History Lesson

So today I am going to fill you in on a little history. So far we have gone thru 7 locks with 7 more to Columbus - our pre-holiday designation. Locks for those who aren't familiar with them are like huge bathtubs that either fill or empty. This lets you down to the next river or up depending on which way you are traveling. Because we are headed south we will always be going down in the locks. There are post - called bollards which float that you tie onto while you take the ride down/up. That is my job - to lasoo a bollard. Paul's job is to get me close enough to be able to do that. So far so good! We started at Ft. Loudon Lock last of the nine dams on the Tennessee River - also the second highest lock on the river. Next we went thru Watts Bar Lake to the Watts Bar Damn. "This complex is unique because it's the only TVA site shared by a hydroelectric dam, a coal-fired power plant(inactive) and a nuclear power plant." It is also the shortest of all the dams on the Tennessee. Then next lock was the Chickamauga Lock. The name came from a warlike tribe that separated itself from the Cherokee Indians. The next lock is called "Nickajack". After that we went thru Guntersville Lock and then Wheeler Lock. Wheeler Dam is named after a general in the Confederate Army who fought in more than 500 skirmishes, commanded in 127 battles, had 36 staff officers wounded at his side and HAD 16 HORSES SHOT FROM UNDERNEATH HIM!!!!! Now that is interesting!

Tonight we are on the Tenn-Tom. More about the history of that tomorrow.

Hope I haven't bored you all but thought the horse part was interesting!

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Hello everyone -
Love to see the comments on my blog. Yesterday we literally "blew" into Bay Hill Marina. It was so cold and windy I begged Paul to drive faster. Fortunately we had some helpers - Bill and Pat - who helped us land the boat.

Today we were on to Florence (Alambama - not Italy) and went through 2 locks to get here. Much nicer day - sunny. We are currently at Florence Marina - very nice.
Some of the permanent boats have xmas decorations! We borrowed the curtsey van to look for a yarn store (out of business) and then to GNC at the mall. Then we went to the movies to see American Gangster. Actually pretty good if you close your eyes at the violent scenes.

Tomorrow off to Grand Harbor Marina - about 45 miles.

Space Museum

Hi ya'all,

I am in the South now to need to say a big "ya'all". Yesterday we did some maintence on the boat. I got mine done in 15 minutes - a plugged drain. Paul's took all day - install new drain in sink and new heat ducting.


Today went to Space and Rocket museum. Grey and rainy but not terriblly cold.
Interesting museum - wished I had my great nieces and nephews with me! But I did have Paul to make it interesting. He tried the space simulator and did much better in landing the shuttle that I did. They gave him 2 chances and me - they said to come back later!

Leaving tomorrow if weather permits. Sorry if you have to turn your computer on it's side - apparently I should have somehow turned photos!

Gunshots! Duck!

So woke this morning to the sound of guns! Apparently Goose Pond is a great place for geese but not for ducks. It is duck season now. Wasn't sure when we left to begin our jouney again today if we should be dressed in orange or what!

Had a safe and "cool" ride to Huntsville, Al. The sun was shining but the wind was blowing and it was a bit chilly. We are currently docked at Ditto's Landing in Huntsville and have rented a car for sightseeing tomorrow. Going to see the Space Museum tomorrow and maybe the Botanical Gardens which are decorated for Xmas.

Staying here until Monday. All is well - Paul has decided he likes being a "tourist". It only took him 60 years.

"Little Grand Canyon" south of Chattanooga

View from the water in downtown Chattanoga

Our beginning day's view