Which Way Did We Turn??

Well in spite of my efforts to turn right at the Tennessee River junction Tourist didn't respond to my command and turned left. Downstream we go!

Actually Pam & I changed our plans somewhere on the Tombigbee. Knoxville and Tellico Lake will have to wait for another time. We're going home. Only one main concern goes with that decision. What condition is the Mississippi in. It's Spring so you know there's going to be plenty of water and current. The question is how loaded with debris will it be? And so the weather and river level watch begins.

But before we get that far we had a wonderful cruise down the Tennessee enjoying the greenish hued water. We anchored behind Denson's Island . Stopped at Pebble Isle Marina, and anchored again in a favorite of ours, Duncan Bay, before going into Green Turtle Bay for a few nights.

Homes dot the hills after turning onto the Tennessee.

Waiting to lock down above Pickwick Lock.

I was concerned about this bucket on top of the bollard in the lock. The lockmaster informed me that it was attached to the bollard and contained a bottle of compressed air that could be used to re-float the bollard if it sank. Never saw that before!

After a 54' drop the gates opened and we were headed north while going downstream.

A few miles below the lock we spotted these two trying their luck. I wonder what's in the cooler?

The flag over Shiloh battlefield.

The Catfish Hotel which we discovered in 2008 on our first time through the area.

The height of these cottages gives an idea of how high the Tennessee can get.

We're starting to see more of the bright colors on fishermen which makes them easier to see from a distance. A great idea that I hope more adopt.

Maybe no longer politically correct but you never forget what part of the country you're in while on the Tennessee!

Bluffs along the Tennessee.

On our first trip through the Perryville area I thought this tug was just being repaired. That was almost 8 years ago and it hasn't moved! Guess I was wrong...

Fortunately this dredge was idle for the weekend when we dropped the anchor behind Densons Island at mm 125.5.

We were entertained by this group who were bow fishing near us. Even the girls got up with pink bows and had a go of it.

After a peaceful nights sleep we woke up to 43 degrees and fog. Can you spot the towboat and it's 15 barges in the photo?

How about now? He was nosed into the shore about a half mile below us.

Once the fog lifted we made our way 30 miles downstream to Pebble Isle Marina where we took on some fuel and sat out a small front that was moving through.
During the fall Looper migration they have free sweet rolls in the morning. Not so in the spring. I checked!

 Their entrance sign if arriving by land.

Tourist at the transient dock.

Once the front passed we moved on passing the old loading dock that somehow still stands.

 And the nearby car ferry that still operates.

We spotted what appeared to be bird houses along the shore but as we got closer it became evident that they were condo's!

Kenlake Lodge nestled in the trees.

New highway bridge being built near Kenlake Lodge. The old bridge is the lower structure which was hit by a car carrying ship a few years ago.

Tourist continued downstream all the while heading north on Kentucky Lake.

We couldn't pass this way without anchoring in one of our favorite coves just off Duncan Bay for a couple of nights.

It's not far from Duncan Bay into Green Turtle Bay. Take a right at the Barkley Canal which connects the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers and upon exiting that it's just 2 lefts and you're there!

Looking over the marina from the ship's store. (www.greenturtlebay.com)

This marked our 6th time at GTB including the summer of 2014. It feels like home. We were able to re-connect with some of the locals who we have met over the years and of course take advantage of the Commonwealth Yacht Club!

While at GTB we used the courtesy car to head into Paducah for lunch and to resupply the galley. I even squeezed in a haircut. We also stopped at the local grocery in Grand Rivers which had just been purchased by Bill Gary, the owner of GTB while we summered here back in 2014. It was nice to see fully stocked shelves and an active Deli . A sharp contrast to the old IGA that it used to be.

Of course no downtime goes without a project. This is the original belt from our genset. It didn't break but when I found this while doing an oil change it left me no choice but to replace it.

The river watch continues. You may remember that back in the spring of 2009 we arrived here in late May and didn't get home until July 1st due to high water on the Mississippi. Will that be the case this time??