It was a little overcast and hazy when we left this morning at 7. There were a few lone fishermen out in their boats.
We had a 1-1½ mph push from the current at the start of today …and we were going upriver. It was almost as if we had turned the wrong direction coming out of the marina….until Darrell realized that all the rain yesterday probably accounted for it. All the streams and creeks feeding into the lake were raising the water level and pushing water upriver from the dam.
We only had about 43 miles to go today, including one lock, but because we stayed an extra day in Scottsboro we must get to our next stop today. There is always the worry that there will be a tow going through the lock and that it will cause a major delay.
The Tennessee River meanders and wanders. We have been on the Tennessee River in Alabama since September 23, but today re-entered Tennessee.
We passed the southern end of Sequatchie Valley. This is one of the world’s two rift valleys. The other is the Great Victoria Valley in Africa. Both were created by the earth’s surface literally splitting apart. Sequatchie Valley is more than 125 miles long, but never more than five miles wide. Because the cliffs provide ideal conditions for hang gliding enthusiasts, the valley is known as the “Hang Gliding Capital of the East.”
We got into the Nickajack Lock with no wait. While locking up we discovered several “smart” blue herons. As the lock filled with water small fish rose to the surface. The herons were perched on the railing and swooped down to the water to eat the fish. They found an easy way to catch fish.
After the lock we entered Nickajack Lake. Only 5 more miles until we reached our marina. We arrived at Hales Bar Marina and Resort at 2 p.m. In addition to the marina, there are floating cabins available to rent.
1 lock – total 92
