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.