Day 110: November 5: As planned, we were ready to pull up anchor and head to the Wilson Lock at 5:30am. Wilson is the largest conventional hydroelectric facility in the TVA system. The main lock at Wilson is 110 by 600 feet with a maximum lift of 100 feet. It is the highest single-lift lock east of the Rockies.
Just as we were about to get UW, John saw the telltale headlight of a barge heading south. He alerted David who suggested we hang on and fall in behind the tow. We noted the vessel was moving pretty slowly; David called John again to say we probably should have taken off. Next thing you know, the captain of the tug hailed us on the radio; he said if you guys are talking about me, I'll be pulling up at the bridge. You can pass me now or pass me later! We thanked him and got UW, slowly making our way around him, heading to make the 6:30 am lock opening.
Traveling toward the bridge located near the marina where Summer Fling spent the night, we saw several green lights. We were trying to figure out if they were lights from the marina or something else. We didn't have to wait long, as exactly at 6:00 the small fishing boats began racing toward us. Here they come again, zipping along the river; who will catch the biggest fish today?
We could see a few other boats pulling out of the marina ahead of us. Others moving to get through the lock at 6:30 am. In total, 8 of us traveled together, heading for the lock.
We pulled up to the lock and idled for about 10 minutes before the chamber doors opened. It took another 5 or 6 minutes before all of us were secure in the lock.
At about 7:05 the lock-master blew the horn, signaling it was safe to exit.
Upon exiting the lock we were now on Wilson Lake. I found out that here on the Tennessee, as you travel upstream, once you exit a lock the body of water takes on the name of that lock.
The flotilla continued on Wilson Lake for a bit until one of the Loopers contacted the Wheeler Lock. He radioed back that once again we would have to wait on commercial traffic. No use hurrying so we all pulled back on the throttle to a cruising speed of about 5 knots. No use getting to the lock only to have to idle for who knows how long. As it turned out we ended up floating around for about an hour. It was a beautiful day so floating around on the lake was pleasant; watching pelicans fly and float around us.
We finally go the signal; into the lock we went. Once again the heron greeted us; gawking down from above waiting to snatch an unsuspecting fish from the water.
Once the flotilla locked through Wheeler Lock, those attending the rendezvous peeled off into Joe Wheeler Marina. Zendeavor and we continued upbound on the river to begin our side trip to Knoxville.
Under clear skies we continued along the rive for 41 NM in about 6 1/2 hours. WE ARE WARM! I love Alabama!
We pulled into the entrance to the free wall in Ingalls Harbor, Decatur, AL. It is a launch ramp with 100 feet of low floating docks on both sides. The were in excellent condition, strong and well secured with lots of cleats. We had no power or water but when its' free what can you expect.
We called an Uber and went to Big Bob Gibson BBQ for dinner which was about 3 miles away from the dock. I would highly recommend this spot. In fact, when we head back from our trip to the Smoky Mountains we will probably pull in for another night.
Day 111: November 6: It was a gorgeous day. As warm as you would want it; not a cloud in the sky which was as blue as you can imagine. No one was in a hurry to get moving this morning, it's not surprising. Sometimes after you travel for several long days in a row, it's nice to sit back and relax, read a book and soak up some sun.
After a bit of conversation it was decided we would stay put for the day, rest up and be ready for tomorrow! It was nice to relax, walk about a bit and watch the fishing boat and barges move about.
Late in the day another Looper Cindy and Charley on "Hearken" pulled in. We helped them tie up their lines and then chatted for about 2 hours, just us standing on the dock and them sitting on their boat; we didn't even give them a chance to settle in LOL! That's what Loopers do. So anxious to share Looper "war" stories! Before long we were all up on our flybridge in the dark talking and talking. I have to say John has met his match with David. And our newcomer kept right up. It was a fun evening.
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