{"id":882,"date":"2014-04-17T19:46:55","date_gmt":"2014-04-17T19:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/?p=882"},"modified":"2014-04-17T19:46:55","modified_gmt":"2014-04-17T19:46:55","slug":"tennessee-river-and-tenn-tom-spring-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/?p=882","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee River and Tenn-Tom: Spring 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spring is finally here!\u00a0 With warmer weather and the river levels rising, it is time to go cruising.\u00a0 Idyll Time has patiently awaited our return.\u00a0 A turn of the key and she starts up just as if she was run yesterday.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Our destination is Mobile, Alabama.\u00a0 Our route will take us 262 miles along with 5 locks down the TN River to the junction of the Tenn-Tom Waterway.\u00a0 It will then be another 450 miles and 12 more locks on the Tenn-Tom to Mobile.\u00a0 We plan on doing a haul out in Mobile for bottom pain and also some maintenance work on our stabilizers.\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"idyll-time-photo\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 1: Chattanooga to South Pittsburgh<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It feels good to be aboard and cruising.\u00a0 Before leaving the yacht club, we add 400 gallons of fuel to the 600 already onboard.\u00a0 With full water and fuel along with all our stuff, IT sits heavy in the water.\u00a0 Both the birds and Sebastian seem happy to be back aboard.\u00a0 Once underway, Sebastian assumes his usual position, snuggled up in his blanket asleep in the pilot house. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"sebastian\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chickamauga Lock, our first and only of the day, is ready and waiting when we arrive.\u00a0 We have an easy 48 foot lock down and are soon passing by the vibrant downtown Chattanooga waterfront. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0119\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 Today\u2019s travel is through a stretch of river known as the \u201cGrand Canynon of the Tennessee\u201d. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0116\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 This section offers some of the most stunning scenery of anywhere found along the TN River. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0022\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 The river narrows with many twists and turns as we weave through the forested mountains.\u00a0 Other than a stray Bass fisherman, we have the river all to ourselves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Our anchorage for the evening is a small cove at the base of Little Cedar Mountain.\u00a0\u00a0 This has become one of our favorite places to anchor.\u00a0 Other than the multitude of waterfowl out fishing for dinner, we are all alone. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0136\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miles Traveled Today: 52<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled: 52<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 2 and 3: South Pittsburgh to Guntersville, AL:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It turned cold overnight but we were warm and snug in our new fleece sheets.\u00a0 These are a new addition this year and they are wonderful!\u00a0 (I would highly recommend these to anyone cruising in colder climates.)\u00a0 Sebastian is a little out of sorts this morning.\u00a0 He has an ear infection and we have been washing out his ears every day.\u00a0 Today he is tilting his head sideways and is wobbly.\u00a0 His balance seems to be off.\u00a0 Walking him out on the front deck is a little challenging.\u00a0 He is very unsteady on his feet and keeps falling over.\u00a0 We have set up a second potty area for him in the guest shower.\u00a0 Before leaving home, we had purchased a second grass mat that would fit on the floor of the shower.\u00a0 We have tried several times to get him to do his business in this new location.\u00a0 So far we have had no luck.\u00a0 The little guy looks so pitiful as he staggers around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just a few miles downstream from our anchorage is Nickajack Lock.\u00a0 We are lucky to find the lock empty of barges or other boats.\u00a0 This is the newest lock on the river being built in 1967.\u00a0 We are quickly locked down the 39 feet and are on our way, now officially in the Nickajack Lake. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0017\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0It is a cold grey day with no other boats out on the water.\u00a0 It is times like this that we are thankful for our nice warm pilot house.\u00a0 The rain arrives just before reaching our stop for the evening, Guntersville Yacht Club.\u00a0 Our yacht club has reciprocity with Guntersville and we can stay here at no charge.\u00a0 One of the GYC members comes out to welcome us and help catch our lines.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A deluge of rain falls from the sky just after we secure IT.\u00a0 Gusty winds, lightning, and heavy rain are forecast for tonight and tomorrow.\u00a0 This is a good spot to wait out the weather. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0087_0\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We spend our lay over day doing some much needed cleaning of IT.\u00a0 The rain finally stops and we are able to take Sebastian for a walk this afternoon.\u00a0 He is doing much better today and is almost back to his old self.\u00a0 This evening we are invited by one of the resident GYC couples to watch a James Bond movie on the club house big screen.<\/p>\n

.<\/p>\n

Miles Traveled Today: 68<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled: 120<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 4: Guntersville to Joe Wheeler State Park:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We hope to make up some mileage today after our rain delay.\u00a0 We are up at first light and off the dock by sunrise.\u00a0 It is a 10 mile trip to the Guntersville lock.\u00a0 Our luck is still with us and we find the lock empty and waiting.\u00a0 There are actually two locks here, the main chamber and also a smaller auxiliary lock. \u00a0We are put in the big lock and have another easy 39 foot drop.\u00a0 This brings us into Wheeler Lake. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0119_1\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Exiting the lock, we find the river raging.\u00a0 The Dam flood gates are wide open dumping water down river from the heavy rains we had yesterday.\u00a0 The four knot current gives us a big push downstream.\u00a0 With lots of debris in the water, we remain on constant watch. \u00a0The fat girl is flying down river doing almost 11 MPH. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0027\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 The sun has finally returned and it is a beautiful but still cold day.\u00a0 Farther down stream of the dam, the river widens and becomes much tamer.\u00a0 Navigation is easy with long stretches of a wide and deep channel with few channel markers. Just beyond the wooded river banks is the Redstone Arsenal and Huntsville NASA Rocket Center.\u00a0 Our scenery changes as we reach the industrial area of Decatur, AL. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0038\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 We have a few minutes wait as a train is going over the RR Bridge.\u00a0 Once the train passes, the bridge tender raises the lift bridge and we are on our way. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0044\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 A few miles downriver we spot the Delta Mariner at dock. She is a cargo ship which transports rocket parts and booster rockets from the space center here to Cape Kennedy.\u00a0 We learned about her several years ago when we met her on a narrow part of the TN River.\u00a0 She is massive especially when passing close by her on a tight section of the river.\u00a0 No worries today since she is at dock.\u00a0 \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0078\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just before reaching Wheeler lock, we decided to abort our planned destination of Turtle Creek Yacht Club.\u00a0 There are some strong thunder storms bearing down on us.\u00a0 We instead decided to stop at Joe Wheeler State Park, just one mile ahead.\u00a0 We have been here many times and it is a familiar destination.\u00a0 Other than a beautiful 60 ft. Marlow, we find the docks empty.\u00a0 The Marlow owner sees us coming and is on the docks to catch our lines.\u00a0 We are very grateful as the wind is gusting and docking would have been difficult without some help.\u00a0 The storms soon pass and Sebastian is happy to go for a good long walk. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0085_1\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miles Traveled Today: 80<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled<\/strong>: 200<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 5:\u00a0 Joe Wheeler to Grand Harbor Marina<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As usual, we are away from the docks by 7:00 AM.\u00a0 Wheeler Lock is just \u00bd mile from the marina.\u00a0 We have another quick lock through \u00a0and continue our stair step down the Tennessee River into Wilson Lake.\u00a0 Today is a beautiful day with highs in the 60\u2019s and clear skies. \u00a0There is no rain in the forecast for the next few days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the last several days we have been seeing flocks of white pelicans along with black cormorants.\u00a0 This area seems to be a winter nesting ground for the birds. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0100_0\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 After a short travel on Wilson Lake, we arrive at Wilson Lock and Dam. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0067\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 This is a big one with a 93 ft. drop.\u00a0 Named after President Woodrow Wilson, this is the largest dam on the river. When completed in 1925 it was the world\u2019s largest. There are actually two sets of locks.\u00a0 The original lock consists of two chambers.\u00a0 We will be using the newer lock which was built in the 1950\u2019s.\u00a0 When built this was the highest lift lock in the world.\u00a0 It now ranks 6th<\/sup> in theU.S.\u00a0 We have an hour delay, not by a barge but because there are divers in the water inspecting the lock doors.\u00a0 Once in the lock, our depth sounder reads 116 feet.\u00a0 It is a rapid ride down.\u00a0 At the bottom our depth is 22 feet.\u00a0 Once the massive steel doors open, we exit into Pickwick Lake. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0128_0\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 At mile 233 we pass under the mile long Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge.\u00a0 Just ahead we see our first tow of the trip, The Clareence G. Frame pushing 12 barges.\u00a0 Here with the wide deep river, the passing is worry free. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0130_0\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The junction for the Tenn-Tom Waterway is at mile 215 of \u00a0the Tennessee River.\u00a0 Here we take a port turn into Yellow Creek.\u00a0 Our stop for the evening is just ahead at Grand Harbor Marina.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Our reason for stopping here at Grand Harbor was so that we could have dinner at Hagys Catfish Hotel.\u00a0 This restaurant, located along the banks of the TN River, is a local landmark.\u00a0 We discovered Hagys on our trip down the TN River two years ago.\u00a0 The all you can eat catfish was a magnet for Jeff.\u00a0 The marina offers a courtesy car for transient boaters. We have another great meal.\u00a0 \u00a0So, I know the question everyone is asking: How many catfish did Jeff eat?\u00a0 The answer is three (3) orders of three (3) = Nine (9) whole catfish fillets!!! \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"catfish\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled Today: 62<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total miles Traveled: 262<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 6: Grand Harbor to Smithville:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today we begin our journey down the Tenn-Tom Waterway. \u00a0This waterway will be much narrower than the TN River with many twists and bends. We will really have to be careful of approaching barges. They are much bigger than us and have the right of way. We do have Automated Identification System (AIS) on our computer. With AIS we can pick up a signal from the barges several miles before we can see them. The AIS will tell us their name, position, heading, and closest point of approach. We can then call the barge on the VHF ahead of time and let him know our position. AIS was very useful on our trip up the Tenn-Tom trip several years ago. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0009\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

The Tenn-Tom Waterway was officially opened in 1985. The total cost was two billion dollars. It is the largest civil works project ever undertaken by the Corps of Engineers. More dirt was moved to build the Tenn-Tom than was moved to build the Panama Canal. The system is five times longer and has a total lift 3.5 times greater than the Panama Canal.\u00a0 We will transit twelve locks on the Tenn-Tom Waterway.
\nThe first section we are traveling thru today is called the Divide Cut. It is a 39 mile long canal and took longer than any other section of the waterway to construct. The channel with rock riprap is 280 feet wide bank to bank.\u00a0 Checking our AIS, no targets are found. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0012_0\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

Whitten Lock is our first of the day.\u00a0 Here we have an 84 ft. drop, the largest of any on the Tenn-Tom and the 9th<\/sup> highest in theU.S.<\/p>\n

Our anchorage for the evening is just above the Wilkins Lock.\u00a0 We anchor just off Smithville Marina in 8 feet of water at 7:00 PM.\u00a0 It was a long day with four locks.\u00a0 The stiff 17mph breeze made the locks a little challenging.\u00a0 We never saw our first tow, so that was a good thing. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0060\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled Today: 73<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled: 335<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 7: Smithville to Columbus:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

This morning our AIS shows The Jody McMinn headed upstream just five miles from our anchorage.\u00a0 There is no sense pulling up anchor until he is in the lock as we would more than likely be required to wait our turn at lockage for him.\u00a0 Our anchorage is just a few hundred yards above the lock.\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0066\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our destination tonight is Columbus Marina. It is only 43 miles away. We will however have three locks to transit. All of the locks on the waterway are a standard 600 feet long by 100 feet wide. They have an average lift of 30 feet. These locks are much newer than the TVA locks on the TN River and are operated by the Army Corp of Engineers.\u00a0 All of the lock operators have been very helpful.\u00a0 Because the locks are so close together, they call the next lock for you and let them know that you are coming. So far the locks are usually waiting for us when we arrive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once the tow is clear of the lock we enter Wilkins Lock and are quickly on our way.\u00a0 Amory Lock, 5 miles downstream, is within sight. They know we are coming and the lock is ready and waiting when we arrive. After another 12 miles, we arrive at Aberdene Lock.\u00a0 They too are ready and waiting.\u00a0 Exiting this lock we check the river gauge located on the lock wall to get a picture of the river levels.\u00a0 Each lock has a gauge on both ends of the lock.\u00a0 Knowing what the normal pools should be, we can tell if the river is high or low.\u00a0 This info is very helpful when entering some of these shallow anchorages.\u00a0 We have found all of the river levels to be running right at normal. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0069\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The small but friendly Columbus Marina is our stop for the evening.\u00a0 Talk about service, there are 5 guys on the dock to catch our lines.\u00a0 The marina also has a courtesy car for boaters.\u00a0 The word thru the boating community is to eat at Hucks in downtown Columbus.\u00a0 So that is where we go.\u00a0 Our meal was excellent.\u00a0 The crawfish nachos, shrimp bisque, chicken gumbo, \u00a0shrimp & grits, along with the red fish topped with shrimp and lump crab were all very good.\u00a0 We would come back here again.\u00a0 And no, we didn\u2019t eat all of that.\u00a0 There are left over\u2019s for dinner tomorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled Today: 41<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled: 376<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 8 :Columbus to Upper Cooks Bend:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today is another early start.\u00a0 We will call the Stennis Lock before leaving the marina as it is just a stone\u2019s throw away.\u00a0 Checking the AIS we see the tow \u201cThe Cecil\u201d is inside the lock chamber.\u00a0\u00a0 Our timing could not be better.\u00a0 The lock master tells us to come on in once the tow is clear of the lock wall.\u00a0 While being locked down, the lockmaster advises us that there are two other tows headed north today.\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0083\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

At mile 328 we see the first up bound tow.\u00a0 Being a narrow section of river, we give him a call on the VHF to see which side he wants us.\u00a0 After several repeated calls and no answer, we make the decision to pass on the \u201cOne\u201d.\u00a0 Along the river, Tow\u2019s use the terminology of \u201cone whistle\u201d and \u201cTwo whistles\u201d for passing.\u00a0 A \u201cone\u201d means that we pass port to port.\u00a0 A \u201ctwo\u201d signals a starboard to starboard pass.\u00a0 We meet our second tow, \u201cThe Leader\u201d a few miles downstream.\u00a0 He does answer the VHF and tells us to see him on the \u201ctwo\u201d which is starboard to starboard.\u00a0 Luckily we have met both of these tows on a wide section of the river so passing is not too difficult.\u00a0 We reach the Tom Bevil Lock only to find a tow heading up river.\u00a0 We have about an hour wait while he is locked upstream.\u00a0 The 108 foot \u2013snagboat Montgomer is on\u00a0 display along the river bank just above the lock.\u00a0 Built in 1926 this steam powered work boat kept the inland waterways navigable for over six decades.\u00a0 She was the last sternwheeler to ply these southern waterways. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"stern-wheel\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We have some excitement as we exit the lock.\u00a0 The flood gates are wide open and the current is ripping.\u00a0 It takes all the power IT can muster to keep us from crashing into the long concrete lock waiting wall. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"lock\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 This is another reason that you really have to watch the rain fall when traveling these rivers.\u00a0 From here south there were tremendous rains a few days ago and we are just on the tail end of all the water.\u00a0 These rivers can rise and fall rapidly.\u00a0 We continue to see lots of debris, i.e. TREES, on the river.\u00a0 We have yet to see another cruiser on the Tenn-Tom, or R\/V as the lockmasters call us. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"logs\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 It is only us and the Tows as we wind downstream.\u00a0 We meet the Terrah Huckabee at the worst of all possible times.\u00a0 We had called her on the VHF but she never answered.\u00a0 We knew she was there and as we rounded the snake bend we hugged the green channel markers.\u00a0 It was tight with maybe 50 feet on either side.\u00a0 Whew!!\u00a0 No rest for the weary.\u00a0 We have another two tows up ahead.\u00a0 It looks like we are going to meet the first, Mr. David, in a really bad spot.\u00a0 We are super cautious this time and make a u-turn and head back up stream to wait for him at a straight a way.\u00a0 These guys aren\u2019t giving us much wiggle room but we squeak by with a few feet to spare.\u00a0 This tactic worked much better than chancing it on the curves. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0096\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

With anchorages few and far between, we decide to stop at our first choice of Cooks Bend.\u00a0 This one looks good and we don\u2019t know about the ones farther down.\u00a0 Entering mid channel we see no less than 15 feet.\u00a0 We travel up the bend several hundred yards and anchor into the current.\u00a0 We don\u2019t have much swing room but the current will keep us pointed in one direction. From here we have a great view of the river channel as the tugs pass heading up and down river. \u00a0We can hear their rumbles long before they appear.\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dinghy\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled Today: 60<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled: 436<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 9,10,11\u2026??: Upper Cooks Bend to Demopolis:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

After a peaceful evening at anchor, our bodies are recharged and we are once again ready to do battle with the river.\u00a0 Exiting the cutoff, our depth sounder screams at us as she counts down to 6 feet.\u00a0 We draw 5 feet.\u00a0 Coming in yesterday, we never saw less than 15 feet.\u00a0 We should have been closer to the upstream bank when we exited the cuttoff.\u00a0 We will know better next time.\u00a0 The river seems much more tranquil this morning.\u00a0 There is still lots of debris in the water but not as much current.\u00a0 We keep a vigilant lookout on the AIS for any targets.\u00a0 After a pleasant 12 miles cruise, we reach the Heflin Lock.\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0073\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The river levels below Heflin are high, very high.\u00a0 At mile 242 we set up a good pass with the tow Honest Bob.\u00a0 Unlike some of the others, he is very courteous and gives us a wide berth.\u00a0 We ask him about the water levels below Demopolis.\u00a0 He said they are very high. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0085_0\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 The river is 10 feet above flood stage and there is more rain coming tomorrow.\u00a0 Because of this, we have decided to stop in Demopolis for several days and let the river settle down some.\u00a0 Honest Bob was very helpful giving us lots of useful information and also told us there were no tows behind him. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0079\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

At mile 252 we pass the Cliffs of Epes, probably one of the most interesting sights along the river. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"cliffs-of-epps\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 Mile 225 marks our half way point on the Tenn-Tom.\u00a0 At mile 217 we officially leave the Tenn-Tom Waterway and enter the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway.\u00a0 \u00a0The Black Warrior River spills into the Tenn-Tom Waterway at this junction.\u00a0 Kingfish Marina at Demopolis, our home for the next few days, is just ahead.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What we had planned on being a two night stop quickly turns into a much longer stay.\u00a0 We knew the water was high but did not realize just how high it was below Demopolis. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dyb\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n There are five other boaters here who fill us in.\u00a0 They have all been stuck here for two weeks due to the high river levels. I guess this is why we haven\u2019t seen any other boaters on the water. \u00a0The forecast is for the river to continue rising another 10 feet over the next week. \u00a0Dams above us, both on the Tenn-Tom and the Black Warrior River, are sending water our way as fast as they can. \u00a0We speak with the marina owner to get his opinion.\u00a0 He tells us that when the water level below Coffeyville Dam reaches 18 feet we can go.\u00a0 Normal pool is 2 feet. \u00a0The river level \u00a0is currently at 39 feet, 37 feet above normal and still rising.\u00a0\u00a0 How long do you think before the river comes down?\u00a0 I ask.\u00a0 10 Days?\u00a0 \u201cMaybe, if we don\u2019t get any more rain\u201d was the answer.\u00a0 Looks like we will be here for some time.\u00a0 Stay tuned\u2026\u2026 \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"alligator\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Total Miles Traveled Today: 61<\/strong><\/p>\n

Total Miles Traveled: 497<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Spring is finally here!\u00a0 With warmer weather and the river levels rising, it is time to go cruising.\u00a0 ...<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/882"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=882"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/882\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":907,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/882\/revisions\/907"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=882"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=882"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=882"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}