11/2/17:  Ft. Myers

On April 25, 2017 we left Ft. Myers, our home port, for an extended cruise to the inner Rivers and Lakes of the good old USA. 

After……

• ·         191 days
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• ·         over 3800 statute miles
• 
  
• ·         5 states
• 
  
• ·         42 locks
• 
  
• ·         Gulf of Mexico
• 
  
• ·         fresh water & salt water
• 
  
• ·         & priceless memories we arrived back at Ft. Myers on 11/2/17.

As always, God was with us each step of the way providing guidance and safety. Sometimes we heard His voice very clear and loud and sometimes we had to sit in silence to hear Him.

Thanks to all my friends & family for letting us share our incredible trip with each of you.

After a few months of rest our plan is to head out again for yet another extended cruise.

10/24/17: Apalachicola, Fl.  – Clearwater, Fl. ---Gulf of Mexico Crossing = 180 NM / 207 SM

We left Apalachicola around 9:45 am with favorable weather conditions. This would be the first time we crossed without a buddy boat. Our route took us east across the Apalachicola Bay to Dog Island and then into the Gulf of Mexico. The conditions were vey good and we thought this would be our best crossing yet….

Okay you know whats coming next…

s our good friend Hoppy says, “Its all good till it isn’t”.

Yes you guessed it.

About 1 hour before dark (7:30 pm) the waves started coming from the east and from the west! During the night we tossed and turned with beam waves of 4’ and sometimes higher coming from both directions made for an uncomfortable crossing.  At some point we heard 3 other boats that were behind us talking on the radio about the wave conditions.

We thank God that He was with us and got us to Clearwater safe and sound. We are also very thankful for our boat Twelve Stones a GH37. She is a tank in the waves and we never feared for our safety. 

And believe it our not we passed a tug in the middle of the night. He was coming from Clearwater with his final destination Memphis, TN. 

Plan on spending a few days in Clearwater while the latest Tropical Storm comes through the Keys and Miami. Hope to get moving on Tuesday and headed to Ft. Myers.

10/20/17 – 10/22/17:  The Wharf Marina, Orange Beach, Al – Apalachicola, Fl.

We stayed at the Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, Al for a week waiting on a good weather window. Between Orange Beach and Apalachicola there are 3 large bodies of water that we have to cross and parts of the GICW (Gulf Intercostal Waterway) that is exposed to Gulf winds.

When we crossed the Choctawhatchee Bay (30 miles east to west) the waves were 4’ and on several occasions the spray from the waves were hitting Twelves Stones front windows. We were glad the waves & east wind both were right on our nose.

We will stage up at Apalachicola for our Gulf of Mexico crossing to Clearwater, Fl. 

The weather was threatening but we didn’t have any rain.

We arrived at Apalachicola with a strong tide and a strong wind. Prior to arriving we ask God to help us dock in the not so favorable conditions. I had called the marina and the dockmaster said he would be waiting on us. When we arrived there was no one on the dock to help us and we went docked perfectly. Afterwards we said you know God probably said you asked for my help so I figured you didn’t need anyone on the dock. Just another reminder that when we ask God for something we need to believe He will deliver.

Apalachicola is home to some cool shrimp boats.

10/20/17: Orange Beach, Al – Brooks Bridge Marina, Ft. Walton Beach, Fl = 56.01 NM

10/21/17: Brooks Bridge Marina, Ft. Walton Beach, Fl – Smack Bayou Anchorage, Panama City, Fl. = 58.04 NM

10/22/17: Smack Bayou Anchorage, Panama City, Fl. – Apalachicola Marina, Apalachicola, Fl. = 52.35 NM

10/10/17 – 10/13/17: Demopolis Yacht Basin (MM 216) – Orange Beach, Al

We finally got a good weather window and left Demopolis Yacht Basin. Our next big body of water we have to cross is Mobile Bay and we certainly want good winds. Forecast called for 1.5 ft waves on Friday and 4.3 ft waves on Saturday so we put in some long days to make the Friday crossing.

Prior to getting to Mobile Bay you go through the Mobile Port. Large ocean freighters come in to this area. 

Boat Traffic at Mobile Port

We crossed and the water on Mobile Bay was smooth. As predicted some major winds are rolling in for the next few days that will impact the ICW so we are holding up at The Wharf Marina while the winds blow by.

10/10/17: Demopolis Yacht Basin (MM 216) – Bashi Creek Anchorage (MM 145) = 62 NM & 1 Lock

10/11/17: Bashi Creek Anchorage (MM 145) –  Mile Marker 78.9 anchorage alongside river = 57.4 NM & 1 Lock

10/12/17: Mile Marker 78.9 anchorage - Tensaw River anchorage (MM 12.1) =  58 NM

10/13/17: Tensaw River anchorage (MM 12.1) – Orange Beach, Al = 49 NM

The river offered up a photo opportunity of a big gator, a large snake, and lots of birds. Not to mention the amazing sunsets and sunrises.

MM 157. 5 on the Tenn-Tom

After being on the rivers for months we had somewhat forgotten about the traffic on the GICW.

9/14/17 – 9/20/17: Tennessee River to the Tenn-Tom – headed back to Florida.

9/20/17: Windham Landing Cutoff Anchorage (MM 286.2) – Demopolis Yacht Basin (MM 216) = 70 SM & 1 Lock.

Our plans are to do some basic boat maintenance and restock before heading towards Mobile Bay. Check back for more updates.

Our plans are to do some basic boat maintenance and restock before heading towards Mobile Bay. We pulled Twelve Stones and had a bottom job done. The boat yard is now being managed by Fred (same person who owns the marina). Fred gave us an estimate and a completion. The estimate was true and we got back in the water on the day Fred said we would. EXCELLENT!  We now have two boatyards we recommend, this one and Tom Holland in Green Cove Springs, Florida. 

We are now waiting on clear weather forecast for Mobile Bay before we shove off. 

9/19/17: Blue Bluff Free Docks (MM 358) – Windham Landing Cutoff Anchorage (MM 286.2) = 72 SM & 3 Locks.

Beautiful view on anchor.

While in a Lock two birds put on a show for us and I was able to take pictures. Awesome.

9/16/17: Bay Springs Anchorage (MM 412 Tenn-Tom Waterway) – Blue Bluff Free Docks (MM 358) = 54 SM & 6 Locks

WOW what a day on the river. It was all worth it to be able to dock at the free docks at Blue Bluff. Ike and Jake can run free, we are off the river, and tied up. A nice place to spend a couple of days watching FOOTBALL. Go Gators & Go Kansas City.

9/15/17: Cove Hideout Anchorage (MM 268 Tennessee River) -  Bay Springs Anchorage (MM 412 Tenn-Tom Waterway) = 90 SM & 1 Lock

Today we left the Tennessee River and entered the Tenn-Tom Waterway. So long beautiful Tennessee River , hope to see you again next year.

Sunrise on the Tennessee River leaving Cove Hideout Anchorage

Sunset on the Tenn-Tom Waterway at Bay Springs Anchorage

It will be good to have the current pushing us. We anticipate being able to go far!

9/14/17:  Ditto Marina ( MM 333) – Cove Hideout Anchorage (MM 268) = 65 SM & 1 Lock

As they say, all good things must come to an end. With Hurricane Irma behind us we start our trip back to Florida. The sad part is we leave behind our good friend and cruising buddy John aboard RecRoom. Ditto will be RecRooms forever home since it is so close to Atlanta where John lives. We have traveled thousands of miles together and will miss our boat buddy.

9/7/17 – 9/10/17:

We left Fort Loudon Marina with our focus was to get to Ditto Marina in an attempt to escape Hurricane Irma. We pushed hard and made it to Ditto Marina in just 3 days. Darn Hurricane Irma she turned and came right at us.

9/7/17: Fort Loudon Marina (MM 602.6) – Watts Bar Lock, Abandoned Dock (MM 530) =  73 SM & 1 Lock

Just upstream & outside of the Watts Bar Lock is an abandoned floating dock. When leaving Watts Bar Lock headed upstream turn to port and you will see the docks. We were able to take the dogs to shore, although the locals have used the area as a dump site.

9/8/17: Watts Bar Lock, Abandoned Dock (MM 530) – Williams Island Anchorage (MM456) = 74 SM & 2 Locks

Since we had stayed at Chattanooga on the way up we passed it up on the way downriver. Williams Island Anchorage is off the river and was a peaceful night. Current is strong and will keep you straight.

9/9/17: Williams Island Anchorage (MM456) – Guntersville Free City Docks ( MM358) = 98 SM & 1 Lock

The free floating City docks offered us good shelter from the wind driven waves that had picked up on Guntersville Lake.

We woke up to several Fishermen getting ready for a tournament. It was pretty cool when they opened the Tournament with the playing of the Nation Anthem. 

9/10/17: Guntersville Free City Docks ( MM358) – Ditto Marina (MM333) = 25 SM & 1 Lock

The trip down the river was beautiful.

Ditton Marina: We tied down in anticipation of Hurricane Irma’s projected 50 mph winds. Praising God that if the winds came we did not feel it at Ditto Marina. It was a non-event for us. 

8/22/17 – 9/6/17: Tellico Lake Area & Tennessee River

A minor injury forced us to cut our stay on Tellico Lake short so we returned to Fort Loudon Marina. The Marina is wonderful, great staff, courtesy car, 2 restaurants, and a Tiki Bar.  

Fort Loudon Marina Restaurant and Tiki Bar

Transient Docks are located in the perfect location.

Hurricane Irma’s path was projected to come to us so we decided to throw off the dock lines and head towards Ditto Marina. Our strategy was to get below the 3 small locks that was between us and Chattanooga and go to a good weather shelter marina.

Hurricane Irma

8/16/17: Tellico Lake:   Knoxville Downtown City Docks, Knoxville, Tn. (MM 652) – Tellico Lake, Powerline Anchorage (Tellico Lake MM 5.5) = 47 NM

Tellico Lake is a reservoir in Tennessee, created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1979 upon the completion of Tellico Dam. The dam impounds the Little Tennessee River and the lower Tellico River. The lake is approximately 16,000 acres in surface area and provides 357 miles of shoreline.

We anchored at Power Line anchorage on Lake Tellico. Had some boats come in for a swim but left at dark. This morning when we pulled up the anchor we had a large tree attached. After about 30 minutes of working on it we were free. Headed deeper into the lake.

8/17/17: Tellico Lake, Powerline Anchorage (Tellico Lake MM 5.5) – Fort Loudon State Historic Park  (MM 20) = 12.6 NM

We arrived at the free floating docks at the Fort Loudon State Historic Park and walked around the nice facilities.

Our 2^nd day: We mingled with the locals this morning (aka Park Rangers) then stormed the Fort. We regrouped and went for a 3 mile mountain hike. We have decided to stay & watch the Monday Eclipse here with an anticipated 10,000 other people who plan on coming to the park. There will be a carnival atmosphere with vendors and events all day. We have the perfect seat.

They are ready for our hike.

more photos to come....

7/28/17 – 8/15/17:  Counce, Tn ( MM 215) to Knoxville, Tn ( MM 648) = 376.27 NM & 7 Locks

Grand Harbor Marina, Counce, TN. Is located at the intersection of the Tenn-Tom River ( MM 449.7) and the Tennessee River ( MM 215). From MM 215 head southeast on the Tennessee River towards Chattanooga, a 249 SM (statute miles) trip, then to Knoxville another 184 SM, for a total of 433 SM.

Along the way we saw some amazing birds.

7/28/17:  Grand Harbor Marina, Counce, TN. (MM 215 Tennessee River & Tenn- Tom) – Rogersville, Al. Cove Hideout Anchorage (MM 268 Tennessee River) = 49 NM & 1 Lock

This is a small cove surrounded by houses with docks on all sides except the entrance.

7/29/17: Rogersville, Al. Cove Hideout Anchorage (MM 268 Tennessee River) – Joe Wheeler State Park Anchorage (MM 277 Tennessee River)  = 7.8 NM & 1 Lock

Went through the Wheeler lock & anchored out at Joe Wheeler State Park. When we came in the Marina hailed us to see if we needed fuel or a slip for the night. We said no we were anchoring out. They let us know that we could Dink over for free live music from 1 to 6 today and a Seafood Buffet starting at 5 pm. Just tie up anywhere on their dock for FREE. This is why I like Joe Wheeler park so much. Looking forward to a good day.

I got to be Captain while Russ cooked out.

7/30/17: Rogers Joe Wheeler State Park Anchorage (MM 277 Tennessee River) – Huntsville, Alabama, Ditto Landing Marina ( MM 333 Tennessee River) = 47.28 NM

We stopped for a couple of days at Ditto Landing. Our sister ships ‘At Last’ GH37 and ‘Sea Dream’ N47 call this marina home. 

8/1/17: Huntsville, Alabama, Ditto Landing Marina ( MM 333 Tennessee River) – Stevenson, Alabama, Raccoon Creek Anchorage ( MM 398 Tennessee River) = 56.48 nm

In 2014 we anchored at Raccoon Creek and it was just as we remembered. The entrance is narrow but we anchored just past the power lines and had a peaceful night.

8/2/17: MILESTONE

Today marks 100 days since we left aboard Twelve Stones from Ft. Myers, Fl. We will have traveled by waterway over 2000 miles. Crossed the Gulf of Mexico (a 24 hour trip), been in 5 States (some more than once), and successfully locked through 21 Locks. The memories are priceless. 

8/2/17: Stevenson, Alabama, Raccoon Creek Anchorage ( MM 398 Tennessee River) – Cedar Creek Anchorage (MM 427 Tennessee River) = 29 NM & 1 Lock

Most all our anchorages are peaceful. 

We passed the TVA Widows Creek Fossil Plant. The 63 year old plant has been shut down and was on the top 20 worst pollution plants list. Google has purchased the location and plans to build a $600 million dollar data processing center. The data processing center, one of only 14 worldwide will create 75 to 100 jobs for the nearby town of Stevenson, population 2000. What a great Cinderella story.

Widows Creek Fossil Plant - A Cinderella Story

We arrived at the Nickajack Lock and there was a Tow that had already been there an hour that had to break apart to lock through. We ended up waiting 3 hours for the Tow to get through. Right next to the Lock is a public boat ramp which afforded us the opportunity to lower our anchor and hang out. Lockmaster said overnight anchoring is okay at this location. Good to know for our return trip. Lucy for us once past the Lock there was a nice anchorage.

8/3/17: Cedar Creek Anchorage (MM 427 Tennessee River) – Chattanooga, TN - Erwin Marina - Bluff Docks (MM 464 Tennessee River) = 37.34 NM

This is our 2^nd time staying at the Chattanooga downtown docks and we have enjoyed each visit.  There are 77 steps from the dock to the top of the hill where downtown is located. Over the 4 days we stayed here Russ walked over 30 MILES!

Of course we loaded up on MOON PIES….

Nashville had the land cycle bars , Chattanooga has a boat!

8/7/27: Chattanooga, TN - Erwin Marina - Bluff Docks (MM 464 Tennessee River) – Watts Bar Dam, Tied up to an abandoned dock ( MM 530 Tennessee River) =  50 NM  & 2 Locks

After leaving Watts Bar there is an abandoned resort dock which we were able to tie up at for the night. It was a peaceful night.

8/8/18: Watts Bar Dam (MM 530 Tennessee River) - Lenoir City, Tellico Lake Anchorage ( MM 604 Little Tennessee River) = 64.3 NM & 2 Locks.

We ducked into to Lake Tellico just for the night but we will be back to Tellico Lake after Knoxville.

8/9/17: Lenoir City, Tellico Lake Anchorage ( MM 604 Little Tennessee River) – Fort Loudon Marina, Lenoir, Tn  (MM 602) = 2.3 NM

The Fort Loudon Lock is undergoing construction so John about RecRoom had to raft off us in the Lock. I think he enjoyed that.

Fort Loudon Marina turned out to be more than we ever expected. The staff is excellent, they have two great restaurants onsite, and a courtesy van. The town has everything you need. We were able to take both dogs to the PetSmart vet for their checkups and Ike even got groomed.

As luck would have it there was  a new Petro Restaurant that opened about 10 miles from the marina, yum!

8/15/17: Fort Loudon Marina, Lenoir, Tn  (MM 602) – Knoxville Downtown City Docks, Knoxville, Tn. (MM 652) = 45 NM

We left Fort Loudon Marina and headed to Knoxville. By car the trip would have been less than 20 miles by boat it was 50. The river twists, turns, and winds revealing the biggest houses we have ever seen on the river. McMansions! One of the things on our bucket list was to go all the way to the headwaters of the Tennessee River and we did just that. Past Knoxville it is secluded and breathtaking views. Glad I get to do this with the love of my life.

Tennessee Headwaters:

The Tennessee River is formed at the confluence of the Holston and French Broad rivers on the east side of present-day Knoxville, Tennessee. From Knoxville, it flows southwest through East Tennessee toward Chattanooga before crossing into Alabama. It loops through northern Alabama and eventually forms a small part of the state's border with Mississippi, before returning to Tennessee. 

At the Tennessee River headwaters.