Joe Wheeler to Columbus, MS

We departed Joe Wheeler along with a group of 22 boats Friday morning heading north on the Tennessee River.  We got through the Wheeler Lock without any delays; however, the Wilson Lock was working on a large tow causing a 3+ hour delay.   

The lock master took a couple pictures of our group along with a dozen bass boats. 

We thought it strange to have bass boats going through the lock, but it turns our there was a huge bass tournament going on at the park adjacent to the Florence Harbor Marina, which is where we were headed.  Needless to say, it was hectic getting into our dock.  

The next morning, the tournament continued with a 6am start.  Yep, that's about 125 bass boats waiting to be released!

Sunday morning we had a easy 43 mile run to Aqua Yacht Harbor were we joined 45 other looper boats.  Some were planning on leaving their boat and heading home for Thanksgiving while others were continuing with their journey south.  

Leaving Aqua Yacht Harbor is the start of our 8 day run to Mobile Bay!  We have daily runs now averaging 60 miles a day, staying at marinas or anchoring each night.  

Early start from Aqua. 

Once we got back out into the river we found ourselves in a thick blanket of fog.  We could have turned back, but with  radar and two chart plotters guiding our way, we continued on at idle speed for 2 hours until the fog lifted.   We went through 3 locks and made it to Midway Marina well before dark.  

Tuesday morning we left Midway at dawn for a 58 mile run with 4 locks to Columbus Marina. 

We got into Columbus Marina shortly before dark.  It was a little tricky getting in but we got great instruction from Steve at the marina.  The next morning we were up again before light.  There were 5 other loopers leaving with us before sunrise.....two of which went aground waiting for the tow to clear the lock.  Luckily they were able to get themselves off.

Only 6 more travel days to Mobile Alabama!!

  

  

Cuba Landing Marina to Joe Wheeler State Park

Friday 10/27/23 we headed back out on the Tennessee River on our way to Clifton RV & Marina.  It was a gray morning, a little rainy but a good day for moving on.  We had a 43 mile ride ahead of us.  

Clifton RV and Marina was a tiny harbor with a nice bar and restaurant.  Late in the afternoon a group of boats came in from Pickwick Lake for a Halloween party.    

Saturday morning we were up and out as the sun started coming up headed to Aqua Yacht about 49 miles up the Tennessee River.  

Nice sunrise!

Headed into the Pickwick Lock

Aqua Yacht is a large marina with full facilities, restaurant and 3 loaner cars!

 

After a 3 night stay in Aqua Yacht we were off again headed to Florence for a couple of days to provision and prepare for the American Great Loop Cruisers Association Fall Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler Sate Park.  

Settled into Florence Harbor Marina.  

Happy Halloween!

We were up and leaving Florence before dawn.  There were 8 boats headed to Joe Wheeler and the Wilson lock master said that if we arrived at the lock by 6:30, he would get us through before they start barge traffic that morning.  It was cold, dark and foggy heading out!

The Wilson lock was the largest lock that we have been through so far.  It has a lift of 84 feet!

Once at the top of the lock, the fog started to lift.

We arrived at Joe Wheeler State Park, which would be our home for a week attending the AGLCA Fall Rendezvous.  

 

We were one of first few to make it to the lodge. 

We were welcomed by a flock of White Pelicans!

There were 45 boats in attendance with 277 attendees.  The week was busy with route briefings covering the Tenn-Tomm waterway to Mobile Alabama, around the state of Florida and up the east coast to Norfolk Virginia including a side trip to the Bahamas.  We opened Cheers up for 3 evenings for the Looper Crawl, where attendees could tour boats on the dock.  

Tailgate before the start of the rendezvous. 

The boat behind us on the dock had underwater lighting that attracted two large Gars each night. 

Group photo

Up next we start our trip south to warmer weather!