Forever Friday

Left Florence Harbor Marina @ 8:35am October 19.  Were traveling 8.5 knots burning 2.1 gph for a time which was awesome.  The trees have already changed from when we passed this way weeks ago.  Locked Down at Wheeler and Wilson Locks without incident.  At mile marker 215, we split off the beautiful Tennessee River and onto the Tennessee-Tombigbe at its mile marker 450.  There is a stunning house on the corner: Right after you turn onto the Ten-Tom, there is…

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Had a beautiful few days at Joe Wheeler.  It is a gorgeous spot.  The AGLCA (American Great Loop Cruisers Association) Fall Rendezvous has being going on there this week.  Mike and I did not register for the rendezvous as we didn’t want to have to be in a certain place on certain dates (yet, we ended up being there on the dates anyway).  Also, I’m not a fan of seminars as I’ve done hundreds of them during my work life,…

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Departed Chattanooga Thursday morning @ 9:30am.  The rain stopped and the sun came out.  We had about 23 knots of wind and some decent chop on the water.  Mike wasn’t stressed about water over the bow as it wasn’t salt water.  Again, some beautiful homes and lovely scenery along the river. Went through the Nickajack Lock where we tossed another jar of Zombie Sauce to the lock master.  After about a 50 mile day, dropped the hook at Battery Park…

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Departed Cedar Creek anchorage (of which I got such a kick as it shares its name with one of my parents’ favorite restaurants back home) @ 9:10am Sunday morning.  October 7 is my sister Marla’s birthday, so I knew it would be a good day. Saw more beautiful homes along the river. Another beautiful day on the water.  The deepest water we had seen prior to this day was under 55 feet.  We saw 128 feet around a tight bend!…

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Departed Joe Wheeler 7:35am.  The first part of our trip was through lots of industrial areas.  A funny thing we went past was the Meow Mix plant. The scenery become much more beautiful as we trekked on. Pulled into Ditto Landing Marina in Huntsville, Alabama around 2:45. Had dinner aboard Heartbeat with our now adopted Penny dog! Departed Ditto Landing 7:45am Friday.  Sailed into some decent fog.  Hailed a tow with barges who stopped on the Right Descending Bank while…

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This one’s for Hugh. Took off from our gorgeous anchorage yesterday morning.  Shortly after departure, saw Steve, a guy we met at Clifton Marina who is paddling the Great Loop via kayak for charity.  (If you look up Paddling With Steve on Facebook, you can find him.)  Cool British dude.  We varied course and went over to say hello.  I was making brekkie sandwiches and offered him one.  He gladly accepted.  Poor guy is having oatmeal every morning.  🙁 After…

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Departed Double Islands anchorage Saturday morning after the fog lifted at 8:40am.  Short trip to Clifton Marina, which we had read is a must-stop.  Hooked up to shore power and threw on our blessed air conditioner!  Hot outside.  Took a walk into the little town of Clifton, population ~2000. Heartbeat and Forever Friday in Clifton Marina: Heather and I took the courtesy car (which was left outside with the key in it, because it couldn’t come out and they roll…

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Day 2 & 3 Hola!  Awoke yesterday morning to pouring down rain.  Didn’t take off until 11:00 from Dry Fork Anchorage.  We were bucking a decent current, and sucking down the fuel, so only made about 32 miles.  [We are trying to anchor as much as possible as we love anchoring and the serenity of it.  Also of huge importance, you can save lots of $ if you anchor versus paying for a marina.  Marinas may be a necessary evil…

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Night before last, walked to the Thirsty Turtle for a beer.  Really beautiful tavern along the resort in Grand Rivers. Went into Paducah (in McCracken County) last night for dinner at The Freight House, a farm to table restaurant which came highly recommended.  It did not disappoint!  The best meal of the night was the burger, resplendent with pork belly and fried egg: Place had over 200 bourbons and whiskeys, and made a mean cocktail! Beautiful drive after a Thunderstorm…

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So, we have been awaiting the finishing of our bimini for the upper deck.  For non-boaters, this will bore the hell out of you.  I initially didn’t want a bimini, nor the price tag that came with it.  After sweltering in the Kentucky and Tennessee heat, I’m more that welcoming this beautiful addition!  It does change the lines of our girl for the worse I think, but we can fold it down.  Mark, the fabricator, did a bimini and some…

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