Day 117: Arrived in Knoxville

Day 117: November 12: We left our anchorage on Fort Loudoun Lake under a sky filled with clouds that looked like cotton balls. It's predicted to be a warm day so I'm sure we will be shedding the sweatshirts in no time. On to our final destination on this side trip off the "Great Loop" route: Knoxville and the Smokey Mountain National Park. 

This segment of the Tennessee River does not really have any commercial operations to speak of and fewer fishermen than we have seen, making the trip easier with very little dodging around barges and slowing down for the small (but fast) fishing boats. What stood out on this leg of the journey was what looked liked a tremendous amount of building taking place. Huge houses with pristine yards & long carved out paths that lead to the waters edge line the banks and tower over the flowing river. Swallowed up in the rows of houses are a few farmhouses; their great expanse of land littered with hay bales and cattle wading in the river, daring a developer to turn their gorgeous property into mega houses! 

As we came around a corner on the winding river, this guy was apparently ready to land but had to pull up; it was a bit startling; it looked like he was headed right for us and Zendeavor. 

Shortly before we arrived at the free dock at Volunteer Landing Park in Knoxville we passed by Cherokee Bluffs. The sun was shining just right, illuminating the water at the base of the cliff and sparkling through the trees that were hanging on to every last bit of color. A 200 foot cliff, Cherokee Bluffs rises directly out of the Tennessee River, offering spectacular views and a perfect place for hiking and climbing enthusiasts. 

Volunteer Landing runs parallel with the Tennessee River to create a lovely riverfront park that provides a placer for folks to fish, bike, walk and boat. 

We made the bend and could see the docks and bridges just ahead. We couldn't miss that this is the home of the University of Tennessee; the stadium can't be missed, letting all those who enter know that this is Vol country!. 

As we approached the dock, we could see other boats already tied up. Decked out with orange flags, there was no doubt these were UTN fans. On the dock a man was waiting to catch our lines; we later chatted and found out his name was Jim Musgraves. He lives in Chattanooga and has been keeping his boat, Blue Ayes, at the landing since September. As it turns out, this is the place fans of Vols football tie up and boat  tailgate when it's a home-game weekend! Evidently boats raft up 12 wide right across the river to create a sea of orange full of fun and excitement to cheer on the home team. Some boaters bring their boats in early, tie up and leave them until they return on the weekend. Imagine the party that must go on! Would have been fun to experience it but we would have had to stay for a week. Roll Tide! 

We settled in quickly and John and David grabbed an UBER to Budget Rental to pick up a car; we will be heading to the Smokys tomorrow. While they were gone I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and sat on the flybridge reading for awhile, admiring my surroundings including the architect of the nearby Henley Street bridge. 

The rowing team from the University came marching down the dock carrying their boats; they launched and then spent the next few hours training. There were also many students jogging or walking by the riverwalk; it was a bustling area for sure. College days! 

It is Sandra's birthday today. One of David's cousins and his family traveled a couple of hours to join us for dinner at Calhoun's; a restaurant within walking distance from the dock. We meandered past the bridge just beyond our dock area, noting the medallion emblazoned in the walkway; recognizing Hall of Fame women's basketball coach Pat Summitt who served as the head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team from 1974 to 2012. During her career she accrued 1098 career wins, the most in college basketball history at the time of her retirement. 

It was nice to meet John and Caroline and their son Jordan. They recently moved to Tennessee from California; a move they are thrilled with. They didn't have much good to say about CA, explaining how things had changed so terribly; culture, disrespect, violence, drugs; it was time to leave. 

They surprised Sandra with a strawberry birthday cake; it was delectable as was my meal of fried catfish. I have become a fan.

The conversation could have gone on all night long; but it was getting late and John and Caroline still had a 2 hour drive back to home. John and I said our goodbyes and walked back toward the boat, leaving David and Sandra to finish up with their family. The bridge brightened our path; its purple reflection lighting the river! It was a perfect day!