Underway

It's been awhile since my last post. In that time we made one last busy trip home before heading back to GTB. Of course we spent time with family and friends and took a few pictures.

Took a trip to Iowa to check out son Addam's new house construction.

Pam still trying to make Ellie into a priss.

Franklin riding Grandma Waites' goose.

Posing with Grandma & Grandpa Waites at Halloween.

In addition to the visits I think we ate our way around the area. I'm sure I consumed enough to last me to Mobile!

I was able to get in one last ride on the Mississippi when I helped deliver Vagabond to her winter storage in Sabula, Iowa. We were hoping to see the spectacular fall colors along the river but were content just to be able to see the channel due to the fog.

Tow traffic was still moving through the mist.

Passing the Penny Eckstein.

Lock 12 at Bellevue, Iowa.

Sabula RR Bridge.

The alcohol is masking the tears knowing that Vagabond will be in storage for 6 months.

The next day we, along with brother-in-law Bill took off for GTB. Bill went along to bring our car back home for us. We arrived in Kentucky in time for docktails.

Always time for docktails!

The plan was to take off on Monday but I got tangled up in a waxing project and a day of stormy weather delayed our departure until Wednesday.

Backing out of the slip for the last time.

So long GTB. It's been a great summer!

We had a great time at GTB these past few months making some new friends and being able to share our watery existence with friends and family from home. But now it's getting cold so it's time to head south.

Cutting across the Barkley Canal to pick up the Tennessee River.

Looking south across Kentucky Lake.

One last look behind.

We met the American Queen heading downstream on the Tennessee,

Our first day ended at the secluded Ft. Heimen anchorage which we had all to ourselves.

Day 2 greeted us with morning fog.

We picked up fuel at Pebble Isle Marina and continued on to a previously uncharted anchorage behind an island along the river.

Looking back at our anchorage.

Day three we passed under the I-40 bridge.

We anchored behind Swallow Bluff Island and were entertained by the wild goats on the island.

We enjoyed a beautiful sunset. And then it got cold!

Day four we woke up to 32 degree temps and had to wait for the fog to lift before moving on.

Pam & I noticed this house on the way up in May. Notice the erosion under the corner of the house.

We made it to Pickwick Lock where Pam had to bundle up.

We had planned on anchoring all the way to Columbus, Ms. but with even colder weather predicted we decided to pull into Aqua Yacht Harbor in Iuka, Ms.

The forecast was right on and we woke up to 25 degree temps and once again fog.

In spite of the fog and cold some people just have to fish.

Finally we were able to leave and head down the Divide Cut that joins the Tennessee and Tombigbee Rivers.

Transiting the Divide Cut.

Once again the forecast was for a cold night so we pulled into Midway Marina which looks like it is set in the middle of a swamp.

The real bonus to this stop was being able to visit with Gary and Erlene Nelson who used to boat out of Midtown Marina in East Dubuque but moved their boat to Midway a few years back. It was fun reminiscing and comparing notes about people and places we know in common.

Day 6 dawned cold but with no fog. It was just a short ride to our first lock.

It was a pleasant days travel which ended at Columbus Marina in Columbus, Ms.

Thai Suites III has been in Columbus since our first time through in 2008.

Another fixture at Columbus is T. Caldwell who manages the marina. A true Southern character if ever there was one!

Of course we used the courtesy car to go into town and enjoy a delicious meal at Huck's Place.

On the seventh day of travel we started running into the floating islands of hyacinth.

Hey Rick & Deb of Broulee. The phone booth is still in position!

We hit all three locks perfectly and anchored in the oxbow below the Heflin Lock. This was our first shared anchorage with other boats since we left GTB.