What happened to fall?

Sunday was a late leave from Eastport Marina to Florence harbor. Weather was beautifhl and sunny. The 1st class passenger was busy doing 1st class passenger things :)

Pickwick lake has beautiful rock cliffs here and there, and in the fall obviously the trees are just wonderful to look at.

We got settled in to Florence, staged for a 0600 lock-age at Wilson Lock. Getting some laundry done and dinner aboard! Life is good! 😊

Monday saw us up well before the butt crack of dawn to make the Wilson Lock recreational window of 0600-0630. 

We got through, and across Wilson Lake to Wheeler Lock by 10am. Tva was working on their transmission lines across the river by helicopter. Pictures don't do justice to it.

We had drizzle rain and cold. The forecast called for more cold and rain through most of the afternoon, so we ducked into Joe Wheeler State Park for the night.

We were greeted and had help getting tied up from none other than AGLCA's director Kim Russo! Talk about a celebrity welcome! :)

We were only 1 of 3 loop boats there, and offered to host docktails on the heated flybridge. Consistent with our luck, we lost power at the dock. We could sit on inverter, but nor run electric heat. So I broke out the spare propane and our deck heater. Docktails were provided by propane, and propane accessories! Hank Hill would be proud! 😅🤣😂 Kim was alone, and so was the other loop boat so we shared beef stew for dinner as well!

Tuesday morning was certainly chilly, however it turned into a beautiful day, and a beautiful cruise to Ditto Landing. Decauter, AL has a huge working river port... nice to see, there aren't all that many left.

Several flocks of all types of feathered friends on taking a break on their way south for the winter.

Railroad lift bridge had to make room for us.

We spent Tue night and all day Wed at Ditto Landing, just outside of Huntsville. AL. Very nice folks, and with 100 gallons of diesel we got a free night. 

Passing Bell's Bluff between Ditto Landing and Decatur, AL.

Towboat Crown Star upbound.

Approaching Decatur, AL

Passed a looper heading to Chattanooga

Nuclear power plant near Decatur, AL

We tied up in Elk River at a private dock belonging to a couple we met at the 2021 Rendezvous.

New posting schedule

There will be a 2 week gap in posts. Keeping these up in real time is a real challenge. To allow time to edit, and proof, etc. Facebook posts will be more real time. 

New post will publish now on every Wed at 9am, beginning Nov 15 :)

Away from the dock again!!

Most of the week has been last minute prep for out Oct 27 departure.

Monday was spent getting work settled for an absence. We had drinks with John and Jackie from New York... he is down this week for "birthday week". I think the one really enjoying birthday week was the dog...

Tuesday focused on the boat. Brought the dinghy down from storage, towed the old dinghy back to the ramp, getting it out of the rafters of the dock. Then a little ride out on the river to clean her out :)

 

Wednesday was provision day... thanks to our liquor stores, we have a little list to the port side... Oh well, it'll straighten out in a few days!!

Thursday was final touches. Got all the tools put away and the engine room organized. We are pushing 75 miles the first day, so we left our slip and tied up on the outside today. This allowed me to get the mast raised, and everything ready to depart at first light. Never been this happy to get away from Cuba Landing for a few weeks!! :)

 

Other loop boats, 2 leaving tomorrow as well! 

 

We had the birthday boy and his wife over for dinner, drinks, and smart talk

 

We got off the dock about 0715 as planned, and made our 75 mile run to Wolf Island anchorage. Pretty peaceful day, a couple light showers, and a beautiful rainbow just before we arrived at out anchorage. Tomorrow will be dictated by Pickwick's lock schedule.

 

 

 Tornado Damage near Savannah, TN

 

Saturday, I was up at my normal 0600, and spoke with Pickwick Lock at 0630. We were just over 2 hours away, and figured on 10am for an arrival. Lockmaster said bring it, so we did, and slipped right in the open chamber.

After we cleared the lock we met a couple traveling to Demopolis, AL from MO. They spent the night Wed at Cuba, and forgot their power adapter. We got it back to them, and they took off for Midway. We continued on Pickwick Lake for Eastport Marina.

Eastport Marina is an older Marina, but a good one. Great folks. We stopped to meet up with a couple from here we met at Cuba Landing about a month back. Their 50' Gibson houseboat was on the hard 17months at Lee Spry's, and while I was there last October. A great deep water harbor.

Oct 15 - 21

     Sunday, supposedly a day of rest, became sanding day! Woohoo! Got the facees all sanded down and ready for refinish. Monday will be a trip to Lowes for some supplies, then get started refinishing the doors. Gaskets are due in Thursday! 

New gaskets, fresh varnish, and here they are! Leaving the morning of the 27th for our fall trip!

 

October 8-14th

     It's been a busy week, but not alot exciting. Ran the wiring through the mast for the router antenna, and also running the cables for the new radar dome. I'm not ready to add it yet, I haven't even built the bracket yet. We have had the pleasure of a couple loopers stopping through, but it's early yet. 

    Speaking of not that exciting, this weekend it's time got get to work cleaning. Inside and out. Don't expect alot until we leave out the 27th! :)    

    You may have noticed some new links. Some upcoming trips in our plans, as well as a YouTube Channel link. You haven't missed anything, there are not any videos on there yet. I am hoping to start doing some filming in 2024.

     This weekend brought in a new project. The fridge and freezer boxes needed a defrost. Inspecting the door seals revealed a need for replacement. Amy pointed out if im going to go that far i may as well refinish the doors and surround. She is quite right, it is time. Toscana's interior has aged well for 42 years, but the condensation has taken its toll here. Look for pictures and details next week!!  

October 1-7

 September just slid right into October. Following the Milwaukee Brewers in the postseason, hopefully the whole month!! Otherwise nothing new and exciting, just the usual boat chores. 

We did have a lovely docktail evening on Oct 3 with the crew of Nine Lives. Stepped on their boat about 4:15 and next thing we know it's 20 minutes past Looper Midnight! Of all the problems to have, that is just about the best one! :)

On the 4th I discovered the baseball season ending, sorry I even mentioned it! lol 

Saturday the 7th brought in unseasonably cold weather. I had a Captain job, and the folks did ok with going slow, but everyone ended up inside when we ran fast. I guess it's just all winding down here unfortunately.

We will be leaving Oct 27th for the AGLCA Rendezvous @ Joe Wheeler State Park. Our plan is to ease on down to Huntsville, AL and then to JoeWheeler the week in between. Our "Fall cruise".

After the Rendezvous we will be hurrying back home so I can head out to move a customer boat to Mobile. Nov-Dec is my busiest time it seems!