10/7/14: Ditto Marina – Alred Marina (Guntersville) 22NM & 1 Lock. It was a short day which equates to laundry, filling up with water, & a nap. Steve & Sheli aboard Pura Vida were at a nearby marina so we used the marina courtesy car and met them for an excellent meal at Top of The River restaurant.

So far the river had been quiet and beautiful making for a relaxing trip.

Calm Water & Mountain View

Morning View

Tomorrow we continue our upriver trip heading to Chattanooga.

10/6/14:Joe Wheeler Marina – Ditto Marina 48 NM.  We had planned on anchoring out at Indian Creek however the anchorage was not as posted on Active Captain so we had to head further upriver to the Ditto Marina. This was a good stop. A protected marina with large floating docks. Local pizza place delivers right to the boat.

Beautiful Bird Along The River

10/4/14: Florence Marina  - Joe Wheeler State Park/Marina 18NM & 2 locks. Before we threw off the lines at the marina we called the Wilson Lock for a status. The Lockmaster said there was a tug coming but if we could beat hit he would lock us first. Endeavor, Pura Vida, & us threw the lines off and raced to the lock. We beat the tug and it was a fast pass through the lock.

Twelve Stones Locking 

At next lock, Joe Wheeler lock, we had to tie up to the wall while a big ship locked through.

Water from the Joe Wheeler lock is released into a pool located beside the lock. 

We arrived at Joe Wheeler Marina early in the day and that afternoon Johns wife, Jill arrived to join him for the trip to Chattanooga. Weather kept us at Joe Wheeler a day longer than expected.

Ike enjoying Joe Wheeler 

10/2/14: Rock Pile Anchorage – Florence Marina 24NM. We stopped at the Florence Marina just before the Wilson Lock. GREAT STOP floating docks & courtesy car. We were able to go to Cracker Barrel, Krispy Kreme, & Texas Roadhouse. There is a Sams club, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc. all nearby with the courtesy car. Pura Vida was there when we arrived. We stayed for two days then headed out for Joe Wheeler.