Week Twenty-seven, Continued
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
We left the wing dam at 7:10 am, heading for the intersection of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
A wing dam is a manmade barrier that, unlike a conventional dam, only extends partway into a river. These structures force water into a fast-moving center channel which reduces the rate of sediment accumulation while slowing water flow
near the riverbanks.
The Mississippi River in North America has thousands of wing dams which were originally constructed to reduce the amount of dredging required when the main navigation channel was maintained to at least 4 1⁄2 feet. Since that time, additional conventional dams have been built to increase the water level in the river, doubling the depth of the navigation
channel to 9 feet. The wing dams still serve their purpose, but to a lesser extent than before.
While wing dams assist in assuring that rivers are navigable, they can also pose a threat to boaters. Many wing dams in the Mississippi are usually underwater and may be difficult to see, but can be easily hit by propellers or other parts of a vessel. On the other hand, fishermen intentionally fish the waters downstream of wing dams.
Wing dams are typically constructed so that they point slightly into the current (meaning that the riverbank end is slightly upstream of the riverward end).
We arrived at Angelo Towhead, which is a small channel behind a small island at mile marker 1.5 on the Miss, at about 2:00 pm, and stopped for the day. There is room there for 3 or 4 boats, but the channel is treacherous and full of snags if you go in too far. When we rounded the corner, we found another looper, "Sanctuary", already at anchor. They radioed us that they had been there from the night before, unable to leave because they had snagged their anchor on a submerged tree. A few hours after we arrived, a diver showed up, and got Sanctuary freed. Since it was so late in the day, they moved to a safer part of the anchorage, and spent the night, leaving with us in the morning.
A wing dam is a manmade barrier that, unlike a conventional dam, only extends partway into a river. These structures force water into a fast-moving center channel which reduces the rate of sediment accumulation while slowing water flow
near the riverbanks.
The Mississippi River in North America has thousands of wing dams which were originally constructed to reduce the amount of dredging required when the main navigation channel was maintained to at least 4 1⁄2 feet. Since that time, additional conventional dams have been built to increase the water level in the river, doubling the depth of the navigation
channel to 9 feet. The wing dams still serve their purpose, but to a lesser extent than before.
While wing dams assist in assuring that rivers are navigable, they can also pose a threat to boaters. Many wing dams in the Mississippi are usually underwater and may be difficult to see, but can be easily hit by propellers or other parts of a vessel. On the other hand, fishermen intentionally fish the waters downstream of wing dams.
Wing dams are typically constructed so that they point slightly into the current (meaning that the riverbank end is slightly upstream of the riverward end).
We arrived at Angelo Towhead, which is a small channel behind a small island at mile marker 1.5 on the Miss, at about 2:00 pm, and stopped for the day. There is room there for 3 or 4 boats, but the channel is treacherous and full of snags if you go in too far. When we rounded the corner, we found another looper, "Sanctuary", already at anchor. They radioed us that they had been there from the night before, unable to leave because they had snagged their anchor on a submerged tree. A few hours after we arrived, a diver showed up, and got Sanctuary freed. Since it was so late in the day, they moved to a safer part of the anchorage, and spent the night, leaving with us in the morning.
Pazza Bella at Angelo Towhead - Ohio River in Background
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Wednesday had the possibility of either a good travel day or a nightmare. We had to pass through Locks 53 and 52, both of which had been under repair. When we got to lock 53 and were passed through immediately with no problems, I kind of thought we had it made. Changed my mind when I asked the lockmaster how 52 was doing and he just looked at me and laughed. Uh oh!!!
Well, bad, but not as bad as it could have been. We waited almost 3 1/2 hours for a lock through at lock 53. By the time we were through, we had no choice but to pick up an anchorage nearby. Paducah, KY, is a few miles up the river, but they don't have a marina. Only a town dock that is not supposed to be used for overnight dockage. So, I looked up the number for the town rec department and called the department head. I explained our situation and asked for permission to dock overnight, which he kindly gave us, with the proviso that we clear the dock first thing in the morning. No problem, right? Wrong!!
We did not find out until morning, but apparently a 50 foot yellow sportfisher cleared lock 53 about 11:00 pm, and decided that it would be a good thing to raft off of our two boats at Paducah. Without asking. When we got up in the morning, we found out that there had been a heated argument, the local police had been called, and after hurling many insults and a large wake, the sportfisher continued on its way. Wow!!
Before you think ill of us, you have to realize that the Paducah dock is barely big enough for two boats, and is situated on a turn in the river that has HEAVY tug and tow traffic that throws very large wakes all night long. It would have been dangerous in the extreme for any two boats to raft together. Well, always something going on.
Well, bad, but not as bad as it could have been. We waited almost 3 1/2 hours for a lock through at lock 53. By the time we were through, we had no choice but to pick up an anchorage nearby. Paducah, KY, is a few miles up the river, but they don't have a marina. Only a town dock that is not supposed to be used for overnight dockage. So, I looked up the number for the town rec department and called the department head. I explained our situation and asked for permission to dock overnight, which he kindly gave us, with the proviso that we clear the dock first thing in the morning. No problem, right? Wrong!!
We did not find out until morning, but apparently a 50 foot yellow sportfisher cleared lock 53 about 11:00 pm, and decided that it would be a good thing to raft off of our two boats at Paducah. Without asking. When we got up in the morning, we found out that there had been a heated argument, the local police had been called, and after hurling many insults and a large wake, the sportfisher continued on its way. Wow!!
Before you think ill of us, you have to realize that the Paducah dock is barely big enough for two boats, and is situated on a turn in the river that has HEAVY tug and tow traffic that throws very large wakes all night long. It would have been dangerous in the extreme for any two boats to raft together. Well, always something going on.
Pazza Bella and Acapella at Paducah, KY
Intersection of the Ohio and Tennessee River at Sunrise
Thursday, October 3, 2013
All things being equal, Thursday turned out to be a great day. We left Paducah at 7:00 am, and continued on up the Tennessee River to the Tennessee Lock and Dam. Arriving at the lock at about 10:00 am, we were locked right through without a wait. They had the lock doors open for us as we approached, and soon we were taking the 53' rise up to Kentucky Lake. 11:15 am, and we were tied up at Green Turtle Bay Resort, in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, where we will be staying till Monday. It is a super nice resort, and is a great place to wait out the two days of rain that are expected Saturday and Sunday. The resort threw a free barbecue for all the in port loopers that night. They served a great Mutton dish, along with pulled pork and beef, and the de rigueur keg of beer for about 40 of us who were there
Lake Barclay, Kentucky
Friday, October 4, 2013
Friday was a chore day. I got half the boat washed, and changed out the port engine impeller. The port engine had been running hot, and when I took the pump apart, sure enough, the impeller had started to come apart.
For dinner, we went into town to a place called Patti's 1880's. They specialize a 2" thick pork chop. Of course, I had to try that, but could not finish it. Lunch for a day or two.
For dinner, we went into town to a place called Patti's 1880's. They specialize a 2" thick pork chop. Of course, I had to try that, but could not finish it. Lunch for a day or two.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Saturday is another chore and layover day. Miss V got a Pedicure at the on site spa while I finished cleaning the boat. Not very exciting, but a great place to just chill
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Planned on leaving today, but it rained all day, so we stayed in port. Veronica did all the laundry, and I caught the web site kind of up to date. We did go into town to Patti's again, but not for dinner. We went with Karen and Jeff Segal from Acapella for coffee and desert, and made a quick stop at the local market for a few provisions. We will be leaving tomorrow for Pebble Island Marina and will miss traveling with Jeff and Karen. They will be staying on at Green Turtle for 10 more days.
Week Twenty-eight, October 7, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
Well, moving right along, we departed Green Turtle Bay at 7:00 AM. As we left the marina, with the sun directly in our eyes, we could see what a beautiful day we had ahead. We have planned a 72 mile run today, all the way to Pebble Isle Marina in New Johnsonville, Tennessee.
Abandoned Dock - Tennessee River
Railroad Bridge to Nowhere
Entrance to Pebble Island Marina
We arrived at Pebble Island Marina about 2:45 PM, and found old friends Barefoot'n and Golden Hawk. The restaurant was, of course, closed that day, so we dined on board. Barefoot'n had been there a few days already. They had worn a hole in one of their water cooled mufflers, and had started taking on water. Once they figured out the problem, it had taken a few days to repair. So, they would be here a day or two longer and would catch up to us at Joe Wheeler.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
We left Pebble Isle Tuesday morning , traveling with Gary and Cathy on After Taxes and Chris and Lynn on Let's Drift, headed for Clifton Marina in Clifton, Tennessee. Another great day to travel, and 62 miles later, we arrived at the marina at 3:45 PM. This brings our miles to date to roughly 3500 miles. Clifton Marina is a pretty little stop that has been totally refurbished. New docks, restaurant, etc. OK, the restaurant is really more like a lunch counter, and they cook the burgers etc outside on a gas grill, but still a neat stop.
Mermaid Marina - Decaturville, Tennessee
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Big day today. Out of Clifton at 7:00 AM on the way to Grand Harbor Resort and Marina in Counce, Tennessee. Grand Harbor is at the intersection of the Tennessee River and the Tenn-Tom waterway. From here, we take a side trip off of the Great Loop route, and head over to Joe Wheeler State Park for the Looper Fall Rendezvous.
We arrived at 4:15 PM after a 55 mile trip, and hooked up with a whole group of loopers headed for Joe Wheeler. Dinner tonight at Freddie T's for their signature 16 ounce T-bone. Great stuff, and more leftovers for lunch. They sent a 10 passenger van to pick us up. Had to make two trips. Great evening.
We arrived at 4:15 PM after a 55 mile trip, and hooked up with a whole group of loopers headed for Joe Wheeler. Dinner tonight at Freddie T's for their signature 16 ounce T-bone. Great stuff, and more leftovers for lunch. They sent a 10 passenger van to pick us up. Had to make two trips. Great evening.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
The route to Florence Alabama is about 42 miles, and covers some really pretty parts of the Tennessee River. We left Grand Harbor at 11:00 AM (wow, late start for us!), and arrived at 3:45 PM. No locks or bridges today, so smooth motoring. We are on the road again today with Freya (Ozell and Maryanne), KaJen (Arch), and In My Element (Bob and Debbi). Veronica and I have been fighting colds for the last few days, and they don't seem to be getting any better, but, having said that, not so bad that we couldn't pack into the courtesy car with the rest of the group and head out to provision and have dinner. Great Mexican at Rosies Cantina in downtown Florence. Cap't Mike is partway through a Z-Pac and couldn't join the Margarita drinkers, but the food more than made up for it.
Tennessee River (Pickwick Lake) Leaving Grand Harbor
Homes Along Pickwick Lake
Secluded Cove Near Grand Harbor
Tennessee Valley Power Authority Power Plant
Birds Watching Us Watching Them
Friday, October 11, 2013
Friday breaks rainy and gloomy, and Captain and Crew not getting any better, so a lay day in store for us. Some minor chores, and then just resting up.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Sunny and warm, so a good day to be on the way. Today we head for Joe Wheeler State Park, site of this years Looper Fall Rendezvous. Loopers are gathering from , literally, all over the country and from Canada for four days of seminars and re-connecting with each other. As we head to JWSP, the first lock we pass through is the Wilson Lock and Dam, which forms Wilson Lake.
Parade of Boats (10 Altogether) in Wilson Lock Canal
(Pazza Bella in Last Place)
Entering Wilson Lock
Looking Up The Wall From The Bottom of Wilson Lock
Wilson Dam is a dam spanning the Tennessee River between Lauderdale County and Colbert County in the U.S. state of Alabama. It impounds Wilson Lake. It is one of nine Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dams on the Tennessee River. The dam was declared a National Historic Landmark on November 13, 1966.
Construction on Wilson Dam began in 1918 and was completed in 1924 under supervision of Hugh L. Cooper. The
Wilson Dam actually predates the TVA, but was later placed under the authority of the TVA. The dam is 137 feet high and stretches 4,541 feet across the Tennessee River. The cost to build the dam was almost $47 million.
The main lock at Wilson Dam is 110 feet wide by 600 feet long. The lock lift is 94 feet. It is the highest single lift lock east of the Rocky Mountains. An auxiliary lock has two 60 feet wide by 300 feet long chambers that operate in tandem. Over 3,700 vessels pass through Wilson Dam's locks each year.
The generating capacity of Wilson dam is 663 megawatts of electricity.
The dam is named for former President of the United States Woodrow Wilson.
Construction on Wilson Dam began in 1918 and was completed in 1924 under supervision of Hugh L. Cooper. The
Wilson Dam actually predates the TVA, but was later placed under the authority of the TVA. The dam is 137 feet high and stretches 4,541 feet across the Tennessee River. The cost to build the dam was almost $47 million.
The main lock at Wilson Dam is 110 feet wide by 600 feet long. The lock lift is 94 feet. It is the highest single lift lock east of the Rocky Mountains. An auxiliary lock has two 60 feet wide by 300 feet long chambers that operate in tandem. Over 3,700 vessels pass through Wilson Dam's locks each year.
The generating capacity of Wilson dam is 663 megawatts of electricity.
The dam is named for former President of the United States Woodrow Wilson.
Pazza Bella - Last Boat Heading into Joe Wheeler State Park
.Sunday, October 13, 2013
Well, the crew is still under the weather, so today is really just another lay day to R & R. Boats have been arriving all day, and we continue to renew old acquaintances. Just about everyone we have met on the loop will be here at some point this week. The Marina is full, and some are having to anchor out in the bay, A good week coming up
No Room At The Inn
All Full Up
Week Twenty-nine, October 14, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
Monday, and the first day of the Rendezvous. Veronica and I are still down with the flu, but determined to attend all of the seminars and get-togethers. Registration is at 2:00 this afternoon, and we keep running into folks we have travelled with.
So, we registered and went into the ships store, where the AGLCA folks have set up to hawk their wares. The only thing we really wanted to buy was our Gold Looper Flag, the one that signifies a completed loop. We want to have it on board, so that when we cross our wake, we can immediately fly it. So, if you are going to have a ships store visited by 250 people, at least 60 of whom are in progress, how many flags would you bring to sell? Six! By the time I had registered and gone up to the store, they were sold out. Oh well, I ordered one on line, and it will be here after the rendezvous.
So, we registered and went into the ships store, where the AGLCA folks have set up to hawk their wares. The only thing we really wanted to buy was our Gold Looper Flag, the one that signifies a completed loop. We want to have it on board, so that when we cross our wake, we can immediately fly it. So, if you are going to have a ships store visited by 250 people, at least 60 of whom are in progress, how many flags would you bring to sell? Six! By the time I had registered and gone up to the store, they were sold out. Oh well, I ordered one on line, and it will be here after the rendezvous.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Seminars begin today. The first group have to do with the trip from here to mobile, on the Tenn-Tom Waterway. The Tenn-Tom is pretty rugged in spots, and there are at least three nights when we will have to anchor out, there being no marinas for a hundred miles.
Dinners for the week are buffets here at the convention center, except for Wednesday night. More on that later.
Very interesting presentation by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce and the local Marina there. They have offered loopers a great dockage rate if we take a side trip there, and there are some great places to visit, so a group of us are planning to go after the rendezvous. That will work out great for us, since we were going to have to wait on some packages to be delivered to JWSP. Now we can take the side trip and pick the packages up on our way back through.
Dinners for the week are buffets here at the convention center, except for Wednesday night. More on that later.
Very interesting presentation by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce and the local Marina there. They have offered loopers a great dockage rate if we take a side trip there, and there are some great places to visit, so a group of us are planning to go after the rendezvous. That will work out great for us, since we were going to have to wait on some packages to be delivered to JWSP. Now we can take the side trip and pick the packages up on our way back through.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
V and I are starting to feel better. Finally through with the Z-Pack and can now enjoy a cocktail or two with dinner.
Seminars today are on the trip from Mobile AL to Tarpon Springs FL. Conventional wisdom has loopers gathering in Carabelle FL to wait for a good weather window to make the 170 mile crossing to Tarpon Springs. We will enjoy what they call the "Chicken Parties" . These are parties for the captains and crew who are too chicken to cross in bad weather. Maybe they really should be called "smart parties", for those of us who are too smart to toss the gauntlet in mother natures face.
Anyway, tonight we went into town for dinner at a local steak place (not very good), and then to a local Bed and Breakfast, where they had a local country band performing for us under the stars. Actually, under a tent, 'cause it was supposed to rain. Well, the weather cleared up and it was a beautiful evening. I'm not much of a country fan, but the band was great. Well worth the time.
Seminars today are on the trip from Mobile AL to Tarpon Springs FL. Conventional wisdom has loopers gathering in Carabelle FL to wait for a good weather window to make the 170 mile crossing to Tarpon Springs. We will enjoy what they call the "Chicken Parties" . These are parties for the captains and crew who are too chicken to cross in bad weather. Maybe they really should be called "smart parties", for those of us who are too smart to toss the gauntlet in mother natures face.
Anyway, tonight we went into town for dinner at a local steak place (not very good), and then to a local Bed and Breakfast, where they had a local country band performing for us under the stars. Actually, under a tent, 'cause it was supposed to rain. Well, the weather cleared up and it was a beautiful evening. I'm not much of a country fan, but the band was great. Well worth the time.
Water Like Glass Before The Concert
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Last day of the Rendezvous already. Today we had seminars on the trip from Florida up through Norfolk, VA. Also, the wild and crazy dinghy races. The captain is blindfolded and backwards in the dinghy, running the motor, and the first mate gives him verbal directions around the course. WOW!
Last night dinner and awards, and non looper friends from Nashville, Jon Britton and Michael Knear came down to spend two nights with us at JWSP. They booked a room at the Lodge, which was rapidly emptying out. What with the last night festivities, we won't get to visit with them until tomorrow.
Last Official Night Cocktail Party
Friday, October 18, 2013
Mass Looper Exodus in the Fog
Friday morning, and all of the loopers who are antsy about schedule are jumping ship. We have decided to stay on till Sunday morning to get some housekeeping chores done and to visit with Michael and John. By the way, that is not Pazza Bella in the picture, but a boat called Northern Star, Craig and Kathy Carney, who we traveled with for a bit.
We went into town for breakfast, and then took a driving tour of the area. What a beautiful place. Michael and Jon have enjoyed it so much that they have booked another night, and will be here to see us off on Sunday.
All you can eat Prime Rib buffet at the lodge tonight.
We went into town for breakfast, and then took a driving tour of the area. What a beautiful place. Michael and Jon have enjoyed it so much that they have booked another night, and will be here to see us off on Sunday.
All you can eat Prime Rib buffet at the lodge tonight.
Friday Night Docktails by the Pool
Mike, Jon, Veronica and Michael
All That's Left of the Loopers
Biggest Moon We've Seen on the Trip
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Not much going on today. Michael and Jon are seeing the local sights, and Veronica and I are getting ready for the next leg of the trip. We are having dinner at the lodge again, since Saturday is their all you can eat seafood buffet, including catfish, shrimp and snow crab. Up at first light tomorrow, heading for Ditto Landing in Huntsville AL, as soon as the fog permits.
All That's Left of the Looper Boats
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Well, we are off again. We departed JWSP at 8:00 AM, held up till the fog lifted, and arrived at Ditto Landing at 2:15 PM. We left with about ten other boats, but only two of us, Pazza Bella and Blue Moon are heading for Chattanooga. Blue Moon is Chuck and Susan Codding. They are actually going past Chattanooga to Lake Chickamauga, where they will be leaving the boat for a few days to take a side trip. Dinner on board tonight, a welcome change from the past week and all of the hoopla. Michael and Jon were there to throw our lines, and then departed for Nashville and home.
****This is being inserted after the fact. We have had a major glitch with our digital camera, and have lost most of the pictures for the next week or so. A new memory card was the fis, but no recovery of the pictures was possible.****
****This is being inserted after the fact. We have had a major glitch with our digital camera, and have lost most of the pictures for the next week or so. A new memory card was the fis, but no recovery of the pictures was possible.****
Week Thirty, October 21, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
We have departed Ditto Landing for Goose Pond Marina. Off the dock at 8:00 AM, and on our way, arriving at 2:00 PM. After arriving at Goose Pond, we met several local boaters who invited us for a drink, and we wound up staying on the dock with them for a few hours, trading sea stories and picking up a lot of local information. The Marina restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so dinner on board once again. Oh, and boy, those guys were a hoot. Boats were "Triple Bogey" (Maury and Karen Horner), "Tomcat" (Joe and Betty Bowman), and "Panazia" (Roz & Gary Zia).
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Off we go this morning to Hales Bar Marina, a 53 mile run. We left at 8:00 AM in light fog, and arrived at 2:40 PM. Still traveling with Blue Moon. Hales Bar is the site of an abandoned lock and dam, along with an abandoned power plant. Unfortunately, that is its only claim to fame. The travel books said there was a decent restaurant on site and washers and dryers at the marina. Oops!! Restaurant was permanently closed last year and they only had one washer and no dryer at the marina. Oh, well, at least it was a decent place to tie up for the evening.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Away from the marina at 9:30 AM due to more fog. Arrived at Chattanooga at 1:20 PM. This was a beautiful run through the Tennessee River Gorge, what some folks call the Grand Canyon of the east. I thought that was a little grand, but it certainly was spectacular. We hope to have some pictures on the way back through, after the leaves have turned color. Right now, all is green.
Blue Moon left us at the Marina entrance, and here we had a nice surprise. The dock was filled with Loopers from JWSP. All the folks we thought we would miss decided to stay here a few extra days. We tied up with Freya, KaJen, In My Element, Journey, Sea Fever, Sun Drum, and Sun Gypsy.
As soon as we hit the dock, we had the evening all planned for us. All the gals were going out shopping and for dinner, and the guys were going to a different restaurant for a stag dinner. We, the guys, went to an Italian restaurant called Tony's. Well, the food was excellent, and we resolved to come back on our last night and bring the ladies.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Today is our sightseeing day in Chattanooga. After a nice breakfast at Rembrandt's Coffee House, we are off to see the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Really, there is such a place!
Original Electric Streetcar and RR Pullman Car
From 1909 to 1970, all trains to points south passed through Chattanooga’s famous terminal, which was designed by a 24-year-old architectural student from New York. The terminal’s first plans were modified at the behest of the
president of the Southern Railway System to emulate the National Park Bank of New York. Unable to compete with faster modes of travel, trains stopped running in 1970; but the terminal was saved from demolition in 1973 by a group of local
investors. The1909 station, with its magnificent 85-foot free-standing dome, is the focal point of this 24-acre historical property that features exceptional accommodations, spirited dining venues, family fun, and, of course, the finest in Southern hospitality.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo boasts the world’s largest HO gauge model train display, with 120 locomotives,1,000 freight
cars, 80 passenger cars, and 3,000 feet of track.
After having lunch in the Gardens Restaurant, we toured the whole facility, including the huge model train layout. During our tour, we went for a ride around the property in a restored electric streetcar. The conductor was telling us about the origins of the car when it dawned on me that the car was made by the company that eventually became the Thomas company that makes school buses, and that the car was assembled at their plant that was about two miles from our townhouse in Archdale, North Carolina. Small small world!!
Anyhoo, after all that, we stopped at a music store across the street, and Veronica bought me a gift for our fourteenth wedding anniversary. A Mandolin, complete with case and study guides. Something for me to try and learn while we travel. How cool is that??
After getting back to the area of the docks, we went back to the boat and dropped off the mandolin, then off to a Thai restaurant with the whole group for dinner. Thai food can be very good, but this was mediocre at best. Oh well, we were really there for the company, not the food.
president of the Southern Railway System to emulate the National Park Bank of New York. Unable to compete with faster modes of travel, trains stopped running in 1970; but the terminal was saved from demolition in 1973 by a group of local
investors. The1909 station, with its magnificent 85-foot free-standing dome, is the focal point of this 24-acre historical property that features exceptional accommodations, spirited dining venues, family fun, and, of course, the finest in Southern hospitality.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo boasts the world’s largest HO gauge model train display, with 120 locomotives,1,000 freight
cars, 80 passenger cars, and 3,000 feet of track.
After having lunch in the Gardens Restaurant, we toured the whole facility, including the huge model train layout. During our tour, we went for a ride around the property in a restored electric streetcar. The conductor was telling us about the origins of the car when it dawned on me that the car was made by the company that eventually became the Thomas company that makes school buses, and that the car was assembled at their plant that was about two miles from our townhouse in Archdale, North Carolina. Small small world!!
Anyhoo, after all that, we stopped at a music store across the street, and Veronica bought me a gift for our fourteenth wedding anniversary. A Mandolin, complete with case and study guides. Something for me to try and learn while we travel. How cool is that??
After getting back to the area of the docks, we went back to the boat and dropped off the mandolin, then off to a Thai restaurant with the whole group for dinner. Thai food can be very good, but this was mediocre at best. Oh well, we were really there for the company, not the food.
The Grand Dome - Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel
Friday, October 25, 2013
Another sightseeing day in Chattanooga before we leave tomorrow. Today, we are off to spend the day at the Chattanooga Aquarium.
The Tennessee Aquarium is a non-profit public aquarium located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When it opened, the River
Journey building was the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.
The Tennessee Aquarium's River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings are home to more than 12,000 animals including fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, penguins, butterflies and more. The original River Journey facility is organized around the theme of the Story of the River, following the path of a raindrop from high in the Appalachian
Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. Approximately 2/3 of the facility's display follows this theme, with the rest devoted to smaller aquatic exhibits hosting organisms from around the world. The self-guided tour takes visitors through three living forest exhibits that teem with life above and below the water’s surface. Along the way, visitors see thousands of animals like free-flying song birds, snapping turtles, sandbar and sand tiger sharks, stingrays, river otters, moray eels and colorful reef fish.
A new addition to the facility, Ocean Journey, opened in April 2005, ostensibly follows the theme of a River Journey, though with much less consistency than the original. However this facility does include more hands on displays, such as a large shark tank and ray touch tank, large macaws, a butterfly garden with South American species on constant display, as well as the very large ocean tank itself. Other visitor favorites include the Boneless Beauties gallery, where guests enjoy invertebrates like jellyfish, cuttlefish, giant Pacific octopuses and Japanese spider crabs. An even newer 16,000 gallon penguin exhibit, with ten Macaroni penguins and ten Gentoo penguins, opened May 3, 2007. The Tennessee Aquarium was the first to breed sea dragons.
The leafy seadragon or Glauert's seadragon, Phycodurus Eques, (for those of you who, like me, did not know) is a marine fish in the family Syngnathidae, which also includes the seahorses. It is the only member of the genus Phycodurus.
It is found along the southern and western coasts of Australia. The name is derived from the appearance, with long leaf-like protrusions coming from all over the body. These protrusions are not used for propulsion; they serve only as camouflage. The leafy seadragon propels itself by means of a pectoral fin on the ridge of its neck and a dorsal fin on its back closer to the tail end. These small fins are almost completely transparent and difficult to see as they undulate minutely to move the creature sedately through the water, completing the illusion of floating seaweed.
Popularly known as "leafies", it is the marine emblem of the state of South Australia and a focus for local marine
conservation.
The Tennessee Aquarium is a non-profit public aquarium located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When it opened, the River
Journey building was the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.
The Tennessee Aquarium's River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings are home to more than 12,000 animals including fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, penguins, butterflies and more. The original River Journey facility is organized around the theme of the Story of the River, following the path of a raindrop from high in the Appalachian
Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. Approximately 2/3 of the facility's display follows this theme, with the rest devoted to smaller aquatic exhibits hosting organisms from around the world. The self-guided tour takes visitors through three living forest exhibits that teem with life above and below the water’s surface. Along the way, visitors see thousands of animals like free-flying song birds, snapping turtles, sandbar and sand tiger sharks, stingrays, river otters, moray eels and colorful reef fish.
A new addition to the facility, Ocean Journey, opened in April 2005, ostensibly follows the theme of a River Journey, though with much less consistency than the original. However this facility does include more hands on displays, such as a large shark tank and ray touch tank, large macaws, a butterfly garden with South American species on constant display, as well as the very large ocean tank itself. Other visitor favorites include the Boneless Beauties gallery, where guests enjoy invertebrates like jellyfish, cuttlefish, giant Pacific octopuses and Japanese spider crabs. An even newer 16,000 gallon penguin exhibit, with ten Macaroni penguins and ten Gentoo penguins, opened May 3, 2007. The Tennessee Aquarium was the first to breed sea dragons.
The leafy seadragon or Glauert's seadragon, Phycodurus Eques, (for those of you who, like me, did not know) is a marine fish in the family Syngnathidae, which also includes the seahorses. It is the only member of the genus Phycodurus.
It is found along the southern and western coasts of Australia. The name is derived from the appearance, with long leaf-like protrusions coming from all over the body. These protrusions are not used for propulsion; they serve only as camouflage. The leafy seadragon propels itself by means of a pectoral fin on the ridge of its neck and a dorsal fin on its back closer to the tail end. These small fins are almost completely transparent and difficult to see as they undulate minutely to move the creature sedately through the water, completing the illusion of floating seaweed.
Popularly known as "leafies", it is the marine emblem of the state of South Australia and a focus for local marine
conservation.
Sea Horses
Diver Hand Feeding Rays and Sharks
The daylong tour was something special. Walking around and under the tanks teeming with sea life is not something you can do every day.
After our tour, we had time to walk around the town near the Aquarium and the docks, and then off with the whole group for the promised last night in Chattanooga dinner at Tony's Pasta House. It was not the wine that made the first night special. The encore dinner was, if possible, better than the first night. Then, off to our bunks to get a good nights sleep and be ready to shove off first thing in the morning.
After our tour, we had time to walk around the town near the Aquarium and the docks, and then off with the whole group for the promised last night in Chattanooga dinner at Tony's Pasta House. It was not the wine that made the first night special. The encore dinner was, if possible, better than the first night. Then, off to our bunks to get a good nights sleep and be ready to shove off first thing in the morning.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Ready to shove off at first light proved not to be possible. Heavy fog on the river made life interesting. It appeared to lift about 7:15, and since we were trying to get underway before 8:00 AM when 150 paddle boarders and kayakers were scheduled to push out into the river heading for the same place as us, we decided to stick our nose out and see if it was clear heading down stream. Bad, and I do mean BAD, decision. We were lead boat, and by the time we were 500 feet from the dock, we could not see the bow of our boat in the fog. The others in the group, Freya, KaJen and In My Element had just left the dock when they saw us disappear, and after a few frantic radio calls, they decided to return to the dock to wait out the fog. The result being that we kept on to Goose Pond in the fog, arriving there, 86 miles later, late in the day. We only had fog for about an hour and a half, but, boy, was it intense. Oh, the other side of the coin was that the three who waited left with all the traffic and had to dodge all those little guys the whole day. And, since they did not leave til about 10, they had to anchor along the way.
When we got to Goose Pond, we reconnected with Sun Drum (Todd and Sharon Satterly), who had the crew from Down Time (Carl Ralston and Dottie Harris). Nice dinner that night at the Docks Restaurant at the marina.
When we got to Goose Pond, we reconnected with Sun Drum (Todd and Sharon Satterly), who had the crew from Down Time (Carl Ralston and Dottie Harris). Nice dinner that night at the Docks Restaurant at the marina.
Part of the Kentucky River Gorge (After the Fog Lifted)
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Away from Goose Pond Marina at 9:30 AM, heading for Ditto Landing Marina at Huntsville Alabama. Traveled with Sun Drum for an uneventful 44 mile trip. Dinner that night on board with my yet-to-be famous Quick Chile. That is, whatever I can find in the fridge or cupboard to cook with some ground beef. Actually turned out pretty good.
Week Thirty-one, October 28, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Another treat for us today. We laid over a day so that we could visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, whose first director was Dr. Wernher von Braun.
When Dr. Wernher von Braun arrived in 1950 in the tiny Alabama town which called itself the "Watercress Capital of the World," Huntsville boasted a population of 15,000. Today, it is forged forever in history as the place where America's space program was born; where the rockets were developed that put the first U.S. satellite into orbit and sent men to the moon; where the power for today's space shuttle was developed; where the modules for the International Space Station were designed and built; and where the next generation of spacecraft, the Ares I and Ares V, are currently being designed.
It should come as no surprise that Huntsville is also home to one of Earth's largest space museums and attractions: The U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
During the final months that von Braun and his team of scientists were refining the giant rocket that sent Apollo astronauts to the moon, he was also preparing to launch another important project: a permanent exhibit to showcase the hardware of the space program.
Today, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center houses thousands of artifacts, including the charred Apollo 16 Command Module, a rock brought back from the moon, the original Saturn V lunar rocket vehicle and a full-sized space shuttle mock-up.
It is also the home of SPACE CAMP, the world's pre-eminent youth science activities program. More than a half-million
young people and adults from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries have participated in the various SPACE CAMP astronaut training activities since the program began in 1982. Space Camp is designed to encourage young people to
pursue careers in science, math, engineering, robotics, and aerospace industries by giving them a firsthand introduction to the exciting work being done in the space program.
AVIATION CHALLENGE, added in 1990, is geared toward young people interested in military and commercial aviation with programs for all age levels based on "Top Gun" flight training. It is regarded as the nation's leading military aviation- based educational camp program.
Von Braun was director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville when he approached the Alabama Legislature with the idea of creating a museum jointly with the U.S. Army Missile Command and NASA. After Alabama
lawmakers and its citizens voted in 1968 to finance construction, the U.S. Army donated land on its Redstone Arsenal, which is also the site of the sprawling NASA center.
Von Braun called the Space & Rocket Center, "the finest of its kind in the world" and continued to be a firm supporter even after leaving Huntsville for a high-level NASA position in Washington. Throughout his career, he was a leading exponent of space exploration and is credited with having popularized the concept with magazine articles as early as 1952.
His vast collection of papers, from grade school report cards to private notes and correspondence, is housed in the museum and has been catalogued for use by researchers and scholars.
Huntsville, meanwhile, added tribute to the German- born space pioneer by naming its civic center in his honor.
Since opening its doors in 1970, almost 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 400,000 people who visit annually are school students on field trips to their future. The Space Center houses hundreds of pieces of rocket and space hardware valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Dozens of active exhibits involve visitor participation,
prompting one official to note: "Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day."
The museum, which achieved Smithsonian Institution Affiliate status in 2002, serves as a major repository for the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, having some 300 major artifacts on loan.
The space museum is also the visitor's information center for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
When Dr. Wernher von Braun arrived in 1950 in the tiny Alabama town which called itself the "Watercress Capital of the World," Huntsville boasted a population of 15,000. Today, it is forged forever in history as the place where America's space program was born; where the rockets were developed that put the first U.S. satellite into orbit and sent men to the moon; where the power for today's space shuttle was developed; where the modules for the International Space Station were designed and built; and where the next generation of spacecraft, the Ares I and Ares V, are currently being designed.
It should come as no surprise that Huntsville is also home to one of Earth's largest space museums and attractions: The U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
During the final months that von Braun and his team of scientists were refining the giant rocket that sent Apollo astronauts to the moon, he was also preparing to launch another important project: a permanent exhibit to showcase the hardware of the space program.
Today, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center houses thousands of artifacts, including the charred Apollo 16 Command Module, a rock brought back from the moon, the original Saturn V lunar rocket vehicle and a full-sized space shuttle mock-up.
It is also the home of SPACE CAMP, the world's pre-eminent youth science activities program. More than a half-million
young people and adults from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries have participated in the various SPACE CAMP astronaut training activities since the program began in 1982. Space Camp is designed to encourage young people to
pursue careers in science, math, engineering, robotics, and aerospace industries by giving them a firsthand introduction to the exciting work being done in the space program.
AVIATION CHALLENGE, added in 1990, is geared toward young people interested in military and commercial aviation with programs for all age levels based on "Top Gun" flight training. It is regarded as the nation's leading military aviation- based educational camp program.
Von Braun was director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville when he approached the Alabama Legislature with the idea of creating a museum jointly with the U.S. Army Missile Command and NASA. After Alabama
lawmakers and its citizens voted in 1968 to finance construction, the U.S. Army donated land on its Redstone Arsenal, which is also the site of the sprawling NASA center.
Von Braun called the Space & Rocket Center, "the finest of its kind in the world" and continued to be a firm supporter even after leaving Huntsville for a high-level NASA position in Washington. Throughout his career, he was a leading exponent of space exploration and is credited with having popularized the concept with magazine articles as early as 1952.
His vast collection of papers, from grade school report cards to private notes and correspondence, is housed in the museum and has been catalogued for use by researchers and scholars.
Huntsville, meanwhile, added tribute to the German- born space pioneer by naming its civic center in his honor.
Since opening its doors in 1970, almost 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 400,000 people who visit annually are school students on field trips to their future. The Space Center houses hundreds of pieces of rocket and space hardware valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Dozens of active exhibits involve visitor participation,
prompting one official to note: "Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day."
The museum, which achieved Smithsonian Institution Affiliate status in 2002, serves as a major repository for the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, having some 300 major artifacts on loan.
The space museum is also the visitor's information center for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
Capt. Mike Sitting in a Mobile Maneuvering Unit
Used by Astronauts in Extra-vehicular Activities
Veronica Suited Up for a Trip in the Shuttle
Space Shuttle Orbiter "Pathfinder"
The Space Shuttle Orbiter Pathfinder (honorary Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-098) is a Space Shuttle test simulator made of steel and wood. Constructed by NASA in 1977 as an unnamed facilities test article, it was purchased in the early 1980s by the America-Japan Society, Inc. which had it refurbished, named it, and placed it on display in the Great Space Shuttle Exhibition in Tokyo. The mockup was later returned to the United States and placed on permanent display at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, in May 1988.
Missile Display at Space Center
Mock Up of Lunar Excursion Module
After a full day at the Space Center, it is no wonder that everyone is beat. A quick bite to eat on the way back to the marina, and we are ready to hit the hay early. On arriving at the marina, though, we discover that the fog delayed crew from Chattanooga has caught up. More to travel with us tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
OK, off we go at 8:45 AM. Some light fog when we leave, travelling with Freya, In My Element, KaJen and Sun Drum, heading for our return to Joe Wheeler State Park, arriving at 2:30 PM. 56 miles on the clock today puts us very near to 4,000 miles so far, a mark we will break tomorrow on, coincidentally, our fourteenth anniversary. When we arrived at JWSP, Sun Drum only stayed long enough to drop off Carl and Dottie on their boat, Down Time, and then the two boats left for Florence, Alabama. The rest of us stayed on till tomorrow.
TVA Power Plant Between Huntsville and Joe Wheeler
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Happy Anniversary.
And, off we go to Florence, Alabama. Off the dock at 10:00 AM and back through the Joe Wheeler and Wilson Locks and into Florence.
Problem!! After clearing the Joe Wheeler Lock, our starboard engine overheated and had to be shut down. We did not have a problem keeping up with the group at all. We ran the port engine 200 rpm higher than usual, and managed to keep our same pace. It was actually a little smoother with just the one engine running, and, surprisingly, the auto pilot did not have a problem holding the course, even with having to hold 12 degrees of left rudder just to go straight.
Had a bit of a problem going through the Wilson Lock on one engine until I remembered my single engine boat handling skills. But, it only took two tries to hook up to the floating bollard in the lock.
When we gat tied up in Florence (no problem this time), the dock lady told me "Diesel Dan" was in the marina and could take care of any problem we had. Well, I had already figured out that the problem was the water pump impeller, and I was going to change it out myself. But, after one look at "Diesel Dan" who was half my size and could squeeze into spaces I couldn't begin to, I had him change it out for me. No problem. Forty-five minutes later the job was done, and I had no aches and pains and scrapes and black and blue marks. Thanks, Dan. Great Job!!
All the other crews joined us at the River Bottom Grill on site for our Anniversary Dinner. Great celebration!!
And, speaking of celebrations, today we passed the four thousand mile mark!!!!!!!!
And, off we go to Florence, Alabama. Off the dock at 10:00 AM and back through the Joe Wheeler and Wilson Locks and into Florence.
Problem!! After clearing the Joe Wheeler Lock, our starboard engine overheated and had to be shut down. We did not have a problem keeping up with the group at all. We ran the port engine 200 rpm higher than usual, and managed to keep our same pace. It was actually a little smoother with just the one engine running, and, surprisingly, the auto pilot did not have a problem holding the course, even with having to hold 12 degrees of left rudder just to go straight.
Had a bit of a problem going through the Wilson Lock on one engine until I remembered my single engine boat handling skills. But, it only took two tries to hook up to the floating bollard in the lock.
When we gat tied up in Florence (no problem this time), the dock lady told me "Diesel Dan" was in the marina and could take care of any problem we had. Well, I had already figured out that the problem was the water pump impeller, and I was going to change it out myself. But, after one look at "Diesel Dan" who was half my size and could squeeze into spaces I couldn't begin to, I had him change it out for me. No problem. Forty-five minutes later the job was done, and I had no aches and pains and scrapes and black and blue marks. Thanks, Dan. Great Job!!
All the other crews joined us at the River Bottom Grill on site for our Anniversary Dinner. Great celebration!!
And, speaking of celebrations, today we passed the four thousand mile mark!!!!!!!!
Arch Fonken - Single Handing KaJen
Fall Colors Outside Joe Wheeler State Park
More Fall Colors at Joe Wheeler Lock and Dam
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy Halloween!!!!
Weather day today at Florence. Winds 20 to 25 miles an hour, gusting to 35!! Rain all day. Really ugly. Just stayed aboard and read, caught up on paperwork and watched the rain come down. No trick or treaters!!! Can't understand it??