TennTom Waterway

Our trip back down the Tennesse and TennTom Waterway was, as cruisers like to say "uneventful".  The weather continued to be warm and sunny most days.  This bridge over the Tennessee River is part of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444 mile north-south scenic drive.  Indians and early settlers floated supplies down the river systems and then walked the trace back to their homes upstream.  The Trace Parkway follows the path with campgrounds and history stops along the way. 

Just before the junction with the TennTom Waterway is Waterfall Cove, a tiny anchorage we wanted to visit.  There is only room for a couple of boats, but we were traveling alone and found it open.  One of the neatest anchorages we've ever stayed in.  We tossed out a stern anchor so we could keep the stern of the boat facing the waterfall.

This was our view out into Pickwick Lake. 

We talked to some local folks in a pontoon boat who said the anchorage is filled with boats every summer weekend.  Evidence emerged the next morning when I pulled the anchor and this plastic chair came up.  We took it aboard and tossed it at the next marina.

 On the TennTom Waterway, we had a chance to visit with some Minnesota folks.  First, we made a stop to pick up Julie and Steve in Aberdeen where they will be building their winter home soon.  Unfortunately, it was one of our coolest days on the water, but it was great to see them again and get caught up on news.  At the Columbus Marina, we met Trisha and Charlie on their spacious liveaboard Skipperliner that they had recently brought down the rivers to move to Columbus.  We all had a great dinner out and Trisha and Charlie hosted a social hour the following night. 

Our journey brought us past the white cliffs of Epes... 

... and this cute little towboat that was heading upstream at about 10 mph. 

The Tenn Tom has some crazy switchbacks on it, where you go 20 miles to get about 3 miles as the crow flies and lots of backwaters.  This stretch of river looks like a Rorschach ink blot test on the navigation program. 

A couple of days ago, we landed at Demopolis Yacht Basin.  This is the only marina between Columbus, MS and Mobile and has long been a looper stop.  When we were here in 2009, a new basin was being excavated and is now open for business.  With brand new docks and clubhouse just steps away, great WiFi and cable TV we think it's a great place to park Shingebiss for a while, so that's what we're gonna do.  It's out of the hurricane belt, in fresh water, and affordable.  We recently learned that friends (and loyal blog followers) Jeff and Kathy are driving their van from their vacation home in Pensacola Beach to Minnesota and they have graciously offered to pick us (and Lucy) up and let us ride with them.  Our plans are to return after the holidays in our own vehicle and "ride out" the winter months here in Demopolis.  We know it's not as warm as south Florida, but what the heck, we're from MN and it's gotta be warmer than there.  Shingebiss will be "summer stored" here, either on the hard or in a covered slip.  Next fall, we will resume our cruising journey. 

Chattanooga

We were looking forward to taking the 250 mile side trip up the Tennesse River to Chattanooga, TN because we had heard so many great reviews of the scenery and the city.  As we progressed upriver, the hills got higher and we entered what is called the "Grand Canyon of the Tennessee".  While this is a bit of an exaggeration, we agreed that this was among the most spectacular scenery we had ever seen from the deck of our boat.  The leaves were at the peak of their fall colors and the sun was shining.  It was a great cruise. 

The Chattanooga waterfront has recently been renovated including new transient docks.  Plenty of space so we pulled in with Steve and Kathy on Trip Time, their beautiful 44' Marine Trader sedan.  We immediately set out on foot to explore the downtown area, starting with a walk across the newly renovated pedestrian bridge from which we took this picture.

The Delta Queen, parked right across the river from us, is currently functioning as an inn, but we heard there are plans to recommission her to again sail the inland rivers. 

The next day we set out on a 2 mile walking tour completing it at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel.  Pretty touristy, but also pretty nifty.  For a price, you can stay in one of the old train cars. 

Later that day we drove with Kathy and Steve in their rented car up to Rock City, high atop Lookout Mountain.  Again, very touristy, but this time of year, not crowded at all.  Hard to describe this place, but it was started a while back by a wealthy couple who owned the land, planted the gardens, and built miles of twisty little rock paths among the natural stone formations.  We didn't know what to expect, so started down the path.   

The paths are all paved in stone and edged with thousands of hand stacked stones.  The amount of work is incredible and something new is around each corner.   

This is called "Fat Mans Squeeze" and we had to turn sideways to get between the boulders.  Too bad the pictures turn sideways also when I upload them to the blog. 



The big overlook is called "Lover's Leap" named after .... yep, you guessed it an Indian maiden and her lover who threw themselves over when their warring tribes prohibited their union.   The view is awesome.  

  We think the waterfall you see is man made, but it still looks pretty cool. 

The next part of Rock City is a little "different".  You enter an underground room filled with black light lit dioramas of every nursery rhyme we've ever heard.  Very kitschy, but we totally enjoyed it and took pictures of each one.  Here's a favorite. 

The next day we went to the Tennessee Aquarium.  I'm no aquarium expert, but this is truly one of the best.  Fish from all over the world and more.   Here's just a sample. 

Blue African Parrots, world's largest

Huge crab

jellie fish, dozens of tanks of different varietys, mesmerizing

sand shark 4 story high tank which you pass on each level as you descend through the exhibits

100 year old snapping turtle getting amorous with 30 y/o female ... gotta love it

adorable penquins

American Alligator

Cool Amazon River fish

There's much more to see in Chattanooga, but it was time to head back downstream.  Here's a picture of the Aquarium and the fountain adjacent to the docks taken as we departed. 

It was another bright sunny day as we passed back through the canyon. 

Our trip up the Tennessee River has exceeded our expectations.  It's a beautiful river with inexpensive friendly marinas and pretty anchorages ... and this huge cliff known as Painted Bluff.  

We plan to be at the Demopolis Yacht Basin in about a week.