could join us.  The ride down was very nice even though we were a little anxious about the entrance to the marina.  All of the reviews we had were concerned about the depth upon entering the channel and the difficulty of following the markers to the dock.  One actually suggested that getting into this marina is like having a mini adventure all on its own.  I have enough adventures without adding a challenging dockage to the list. All of the anxiety

was for naught!  We had no problems and it is actually a very interesting ride through the cypress stumps.

There really are markers out there.  I have to admit I was watching intently, but I kept having my thoughts stray to all of the fish that I would love to hook into.

Aberdeen Marina proved to be a very nice stop! The new owners are working very hard to get things set up the way they want it, so it may not be quite up to some cruisers standards, but it was just fine for us.  There is plenty of room for a nice walk, which Jess and I took advantage of.  The lunch at the convenience store was good too. Although, I wouldn't be able to partake of it often. They even battered the corn on the cob and deep fried it. Have to admit that I had never seen that done before, so of course I had to give it a shot. Wasn't bad!

Our first visitors! It was fun spending the afternoon with Vernon and Marci. We caught up on conversation then took a ride into Aberdeen for supper and a quick trip to the grocery store.

A Day of Locking, Oh Joy!

Day 11

Oct. 21, 2014

Depart-Anchorage on Bay Springs Lake/6:55

Arrive-Anchorage on Aberdeen Lake/4:15

Weather Conditions- morning fog, sunny

As you can tell by my title for this day, locking is not one of my favorite parts of this trip!  Our goal for the day was Aberdeen, MS because Jess' brother and sister-in-law, Vernon and Marci, are driving over from Hamilton tomorrow for a short visit.  In order for that to happen we had to get through the first 6 locks on the Tenn-Tom waterway.  The Jamie Whitten lock was really the only one that proved to be a little tricky, but only because the fog had not lifted off of the river when we made our approach.  There were 9 loopers going through together for the first 3 locks, but as the day progressed many of them went into marinas and anchorages along the way.  By the time we reached Wilkins and Amory Locks we were down to just two. Sundowner joined us as we chose a quite anchorage at the headwaters of Aberdeen Lake. We actually had a welcoming party as we turned into the anchorage.  A very large rattlesnake was making his way to the shore. This is one time I was happy that we need enough room for the boat to swing on the anchor. No way can we find ourselves under any trees. I know from experience that snakes can climb trees!

There really is a dam just in front of us!  Luckily by the time we were through this lock the fog had lifted and we enjoyed another gorgeous day on the river.

Ta Ta, from British Columbia, and Sundowner, from Florida lead the way as we exit our first lock of the day.  

After over 100 years of planning the Tenn-Tom Waterway finally opened for travel from the Tennessee River to Mobile in 1985. It was quite a construction project for its time.  The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers designed this massive undertaking, as well as, operating it today. Those of us who are able to enjoy this amazing river system thank them for a job well done.  Other than the difference in drop/lift at each lock, they are all built on the same design. Thus after the first lock there are no surprises for those of us who prefer it that way

Bay Springs Lake, MS

Day 9 & 10

Oct. 19 & 20

We took advantage of the beautiful fall weather by spending a couple of days fishing (I caught the most and the biggest), touring the visitor's center, and walking through the woods (too easy to call it a hike). Phone service along the Tenn-Tom is sketchy at best and wifi is non existent, so I have discovered a few issues with my ability to post what I want in my blog. I can post from my iPad if I have cell service, but I can't use any pictures that I have taken with my phone or my camera.  Consequently, I may add pictures to my posts at later dates. I know it is a pain, but from time to time you will just have to scan back over the posts to see if I have added pictures.  As an example, I will be adding here later.

                         A beautiful pond full of wildlife we discovered on our walk along the shore.

 

Another one of our impromptu picnics!

 

The dink tied to the dock at the Bay Springs Visitor's Center.

 

Sharing our anchorage with George and Martha Alexander on Aunt Aggie.

 

 

On to the Tenn-Tom

Day 9

October 19, 2014

Depart-Aqua Yacht Harbor Marina/8:50

Arrive-Anchorage in Bay Springs Lake, MS/1:20

Weather Conditions: Couldn't be nicer!

Jess is just a little bit excited today!  He has crossed over the Tenn-Tom for many years dreaming of the day he would be on the water instead of a bridge.  Today is the day!  We really feel that we are finally on this great journey, as we leave our Tennessee River behind to discover what adventures this new body of water holds for us.

                                         A stunning sunrise on Pickwick Lake.

Jess was hoping that a trucker would come by so he could blow his horn.  Didn't happen even though he slowed way down.  You can see in this picture how the Tenn-Tom is a ditch or canal lined with rocks on both sides along this stretch.

We were glad that we had already entered the larger waters of Bay Springs Lake before this tow came by.  There are going to be many more of these passages as we move south on the Tenn-Tom.

Roll Tide!

Day 8
Oct. 18, 2014

Depart-Union Hollow/7:40
Arrival-Aqua Yacht Harbor/9:15

Weather conditions- absolutely beautiful

This is again football Saturday in the south, so we have planned a short run to a marina today so that we will be able to enjoy (we hope) an Alabama win over Texas A&M.  It is also time to catch-up on a little laundry. After a visit to the fuel dock we are soon hooked up and ready for a day of fun and relaxation. Roll Tide!

                         A nice sunrise on another beautiful day on the Tennessee River.

 

                Aqua Yacht Harbor is a very nice, looper friendly marina positioned at the point in the Tennessee River where the Tenn-Tom Waterway will turn us toward the south. The day was perfect for marina visitors to enjoy an antique wooden boat show on the dock.

The Flotilla Departs

Day 7
Oct. 17, 2014

Depart-Joe Wheeler/8:30
Arrive-Union Hollow Anchorage/5:10

Weather Condition: sunny, windy, very windy

This is the day those of us that are in the very early stages of our loop trip have been looking forward to with just a little bit of anxiety and a whole lot of excitement.  We have been encouraged by all of the seasoned loopers we have met that there is no time like the present to "Just Do It", so here we go.  Some of those attending the Rendezvous are taking this opportunity to do a side trip up to Chattanooga, while 19 of us are headed west down the Tennessee River.  To expedite the process of getting us through the locks at Wheeler Dam and Wilson Dam one very helpful member of our party has contacted the lock tender at each lock to let them know the approximate time of arrival.  We have our respective spots assigned to each boat, so it is time to shove off.  We are number 14 and assigned to the wall on the starboard side with When I'm 64 rafting to us.  This is our first experience locking through with this many other boats and I don't know about Jess, but I am just slightly nervous.

Bama Dream finds her place in line as we pull away from the marina at Joe Wheeler State Park.

The gates open at Wheeler Lock and Dam as we prepare to exit after an uneventful lockage. We had many observers cheering us on as we exited the lock.  Some of the Rendezvous participants who are not actually looping yet drove over to take pictures and wish us a Bon Voyage.  It was fun waving bye to our new friends, Richard and Mary Sauerbrey from Tucson, AR, although we wish they were actually ready to join us on this great journey.

As this pictures shows, by the time we reached Wilson Lock and Dam at Florence the wind had picked up quite a bit. If you have never locked through during strong winds, you just don't know what you are missing!  Everything was going smoothly ahead of us while we waited our turn to move into our assigned spot on the wall.  The process came to a halt when a Grand Banks got caught by the wind, causing her to turn sideways in the lock.  She came back out and gave it another go, finally securing the bollard we were supposed to grab.  No problem, those of us who have not entered the lock will just work it out, right?  As we entered to catch a spot we were doing great until just before we got in position a gust of wind blew our bow to port and around we went.  Exit lock and give it another go.  In we go again, another gust and we are turning around for the second time.  O.K. at this point we decide we will wait for everyone else to get in and get secured before we try it one more time.  I guess the third time really is the charm, because we finally managed to raft up to the last vessel in the lock.  Many of our fellow loopers stopped for a visit in Florence, while several of us continued on to various anchorages for the night.

Our anchorage for the night looked like a good place to catch a fish, sure enough I was right!  Great way to bring a day on the river to a close.

Rendezvous!

Oct. 13-16

Our time at the AGLCA Rendezvous has been absolutely amazing.  We have met so many wonderful, adventurous people in the past few days that we now feel like we are really part of something very special.  I must say that we have experienced a little bit of an "information overload", but everyone assures us that there is no final exam to pass and we will remember the important stuff and the rest we will discover for ourselves.  We have been so busy while at Joe Wheeler that I have not taken many pictures, so here are just enough to share some of the highlights.

It is finally official!  We are flying our Looper's burgee!  This is a big moment for us! We have dreamed so much about this day and now, WOW, here it is!

 

 A group of truly amazing people, who really know how to enjoy life on the water!

 

            

   After three days of rainy weather, it was so nice to see the sunshine on Wednesday. 

                 The towels we had used to dry up everything from the Sunday

storm finally managed to get dry in the sun. 

Wow, what a day!

Day 2
Oct. 12, 2014

Depart Ditto Landing/8:50
Arrive Joe Wheeler Marina/3:10

Weather Conditions: Mixed bag-sunshine, cloudy, storms

Plan for today is smooth sailing from Ditto to Joe Wheeler.  As they say "The best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray."  Oh well, we went from enjoying a beautiful day to surviving what we hope will be the worst storm of our trip. 

The walking trail at Ditto Landing gets a 5 star rating.  The morning was perfect and the scenery along the stream was absolutely beautiful.

The reflection of the limestone cliffs and the changing colors made for a relaxing cruise down the Tennessee.

                           Waiting our turn at the Norfolk Southern railroad bridge in Decatur.

A typical southern rainstorm.  Just showers one moment and a full fledged downpour the next.  Visibility went down to just a few feet in moments.  Jess spent what seemed like a very long time (probably only about 30 min.) just trying to stay within sight of a navigational buoy.  The boat handled the weather great, so at the very least our confidence in our vessel grew.




Joe Wheeler Marina is full of fellow Loopers!  If you look closely you can find A Bama Dream at her secure berth, where we will stay until Rendezvous is over on Friday. 

Our Adventure Begins!

Day 1

Depart Alred Marina/7:48
Arrive Ditto Landing/11:00
Weather conditions: Overcast with periods of rain

Our first day out happens to fall on a Saturday and every true college football fan knows what that means. Our final plans for getting underway had to include a plan for watching Bama play. Our friends, Sam & Janet Gentle came through with an offer to pick us up at Ditto Landing to spend the day in Huntsville eating a great meal and watching some nerve wracking football.

 

Our send off committee was a little small, but they were enthusiastic.  Thanks Fred (19th Hole) and John (Ditch Witch), and there canine companions, for our official departure from our home port.  We also visited with our neighbors, Rick & Cindy (Living Proof) Friday evening.  Jess says thanks Rick for his Bon Voyage gift!

 

Guntersville Lock, the first of many on our trip.  Smooth lock through, although we decided we may need to keep ponchos handy on rainy days.  We were pretty much soaked by the time we had gone through the lock.

Fall color is beginning to show.  Should be very pretty for the next couple of weeks.

 

First night out in our transient dock at Ditto landing.

The Time is Now!

Oct. 10, 2014

It is hard to believe that tomorrow morning we will not be leaving our lines behind when we pull out of our slip at Alred Marina.  This has been our home ever since we purchased our Albin 43 in February of 2013.  After years of dreaming, planning, and many, many "Are you sure we can do this?" comments, it is time to begin our voyage around the Great Loop.   My hope is that all of my family and friends will be able to experience at least a little of the adventure that Jess and I will have as we share some of the day to day occurrences along our route.  We love you all and even though it is hard to leave you all behind, this is something we must check off our bucket list!

One more beautiful sunset before we leave our home port in Guntersville.  Hope to see many more along our journey!