Fun on Pickwick Lake

Tuesday, October 18

Docked at Aqua Harbor Yacht Club at 9:47am after a little cruise of 7.2 miles from Panther Creek anchorage.  We went to the ship's store to purchase the parts needed for our toilet...(Joker Valve) Hahaha, really funny.  Why is it called that anyway??

For the rest of the day I scrubbed the boat and gathered compliments from anyone walking by...people really like this boat.  Kerm had a well deserved 'veg out' day.

Fancy house across the river from our tie-up.

Wednesday, October 19

The weather took a nasty turn so we decided to stay here another night.  Kerm worked on the boat all day and I puttered around being useful when possible.

Cold Front coming in

Later on, I took Warren for a ride in the Marina's courtesy van.  We went to nearby Savannah, TN for provisions (read this as more beer...the marina is in a 'dry' county).  Many of the marinas we have visited have courtesy cars for the transients.  It is really appreciated by the Loopers who need transportation to the stores.  There is usually a two hour limit and you are expected to replace the fuel you use...nice deal.

This marina was huge and had 5 more docks not shown

Swimming pool and fitness club is included in the overnight slip fee...Warren got all excited

but the swimming pool was covered up for the season and the fitness room was locked.

  Also, for a snazzy place like this I'm sorry to report that the showers left a lot to be desired, they were cold, not too clean and cramped.  Grand Harbor Marina, down the way, has much better showers but not as good a ship's store. 



Thursday, October 20

Anxious to do some anchoring out!!!  Today we are heading to Waterfall Cove to see if we can get a spot for the night.  Left Aqua Yacht at 2:00 pm and were so happy to see that the cove with the waterfall has empty.  The cruise to the cove was only 5.1 miles.  Those of you who are following us on SPOT probably wonder what on earth we are doing going back and forth here on Pickwick Lake.  Don't worry, after November 1 we will be headed south again and you will see us making steady progress as in the past.

Hooray, we have the waterfall to ourselves!!

Anchoring was a little tricky because there is not enough room in the cove for the boat to swing all the way around.  We set a small anchor off the back to assist the big one in front.

A captain and this thoughts...and his beer

Christie communing with the waterfall nymphs

Beautiful rock ledges

Goodnight from Waterfall Cove

Friday, October 21

It was a cool (cold) night so we woke up to wisps of fog...

Looking out into the Lake from the Cove

Looking into the Cove

Is there anything better than a nice hot breakfast when the morning is chilly???  I think not!

Captain thinks so too

After breakfast we had to reset the anchors due to a wind shift.  It took 4 tries as we kept getting beer cans stuck in the flukes of the anchor and the anchor would not hold.  Also, when we pulled the small aft anchor it came up with beer cans and another anchor attached to it.  Here's a shot of the little white anchor we 'rescued' from Davy Jones' locker.

What a mess...

Unfortunately, we didn't get a good reset in the swirling breezes of the cove and with the beer-can laden bottom.  Shame on you, people who toss cans overboard.  Didn't your mothers teach you anything?
We decided that rather than fight with the anchor situation any longer we'd head back to Grand Harbor Marina for the night.  This wasn't bad because our new Filter Minder device had been delivered...and a hot shower is kind of nice.  Also, I did two big loads of laundry.


Saturday, October 22

We had a leisurely morning and left Grand Harbor after noon.  We were looking for another fun place to anchor out and we had several suspects.  One of them was called Whetstone Creek and it is on the same side of Pickwick Lake as Waterfall Cove but about five miles further down.  When we got there it looked very promising.  The little inlet to the Creek went back about half a mile and there were steep wooded hills on either side.  We liked the seclusion so we decided to drop the hook. 

Whetstone Creek

Anchorage at Whetstone Creek

Down the little creek ahead you can hear a waterfall feeding into the creek

I did a lot of exploring in the dinghy, just rowing about.  The creek was full of fish, birds and turtles.

Cool Rocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also heard quite a bit of loud coyote carnage going on in the woods at night. 

That first night we were up quite a bit with the anchor alarms but the anchors held and we got used to the natural shifts in the wind throughout the days/nights.  It was cold every morning and the fog was very thick until about 10 am when the sun burned through. Then it would get nice and warm.  Not hot enough for swimming but lovely just the same.  We liked this spot so well we spent three nights there. 
 
We also learned a new skill...Kerm bought hair clipping shears a few weeks ago and has been wanting a short haircut.   Mary Morgan's cut was great but Kerm was aching for really short soooo....

We fired up the clippers and I did the deed right there on our back deck.  You can see some of the pollution we added to the creek...sorry fish!

 

And here is the satisfied customer...

Now I have my own personal Steve McQueen

We spent the days doing maintenance chores, reading, and just plain enjoying being there.  It was very cut off and we could get telephone reception every now and then but after a while we just gave up.  

I took this little video, hope it works when I publish the post.

Now (Tuesday, Oct. 25) we are back at Grand Harbor Marina for one night, getting restocked, re-watered, showered and pumped out.  Then we'll be set for more anchoring out.

Love to all friends and family. Take care.
Christie 

Boat stuff

Kerm here.

It's been awhile since I have blogged.  Busy, out of internet range or just plain lazy, I guess.  For those of you that are new to our blog I gave an update on the boat from time to time.  So here goes.

The boat is running well but needs daily work to give us confidence that it will continue to do so.  There are three constants that have plagued us from the beginning.  Black spec's in the fuel, leaks in the fuel system and oil leaks.  I have managed to stop the fuel leaks for now with new crush washers but when I change the fuel filter and bleed the system next time there is a good chance that it will start all over again.  When we get to FL I'm going to replace the engine filters with spin ons and install a bleed system that will not require me to take out and replace bleed plugs.  The oil leaks stopped for awhile when I replaced the valve cover gasket a couple of weeks ago but have resurfaced.  The old style hard cork gaskets just don't cut it I guess.

As far as the black specks that come out the filter drains it still has me scratching my head.  We use the algae additives so I doubt it's algae.  I isolated one of the fuel tanks that had a suspect hose that may be deteriorating.  Nope, that wasn't it.  My current thinking is that the tanks have a lot of grunge in the bottom.  For now, I'm going to go to a 3 micron filter in the main filter and have ordered a filter condition gizmo to keep and eye on it. 

As related to the above problem we did have an engine shut down a couple of weeks ago that was related to air in the fuel.  Dang crush washers!  So when I had time I went through the whole system including checking the fuel pump diaphragm and, of course, broke a bolt on the pump.  We then had to wait 2 days for the airfreight to come in with the new pump but the engine seems to run better with it.

Following is a brief list of my work list over the last couple of weeks.  Mind you this is a partial list:
Replaced house water pump, routed A/C bleed hose and condenser hose to shower sump (this will keep the bilge drier), fixed two split boards on deck, changed oil, changed fuel filters, installed drip pan below shaft packing, had valves adjusted and head torqued, fixed wiring coming apart in bilge, fixed leak in water system, fixed two window pulls that came off, new toilet paper hanger that was broken, replaced valves in toilet, lubed squeak in steering system, installed new AM/FM radio, new longer screws in rear hatch hinge, 2 new screws and teak plugs in deck. Now keep in mind Chris has not been sitting on her butt while all this is going on,  She's been cleaning, shopping, fixing this and that, plus has been fetching for me.

All the putzing on the engine has had some great benefits.  Our current fuel burn is down to 1.46 gallons per hour and mileage is close to 4 miles to the gallon against current. 

I cannot complain about the work.  This is a 25 year old boat and we knew that it would need to be maintained more than a newer model.  Chris and I talked about a euro style trawler for at least 30 years and their was no question as to what boat we would do the loop in.  What's interesting is that not a day goes by when someone goes out of their way to tell us how much they like the boat.  Yup, it's all worth it...

4000+ miles and counting.

Pebble Isle to Grand Harbor

Pebble Isle Marina, haven with free cinnamon rolls

Saturday, October 8

While here at Pebble Isle Marina, we took the courtesy car into the local 'big town' to get provisions.  We went with the Morgans and found a Walmart, which lead to a little bit of the spending frenzy...Kerm bought a new radio

 Now we can listen to Country and Western Music as we cruise along...it has an IPod connection so I get to hear my play lists also

and the Morgan tried to find Schweppes's tonic water...which if their favorite (and not readily available on the "Loop").  No Scheppervencence to be found.

We left Pebble Isle at 8:40 after filling with fuel and getting pumped out.

At 2:45 Passport and Southern Belle aborted attempts to anchor at a place called Denson Creek which the books said was a pretty good anchorage.  With the wind, the current and depths over 30 feet it has just not a good place for us to anchor overnight.

Our next potential anchorage was called Lick Creek...which I found delightful...it was a tight little channel getting in and then it opened up to a beautiful spot..

Plucky little tree standing firm against all odds

Skinny entrance...is there really somewhere to anchor down here???

cool rock formations

you all know I love rocks

Curvy entrance to the Lick Creek Anchorage 

Autumn colors are starting to show

 Passport ventured in and Southern Bell followed like a faithful little puppy.  We were rewarded with a beautiful place to stay overnight.  It was a little shallow getting in but turned out well.  Traveled 34.6 miles today

 

Good night from Lick Creek

Sunday, October 9

Foggy when we woke up but cleared by 9:30am when we broke raft with Passport.

We threw out a little tiny Danforth anchor last night to assist Passport's main anchor and woke up to find that the wind had changed and the little danforth was holding both of us safely.  Don't tell Dan, who believes we are pretty inept when it comes to ground tackle...he may be right!! 

The Little Anchor That Could

Hey, Linda...

The sandals are working out GREAT

More pictures of Lick Creek as we departed...

Our Trusty Boat Buddy, Passport

Wonderful day cruising the River. Sunny and warm.   At 11:45 we passed Mermaid Marina with their not-to-be-forgotten sign.

The water was too shallow here or we would have stopped

We reached the next anchorage at Double Island around 1:25 after a short day of 22.3 miles.  We rafted with Passport.  Later NautiNell and Sweet Pea came into the anchorage as well.  There was quite a bit of current so we let them raft up to us and they both put out hefty anchors.

John puttering about in his dinghy

It was a special night for Dale and Jim on Sweet Pea, this was the anniversary of their departure from Massachusetts.  They have been on the water for one year.  After dinner with John and Mary, we went ashore and enjoyed a big celebration bonfire.

Right before nightfall another boat came into Double Island.  Called "Annie", it was a home built riverboat complete with working calliope.  Benford-designed, it took the owners (Ron and Carol) 16 years to build and now they are enjoying it on the rivers here in the South.

'Annie'

Monday, October 10

Grey and cloudy morning but no wind and no fog.  We are in no big rush to leave because we only plan to go 10 miles, along to Clifton Marina, and stay there for the night.  When "Annie" left she gave us all a little serenade...

Click on the arrow to listen

 We left the anchorage at 10:35 with Passport and arrived at Clifton Marina 2 hours later.

Clifton Marina's little entrance

 Mary Morgan offered to cut Kerm's hair...she has all the equipment and the skill.  Still, Kerm needed a Bud Light to withstand the tension.  It looked really good and the price was definitely right.

Mary's Barber Shop on the Dock

In this little tiny marina there were a whole load of Loopers and we got together for a cocktail hour by the office deck.  Afterwards, Mary and John joined us for dinner on the Belle.  The steak was awful the company was great.

Good Looking Buddy Boats

Captain Kerm

One of Clifton Marina's claims to fame is that Alan Jackson stopped here one night with one of this big boats.  He apparently didn't come ashore but his crew did and Alan sent out a autographed picture that the Marina has on the wall.  Also, NASCAR driver, Sterling Marlin has a boat here and is often around.

I got laundry done here and the dryer was super...75 cents for enough time to shrink every item in your dirty clothes sack.



Tuesday, October 11

Departed Clifton Marina at 8:56 heading for Wolf Island Anchorage.

Passport

This is Bob on River Wanderer...17 foot boat and he's out here doing the rivers, we love it

Some river cabins

 Traveled 32.8 miles today and anchored in a great spot.  Not rafted with Passport but in the same bay...we are trying to get more comfortable with our own anchoring skills. Just as we were heading for bed a smaller Looper boat we had met at Clifton called to ask if they could anchor here, too.  Passport offered to have Resolute raft with them because it was getting dark and they are new Loopers.  The offer was gratefully received.  We joked with Mary and John that they were dumping us for 'the new kid in town' .

Good night from Wolf Island

Wednesday, October 12

We departed Wolf Anchorage at 7:45am after calling the Lockmaster at Pickwick Lock to see if there was any significant barge traffic that would delay us.  He said if we hustled we could make an opening before a large tow.  Based on this information we cruised on down the river and had pb&js for our breakfast. 

At 8:45 we passed Shiloh Battlefield and by 10:10 we were secured to the lock wall.

Warning sign before Pickwick Lock

Passport entering the lock chamber

"Resolute"  First time locking through

We were fortunate to make it through the lock so quickly.  Pleasure craft have the lowest priority and the TVA locks are notorious for long wait times. Once through the lock we entered Pickwick Lake which is said to have some the prettiest anchorages since the North Channel up in Canada.  We are heading for one of those anchorages for the night.  It is called Dry Creek.  Arrived at 12:07 and plunked our anchor down.  Traveled 20.6 miles today

Good night from Dry Creek

Thursday, October 13 - Sunday, October 16

It was a rough night on the hook, we swung all over the place but it held!!

We are heading for  Grand Harbor Marina for several days of relaxation and regrouping.  Mary and I have appointments for haircuts at the resort's spa. We plan to go to tour Shiloh and there is some maintenance that the Belle needs to have done. We also need to decide if we are going to Chattanooga or not.

Left Dry Creek at 11:22.

Capt

It was windy and I left the cabin doors open while I went up on the fly bridge result = paper towel explosion

Grand Harbor Marina and Condominiums

Ship's Store and Office

We arrived at 12:51, docking at a very windy spot. Only traveled 6.4 miles today.

List of activities enjoyed/undertaken over the next couple of days-

•  Haircut and massage for me..hooray!!!
• Shopping in Counce, TN for supplies
• Shopping in Savannah, TN for Liquor and other necessities...still no Schweppes for the Morgons
• Talked with many of the Loopers here
• Kerm replaced the house water pump
• Kerm worked on lots of boat things
• Went out to dinner with Passport and Resolute friends
• Toured Shiloh Battlefield and National Cemetery
• Bought a boat mop like Mary Morgan's.  Now my boat should be as clean as hers...yeah, right!!

Mop's name is Janice, she was Animal's girlfriend in the Muppets and the mop looks just like her

 
Monday, October 17

Sunny, beautiful morning. Departed Grand Harbor Marina heading for Panther Creek to anchor out.  Passport is still with us.  Left at 9:54 and we were excited by the wonderful scenery on Pickwick Lake.  My favorite is this little cove with a waterfall.  There is only room for one or two boats to anchor.  It's Brilliant, as the English would say.

Across the Lake from the Waterfall is Panther Creek, which we entered at 11:06.  Gorgeous spot with fish jumping, a bald eagle in a pine tree and the leaves changing color.

We took the dinghy down and rowed over to Passport for a cocktail. We have decided to forgo the side trip to Chattanooga and will stay around Pickwick Lake until we head down the Tenn-Tom Waterway to Mobile Bay.  This means it's time to say goodbye to Mary and John. 

 So after a nice drink and farewells we rowed home.  Since a wind shift was predicted, Kerm wanted to reset the anchor.  I got it out fine but we could not get it to grab.  Finally, I pulled it up and the anchor had snagged a huge stump.  That's why it was skipping along the bottom.  By this time it was getting dark, so we rafted up with Passport.  They can't get rid of us so fast!!  After dark we all spent some time star gazing and then the wolves started to howl and yap.  Eerie sound echoing across the Lake.

Good night from Panther Creek

  
Tuesday, October 18
Now it really is time to say goodbye.  We need a part for our head from Aqua Yacht Harbor and Passport is going to Florence and points East.  Mary and John, thanks for being great boat buddies and turning into good friends.  We'll miss you but will see you again soon, I'm sure.

John cleaning the boat, surprise, surprise!

John and Mary Morgan

Leaving Panther Creek

We weighed anchor and left the creek at 8:03am.  When we went past the waterfall two boat were anchored inside.  My turn will come!
Docked at Aqua Yacht Harbor at 9:47am.

Kerm replaced the joker valve on the toilet and I spent all day scrubbing the Belle.  Of course it began to rain right after I had finished.  Kerm said it was a nice soft water rinse.  The weather is supposed to be a little colder for the next couple of days so we will have to break out the jeans and fleeces.

That's it for now...I'm up to date, hooray.


Love to all,
Christie