Today, we wake at 7 am to walk the dogs, fill up with diesel, and get an early start. Unfortunately, the lock immediately southbound could not accommodate us until 9:30. So we hang out on the fuel dock, walk the dogs again, and leave around 9am.
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| View off the fuel dock...a cloudy cool morning. |
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| Us with 3 other pleasure craft and a barge. |
Today's journey took us through four locks. The first two, had no issues. At the third lock, we passed through with a barge and 3 other pleasure crafts. As instructed by the lockmaster,we, the pleasure boats, tied up to the starboard side of the lock, away from the barge. We were first in and took the front bollard. Although there are five starboard bollards, one was inoperable, which is why we are pushed forward. All was well until we realized that when the doors of the lock swing open, our pulpit would be smashed and maybe more than that. So, we untie quickly (there was a little shouting at this point), and floated freely in the lock with the barge and the three other pleasure crafts until the doors opened. We left the chamber promptly. All ended well, but our blood pressure probably peaked in the process! At the next lock, we choose the second bollard from the front; again locking through with a different barge but the same four pleasure crafts. This lock had all pins operating.
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| Fishing boat |
We journey down the Tenn Tom at a reasonable speed. While we like to cover ground and go 20 mph, this causes huge wake. So we often have to slow it down to 10 or less, especially when we encounter fishing boats and docks on the Tenn Tom. It is a narrow waterway, so we proceed with caution. We also encounter industry, paper mills, that support these local towns. While providing a needed service, we have to admit the smell of the paper mill near Grand Harbor was nauseating.
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| These were trees at one time.... |
As we leave Aberdeen Lock, and approach our dock for the night, Columbus Marina, there are various jets flying overhead interrupting the silence of the Tenn Tom. Nearby is the Columbus Air Force Base. It is the nation's busiest air force base and instructs a third of our air force pilots. Awesome! We hear the jets prior to seeing them.
We also notice, unique to us, water foliage rampant within the waterways. It is beautiful but we hope it has no effect on our strainers! We are also told stories of 700+ lbs alligators by the marina owners. I guess we have made progress and are now in the south!
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| Columbus Marina |
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| Crazy Eight tied up for the night. Captain Tom parallelled park without issue even with a strong breeze. Of course our Four Seasons dock mates would absolutely believe that! |
Today's journey has taken us about 7 hours. We went through 4 locks and traveled 65 miles. At the end of the day, Buster and Bailey are eager to get off the boat and see some grass. We are happy the day is over. Tomorrow, less locks and probably an anchorage, not at a marina, which will be new to us. Until then...
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