As we were planning to get some minor work done on our air con in the master cabin today, we left early, i.e. 6.30am , as soon as it was light!
We glided past the Pinta and Nina and the other boats , their crews not up yet.
Out onto the Tennsse River with a gentle mist covering the water. Soon the sun was up , the mist disappeared and we had a good run for about an hour before we encountered more fishermen .
We wonder what these guys do? Are they catching to keep? or catching and releasing ? Do they work or is this their career? They certainly didn't all look retirement age.Would love to ask them someday! We also saw many small homes built up on top or just behind levees .They know the deal with these rivers and the dangers of rising waters!
At mm177 we turned a bend at the place where the first settlers arrived in Tennessee in1816.
Cotton and Lumber became main industries and these were loaded on to steam boats in this area.
Also saw cypress trees which grow on the banks of waterways with roots exposed.
After three hours we arrived at our only lock for the day. The Pickwick dam and lock.
Told to come on through but the process was longer than expected and we ended up spending 45 mins inside because there was a concrete company running supplies over the front of the lock area and we couldn't leave! Once out , we entered Pickwck Lake ,a lovely big area with lots of nice homes dotted all around on the hillsides.
We were soon approaching mm 217 where the Tennessee and Tom BigBee Rivers waterway starts.
We arrived at Aqua Yacht Harbor fuel dock to find nobody at home.We had just called in about half an hour before , but now it was closed ! Long lunch hour!
Anyway, we tied up there and walked to the service dept to find our air con repair guy. Mark came by at 1 pm and started work on Lady Erica.We found out we could just move along the transient dock which was attached to the fuel dock, so easy side tie up, once Mark had worked out the issue.
We needed a small part which Mark was able to organize to be shipped overnight by fedex and be here tomorrow around 10 am! Great service .we also arranged to have the hull or the boat cleaned tomorrow.
Mid afternoon John and Sandy from No Schedule (we had met at IVY Club in Peoria ) came by .
They had just completed the Great Loop a day ago here at Aqua.
We arranged to go for a celebratory drink at the onsite Bar at 5 pm.
Then we headed off in the courtesy car to R& B BBQ restaurant just down the road.
Great fun real southern food , lots of pork, beans and coleslaw .
Back to the boat , tired after a long day, and early to bed.
Over and out,
E and G
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