Chickamauga Marina to Goose Pond Marina (near Scottsboro, AL) & Ditto Landing Marina

We awakened this Friday morning to a thick layer of dense fog at Goose Pond Marina; not going anywhere until this lifts as we have a narrow harbor channel lined by hydrilla to navigate to reach the TN River. We were met upon our arrival yesterday by folks aboard the 2-3 other Looper boats here. They were quick to help secure the boat and assist in hooking up power and water. It's nice to be greeted by those in your same shoes, kinda like unofficial harbor hosts who have enough knowledge of the area to be of help!

Clay and I were thrilled to see the A2Z Canvas crew arrive at our boat Wednesday to install the remade fly bridge top. We had been docked at Chickamauga Marina, upriver from downtown Chattanooga since the previous Thursday afternoon for anticipated repairs plus the top alteration. With the 'waterproof' top leaking like a sieve during the first major storm, we knew we could go no further without some improvements made. Sure hope A2Z did their job!

Besides some nice yachts the rack storage was full of small boats

I was so ready to leave Chickamauga.  Though the people, both staff and dock renters, have been extremely friendly and accommodating, it's dark under a covered slip for days on end. Too, we were so near, yet so far away from any type of amusement, entertainment, or diversion by foot. Our Enterprise Chevy Cruse allowed us to field a call from friends Ed and Sue Sunday afternoon when we took them on a WMT run  for provisions, then dinner together at The Boathouse. The car was due back Monday eve, and although we logged barely100 miles on it, it gave us freedom at a minimum expense. Good decision to rent. 

"Water fall" on the Chattanooga riverfront

The rain from the Gulf hurricane, predicted Sunday and Monday, hit with minimal effect overnight Sunday night, and we awakened to a beautiful but cooler Monday. Clay spent much of Monday and Tuesday polishing the chrome pipes which support the canvas top. With A2Z's arrival Wednesday, we were off after gassing up and pumping out.  A beautiful 1 1/2 hour late-afternoon cruise,  now downriver and through Chickamauga Lock, had us docking once again at the Chattanooga downtown riverfront for the overnight. Taking the opportunity to dine out, Clay led me in search of a sports bar/grill to watch the Cards. Taco Mac was his choice with an offering of salads, sandwiches/wraps, and southwestern/Mexican selections. And a big screen where we watched the Cards win!

River walk restroom with inlaid tile motif

Tile motif on all river walk structures

We walked the Chattanooga riverwalk Thursday morning before our departure, missing friend Caroline who had accompanied us on all of our other downtown walks. What a magnificient investment the town has made in this attraction! This morn we found yet another unexplored sculpture garden and walkway. Fabulous! I'm sure the upkeep is costly on the miles of walking paths and trails, but what a drawing card Chattanooga has.  Clay and I did not visit the aquarium before leaving, something he hopes he doesn't later regret. 

One of 15-20 bike rental stations

Fishing pier with picnic area--one of 50+

Thursday's agenda included 85+ miles of boating to arrive at Goose Pond Marina. The skies alternated between partly cloudy and sunny which had me in and out of a fleece pullover all day. Long day on the river! Although I had grilled a large supply of meats the last night at Chickamauga, Clay had been told that there was a 5-star restaurant adjacent to the marina, and he insisted we dine there. Well...the logo was 5 star. Need I say more?

Friday, Oct. 11, 2013.   As I finish typing this email, the fog has lifted, and we have traveled a fairly short day (44 miles) to our next port, Ditto Landing, Huntsville, AL. Before departure from Goose Creek, I discovered their paperback book exchange...the next best thing to paradise for an avid reader who fears being without a book! A lesson beyond taking advantage of a book exchange when you have the opportunity follows...as we prepped to lock through at Nickajack Lock en route to Ditto, Captain Clay chose to take issue with the lock master. And, even though the captain is, or might be, right, it's not smart to take issue with a lock master! We were delayed getting into the chamber, delayed in closing the gates behind us, delayed in dropping the water level, and delayed in opening the departure gates. Certainly frustrating for this first mate!

I hope all is well and that you continue to enjoy reading about our trip. My finger splint is now off, and I'm adjusting to having 10 fingers for typing, washing dishes, etc. Finger is a bit stiff and a bit numb at the cut area, but I'm lucky to have a whole finger!