Well, the last day of this, our maiden voyage, ended up being the traveling day that was not a traveling day. We got up before first light again, anticipating a early departure so as to get to Island Cove as early as we could. After getting ready we fired everything up and pulled out of the marina. There had been talk all week of our last lock between us and home (Chickamauga Lock) shutting down all week. For whatever reason, it seems Chickamauga is more sensitive to water flows and more prone to closure during floods. It had been open all week so did not anticipate any issues. On a whim though I called the lockmaster as we pulled out of the marina. To my shock they informed me the lock was closed and that it most likely would be closed for the next few days. Ack!! Not fun! We debated what to do...whether to just go back to Hales Bar and wait there or take the boat up to downtown Chattanooga. In the end we decided we were more comfortable parking the boat for a few days at Hales Bar than we were leaving it unattended and unsecured in downtown Chattanooga. There have been a few reports of break ins on boats in downtown this past year and while they have stepped up security, I really didn't like the idea of leaving it unattended for 2-3 days there. So, we have parked her at Hales Bar until probably Wednesday this week when we will come bring her up the gorge and through the lock to Island Cove. We are only about 45 miles from Island Cove so after such a long trip it was frustrating to have to end the trip there. But, what can you do? :)
This ended up being our view on our last day...the former power plant at the marina. It is said to be haunted and big TV shows like "Ghost Hunters" has been filmed there:
My wife (Tarne) and our daughter (Sarah) would come pick us up after lunch so that gave us the day to organize the boat a little more and clean up the inside. It was great seeing them after being away for 5 days! While Tarne has been on this model boat several times in the past and is familiar with it and had seen many pictures of this specific boat that I had taken on trips to inspect it in Mississippi, she had never yet been on it. The logistics of having our entire family travel over to see it were too much so I was the only one who went over to inspect it (Caleb went on one trip as well). I was a little aprehensive as to whether she would like it or not- not sure what I would do if she didn't haha! Happily, both she and Sarah love the boat and really liked it. On top of that, our dog Daisy even seemed to like it. Daisy never seemed to be comfortable on our Monk 36 trawler but she seemed pretty happy on our new boat and seemed to approve of the purchase as well.
My wonderful wife Tarne checking out the pilothouse:
And Daisy happily exploring:
I hated to do it but we have had to leave her parked until the lock opens back up:
We are back home right now. Chickamauga lockmaster confirmed they are still closed today. They hope to be open tomorrow and most definitely I hope they will be open Wednesday!!!
The good news is that we put over 30 hours on the main engines on this trip and the boat ran simply great. I am so impressed with it and really, really think we are going to love this boat! It has a great layout and tons of space...can't wait for summer!!
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