At Iuka we decided to take a side trip to see the Tennessee River Gorge (the Grand Canyon of the east) and visit Chattanooga. We found Chattanooga vibrant and liked that there were many walkers, bikers, and runners out in the evening. Went to the aquarium, rode the incline railway through ‘America’s most amazing mile’ to Point Park Battlefield atop Lookout Mountain, descended 250’ to see Ruby Falls, and enjoyed dinners with new looper friends who have a house boat there…unique lifestyle…something to think about!?
On the way back to Iuka we spent 4 nights at Joe Wheeler State Park, Rogersville AL. The park has a large lodge, cottages on the lake, camp ground, restaurant, marina, golf course, disk golf, and miles of trails. Ideal for family gatherings. The Looper Fall Rendezvous was held at Wheeler the week before, which brought them much activity. It was quite quiet during our time there. Birds, deer, raccoons, hikes (exercise!). Felt like home. Since leaving Michigan in October, the trees have been in color and temperatures have been mild everywhere we’ve been. A bit like we are ever in Michigan’s fall season.
We left for Chattanooga on Nov 9 and returned to Iuka on Nov 19. We are restless waiting at Aqua for packages to arrive. Would like to get back on the loop. That said, we continue to meet friendly loopers on the docks. Ever discussing dogs on the loop, yesterday I received two votes for ‘bring your old dog’ and two for ‘your dog is happier on acreage.’ One of the no votes was supported by a story about an alligator, a dog, and a difficult dinghy ride back to the boat.
Rob is making the most of our down time. Yesterday he changed the engine oil, transmission oil, fuel filters, and engine air filters. All tools were out and floor boards up. A lot of lifting, cleaning, wiping, getting in and out of small spaces (boat yoga), moving things to make room for other things, and cleanup. By 6 PM everything was where it should be for the most part and we were tired.
The trip from Iuka to Chattanooga is approximately 250 miles + 4 locks. It took us 4 days to get there and 3 to get back. On our way back we waited 3.5 hours at Wilson Lock for a tow to lock through. Travel days from Iuka MS to Chattanoonga TN:
· Day 1: Aqua Yachts (Iuka MS) to anchorage after Joe Wheeler Lock (Rogersville AL) (63 miles)
· Day 2: Anchorage after Joe Wheeler Lock to anchorage after Guntersville Lock (Guntersville AL [State #8]) (72 miles)
· Day 3: Anchorage after Guntersville Lock to Shellmound Campground (Jasper TN) (75 miles)
· Day 4: Shellmound Campground to Erwin Marina (Chattanooga TN) (38 miles)
Travel days from Chattanoonga TN to Iuka MS:
· Day 1: Erwin Marina (Chattanooga TN) to Guntersville City free dock (Guntersville AL) (103 miles)
· Day 2: Guntersville City free dock Lock to Joe Wheeler State Park (Rogersville AL) (81 miles)
· Day 3: Joe Wheeler State Park to Aqua Yachts (Iuka MS) (64 miles)
Thank you for checking in.
Fair winds,
Amy
Travels to date
Travels to date
Painted rocks (mile 345)
Painted rocks (mile 345)
LT at Shellmound campground, Jasper TN
LT at Shellmound campground, Jasper TN
Replica of the Pinta, Chattanooga TN
Replica of the Pinta, Chattanooga TN
View from Lookout Mountain … and possibly 7 states
View from Lookout Mountain … and possibly 7 states
Cliffish area atop Lookout Mountain, difficult for me to stand there without Rob’s firm grip
Cliffish area atop Lookout Mountain, difficult for me to stand there without Rob’s firm grip
The incline - going down!
The incline - going down!
Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls secondary exit
Ruby Falls secondary exit
Arrived at Guntersville City 30 minutes after 4:40 PM sunset. Rob does great job docking in the dark. 5 stars. Many people out; variety of places to eat; friendly.
Arrived at Guntersville City 30 minutes after 4:40 PM sunset. Rob does great job docking in the dark. 5 stars. Many people out; variety of places to eat; friendly.
Hiking at Wheeler Park, Rogersville AL
Hiking at Wheeler Park, Rogersville AL
Fearless deer, Wheeler Park, Rogersville AL
Fearless deer, Wheeler Park, Rogersville AL
What you hope you don’t see when trying to lock through. (We could see the queue ahead of time, but sometimes the lock master will lock you through before a tow if you are ready. Our thought, especially since we had made it through Wheeler Lock, is that it is better to be at the arrival point, ready-to-go, than wait for an opening at a marina or anchorage.)
What you hope you don’t see when trying to lock through. (We could see the queue ahead of time, but sometimes the lock master will lock you through before a tow if you are ready. Our thought, especially since we had made it through Wheeler Lock, is that it is better to be at the arrival point, ready-to-go, than wait for an opening at a marina or anchorage.)
A whole lot of barges
A whole lot of barges