The Adventures of Monk's Vineyard - The Great Loop and Beyond: October 20, Day 129 - Florence, AL to anchorage on the TN River at MM 275.8

We woke up early this morning and took the courtesy van into town. Grabbed a quick breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then to Target for the ice machine. Also stopped at the grocery store for a couple of last minute items. Given the chance, Linda can always think of one or two more things she needs.

Back at the marina we got the boat ready for departure and then called the lock to check on the status for locking through. It is only a couple of miles from the marina, so if the lock's busy we would wait at the marina until the barge traffic cleared. However, the lockmaster replied that there was no traffic and so to come on up and he'd lock as through. This was the Wilson Lock and the deepest we have done. It had a lift of 93 feet. After raising us to the top, we waited and waited for the gate to open. Actually, the gates don't open as this is one of the locks where the gate drops vertically beneath the water. However, instead of that happening, they started to lower us, about 2 feet. Guess they had brought us up a little too high and had to lower us so we were even with the river.

We traveled a few more miles and had our second lock of the day, the Joe Wheeler Lock. This lock was not as high (only 48 feet), but it did provide entertainment. Like the last lock, we were the only boat, but this lock was loaded with fish – literally thousands of little catfish and hundreds of big catfish. The big ones would swim around bouncing off the lock wall. Soon we were at the top and off we went.

We cruised up to Joe Wheeler Park Marina, just to check it out. Our reservations do not start until Saturday. We may see if we can get in earlier, but for the next couple of days we will be at anchor.

We found a nice spot about 2 miles west of the entrance to Joe Wheeler Park. It is back in a little cove quite well protected, but you can see the river. There is really only room for one boat. There is lots of wildlife (besides Gerry), including fox, squirrels and many blue heron. The weather has turned quite pleasant – sunny and in the mid-70's. We sat out on the bow of the boat and just listened to the noises of nature. Early in the evening, Gerry grilled steaks and Linda made a concoction of potatoes, onions, green peppers and mushrooms, along with a salad. Yummy. After that we caught up on e-mail and the blog and then off to bed …. It was dark.

Approaching Wilson Lock ... this is the deepest lock we have encountered

A view behind, watching the lock gates close. We are the only boat in this HUGE lock.

This is a view towards the front of the lock

This is a view looking up. As you can see, it's a long way up!

Gerry pondering the way we are attached to the lock wall. Linda had commented that the line crossed over to the other side of the cleat and didn't flow free. He is trying to figure out what on earth she was talking about.

A view behind now that the lock gates are closed. Time for a long ride up ...... 93 feet

Here we are at the top and you can see the lock gate lowering to let us out.

Leaving the Wilson Lock

Approaching the Joe Wheeler Lock. You may not readily see any difference between this and the Wilson Lock, but if you compare the pictures you'll see this one is not nearly as deep.

The gate closing.

Gerry appears to be happier in this lock. Perhaps it's because Linda switched the line to the left horn of the cleat so now you can run the free end on the right horn. (In truth, he couldn't care less, she just told him to smile).