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.