Day 120, 121, 122: Backtracking Downriver to Watts Bar, Booker T and Widows Creek Anchorages

Day 120: November 15: Still chilly enough in the mornings to don pants and sweatshirts; at least until we get UW and the sun climbs higher in the sky. John contacted the Fort Loudoun lock-master requesting passage. In his pleasant southern drawl he said he'd be ready in about 10 minutes. We made our way and entered when the horn sounded and the green light turned on. The down-bound drop was calm; so many lock-masters have done a great job letting us down easy! 

Although we passed this way just a few days ago as we headed upstream toward Knoxville, colors have already changed. The magnificent reds and oranges have been replaced by browns; for everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. The sky remains clear and magical; there must be an artist behind every turn capturing the incredible scenery, colors and reflections. 

We turned to starboard into familiar territory; the inlet leading to the abandoned Watts Bar Resort. 

As if time stood still while we were upriver, the little boys fishing on the bank had not moved, still patiently hoping for the big catch. Sitting in silence just enjoying the river and wilderness around them. It was a welcome sight, like coming home again. 

Once docked, John helped David hoist his dinghy onto shore to patch a small hole that had been leaking for awhile. They then baited the trot line and threw it in for the night, hoping tomorrow night's dinner would be fresh catfish. This really is a fabulous spot; I hope more future Loopers find it! 

Desiring to have a campfire just like last time, we collected a bit more firewood, although remnants of our last collection were waiting for us on shore; no one, it appeared, had arrived here after we left a week or so ago. 

We sat by the blazing fire until our eyes grew heavier and heavier. Who ever heard of roasting Krispy Kremes over an open flame? After 4 months living on a boat nothing seems out of the ordinary. 😋😋😋

Today's 55 nautical mile cruise from Fort Loudoin to Watts Bar took 6 3/4 hours.

Day 121: November 16: As soon as we roused ourselves from a pleasant sleep, we all went out to check the trot line. Unfortunately we weren't lucky this time. Perhaps we caught everything there was to catch the last time we were here. No catfish for dinner tonight. Onto plan B!

We got UW at 8:30, turning right into the eastern sky. The sun was blinding as we made our way to Watts Bar Lock. The Lock-master had the lock open and ready in no time. 

When we exited the lock we had onlookers. I wonder what these guys have to say about the comings and goings through the lock all day, every day! 

John also mentioned the number of, what appeared to be nuclear plants we have seen along the river as well as power lines. We can't be positive about this but the charts did label them as such, so we will go with that. Lots of power being generated here!

We traveled 50 nautical miles in 6 hours to our next anchorage at Booker T Washington State Park upstream from the Chickamauga Lock. Unlike last time, we arrived at the park and dropped anchor in daylight; quite a different experience then making our way into a dark cove with spotlights as our guide. David and Sandra took their dinghy to shore to explore while John changed out our propane tank. We all had flatbread pizza and salad on our boat. Delightful. 

Day 122: November 17: Zendeavor looked beautiful in this morning's light. Buddy boats always depend upon each other to snap pictures of our boats along the loop like going through locks or shining in the sun since we can't take pictures of ourselves. 

There were a few deer on shore including a buck. I walked out onto the flybridge early and almost missed them blending into the background as they are always so good at hiding. However, I suddenly caught a glimpse of the buck staring at me from the safety of the woods, still as can be, just watching. 

Reflections in the water; another day, another unique painting. It just never gets old.

We have been having a little trouble with the Autopilot. It started acting up awhile ago and has gotten worse. When John engages it, before it gets on the route, it veers to port, sometimes 50 feet before slowly making its way back to the course. A few days ago John engaged it when he exited a lock. We veered to port; all I can say is the bass fisherman trolling alongside might have lost a few years off his life seeing our 42' trawler heading for him. 

Anyway, we have been wanting to run the Sea Trial Wizard to recalibrate the internal compass as something is obviously amiss. In order to perform the 3 step process, you need calm water and a stretch  long, deep and wide enough, clear of other boats. 

The area around Booker T. Washington Park is pretty large so John thought it would be a good place to run the process. The first step requires you to rotate the boat 1 1/2 times in a complete circle, keeping a steady speed. To successfully complete the second step you have to get up to cruising speed and then engage the autopilot which will then take control of the vessel. The boat then performs a cycle of 15 zig zags while remaining at a constant speed. We had just completed this step; the monitor read success. All John had to do was press next; however we had approached shallow water; depths of about 6 feet. Obviously concerned about running aground John reacted and hit the exit button, bringing the boat to a halt before step 3 could be enabled. We will have to be on the lookout for another wide open space somewhere downriver before we can attempt the wizard again. 

We traveled through the Chickamauga and Nickajack Locks; easily and quickly. Both Lock-masters treated us well; releasing water at a very nice speed, resulting in a calm drop. 

Chickamauga Lock

We passed through Chattanooga, snapping a couple of different pictures than we did on the trip upstream. You might say a bridge is just a bridge, but they really are different, some more interesting than others depending on the design. At one section there were 4 bridges, including a railroad bridge, one after another. 

Eagles have been plentiful in some areas and not so noticeable in others. Today we were thrilled to see two of them sitting side by side on a rock just off to the port side. The sight of them never grows old. 

We traveled 57 nautical miles in 7 1/2 hours today, arriving at the abandoned lock and dam wall at Widows Creek. Tie up was easier than last time since we knew just what to expect. A bit tired, we ate dinner on our own boats, chatted for a bit and turned in.