After getting up early to call the next lock to check on availability, we were underway at 7. We traveled again with Footloose, who also left today.
Wilson Lock has a lift of 93 feet and, other than the pan lifts on the Trent-Severn in Canada, is the largest of our trip. Wilson Dam is named after Woodrow Wilson, is 137 feet high and 4,541 feet long and when it was completed in 1925, was the worlds largest. The arches forming the spillways are patterned after construction skills dating back to the Roman Empire and, in 1966 the dam was designated as a National Historic Landmark.
We crossed Wilson Lake to Wheeler Dam. Footloose called ahead to the dam and found it was locking through a tow and that it would be 2 hours until they could take us. We slowed down considerably, but still arrived at the dam 45 minutes before we could get in. This dam is only 72 feet high and the
lowest of all the dams on the Tennessee River. However, with a length of 6,342 feet, it is the third longest.
We arrived at Joe Wheeler State Park Marina at 11:30. This is a very pretty marina, with well-kept facilities. The boat rates are among the most reasonable we have found on our trip, $0.75/ft. per night. We have paid more at many places having much less in the way of amenities. Joe Wheeler State Park also offers camping, along with cabins, cottages and lodge with rooms. 
There are hiking trails and a golf course. There is a restaurant here offering everything from snacks to full meals. This is where our “Loopers” fall rendezvous is being held so we are getting a preview.
2 locks – total 90
