Pickensville, AL-Demopolis,AL

There are changes in the river and the scenery as we move farther south. We noticed each passing tug boat captain has more cajun accent as we get closer to the coast. We rested well our first night on the anchor as we were in a protected cove away from the channel. 14 locks completed, with only 2 to go before we are back near sea level.
Day 10
Traveled 37 miles, passed through 1 lock, anchored in Sumter Recreation Area near Gainesville, AL
Day 11
Traveled 54 miles, passed through 1 lock, docked at Demopolis Yacht basin in Demopolis, AL. We followed a fellow boater "Lady Margaret" out of our anchorage at 6:30 am in fog. We had frost on the deck this morning!
Day 12
Off Day, resting, laundry, resupplying and keeping an eye on weather front moving in, trip planning

"First night at anchor-Sumter Landing"

"Yes, there is a boat we are following through the fog."

"Gail's post-retirement job"

"The White Cliffs of Eppes, AL, near the I-20 bridge"

"Demopolis Yacht Basin-Boy, parallel parking is tight here!"

Fulton, MS-Pickensville, AL

Day 7

No travel today. Being on the go every day leaves no time for extra chores. The routine-start out early, pull in around 2:00-4:00, get tied up, showers, dinner, and the day is gone. So we took advantage of this day off to do laundry, update the blog, and resupply. We spent a second night at Midway Marina in Fulton, MS

Day 8

Traveled 36 miles, passed through 3 locks, docked at Aberdeen Marina in Aberdeen, MS

We started the day in light rain, left over from the previous night.

Day 9

Traveled 51 miles, passed through 2 locks, docked at Pirate's Marina Cove in Pickensville, AL. Crossed back into AL from MS. Very windy day, required 3 attempts to get into the boat slip, but we made it!

"Midway Marina-Great place to spend 2 days"

"There are many industries along the Tenn-Tom"

"We had lots of company in this lock"

"We came up on this deer crossing the river."

"The 108 ft. snagboat Montgomery on display at Tom Beville Lock and Dam"

Rogersville, AL-Fulton, MS

As we continue to move west on the TN River, we have been blessed with sunny days and calm winds.

Day Four

Traveled 21 miles, passed through Wheeler and Wilson locks, docked at Florence Harbour Marina in Florence, AL, traveled to Florence in marina's courtesy van

Day Five

Traveled 41 miles, docked at Grand Harbour Marina at Counce, TN just after we turned off the TN River onto the Tenn-Tom waterway

Day Six

traveled 56 miles, passed through 3 locks - On our second lock there was a 90 minute delay for maintenance. Sundown came while we were in the third lock. This left 6 miles to go with a half moon and no clouds in the sky. We were guided into the marina by the dockmaster via radio. We had a 1/4 mile approach off the main channel between stumps and a mat of weeds. It was a relief to get tied to the dock! Several boaters were on the docks to watch this feat! We were greeted by one boater with a pan of fresh baked brownies!!

"Freedom" topping off with 6000 gals. of diesel"

"That's called Landscaping!"

"Smooth Waters"

"Try navigating through this without lights in the dark!"

Guild, TN-Rogersville, AL

After many months of preparation and anticipation, we untied our ropes from Hales Bar for the last time on Oct. 31 to begin our journey to Mobile Bay.

Day One

Traveled 53 miles, passed through Nickajack Lock, docked at Goosepond Marina in Scottsboro, AL.

Day Two

Traveled 44 miles, passed through Gunterville Lock, docked at Ditto Landing near Hunsville, AL

Day Three

Traveled 57 miles, had to wait for train to pass so bridge could be raised for us, docked at Joe Wheeler State Park near Rogersville, AL, enjoyed dinner at the lodge

"Wonder why they call it Goose Pond?"

"Lodge at Joe Wheeler State Park"

"Slight leak in lock door-Hope it holds!"

Color Cruise Weekend

This past weekend was the beginning of Hales Bar Marina's Fall Color Cruise Festival. We had more special guests onboard! Brock and Diane came up for the weekend. We enjoyed a colorful cruise on the Tennessee River. The four of us also went to nearby Rock City.
We're still busy making preparations as we will soon be heading south. We'll be making more frequent blog entries as we travel downstream. As we do, we'll be giving you locations that you'll be able to easily find on a road map.

"Brock & Diane's first cruise on Play Dough"

"The Fall Color Cruise Festival"

"Touring Rock City"

"View from Rock City"

Football Game/Cruise Weekend

Fall is in the air on the Tenn. River, with morning temps in the 40s. Our son and daughter-in-law, Adam & Heather visited us over the weekend. On Saturday we attended the Georgia Southern football game at Chattanooga. On Sunday, we cruised on the river and enjoyed a beautiful day. Heather wants to sign on as a full time crew member!!

"Adam & Heather enjoy the cruise"

"Adam & Gail securing the boat in Nickajack Lock"

"The Cranes like to hide in the lock walls."

"Notice our Play Dough shirts given to us by our 4 children"

Back from Houston

We've just returned from a six day trip to Texas. After Rodney's one year post operative visit with Dr. Rhines, we toured in Austin, Johnson City, San Antonio and Texas City, where we toured the Johnson Space Center. We flew out of Houston on Tuesday prior to Hurricane Ike's arrival on Friday. As for "Play Dough" the bottom paint has been completed and the boat was put back in the water while we were away. Our new furniture for the boat is at our home waiting to be moved onboard.

"The Texas Whitehouse of LBJ"

"The Alamo"

"San Antonio's Beautiful Riverwalk"
" A Mock Pod of the International Space Station "

"PlayDough being hauled out for Bottom Paint"