Knowing we had another long run ahead of us, we were underway by 8:10AM. We have adopted the practice of not making coffee until we are under way. Kind of hard to believe, huh? But, it does get Suzanne to the task of pulling the anchor, as we both have to have our coffee!!!
We crossed the Alabama State line about an hour into our day. A new state! A first for us. Using the Google Map App on the phone, it was interesting to see just how close we were to Georgia. The Tennessee River does twist and turn!!
A first…traveling under a lift bridge with a train crossing at the same time. This bridge was high enough for us to traverse under, so we did not need to wait. Still, a little bit crazy to watch!!
Looking up as the train rolled overhead and we passed under:
We were headed to Goose Pond Colony Resort, in Scottsboro, AL, as we wanted to see if there was an available mechanic to look at our engines. The fuel log had revealed the starboard (right) engine was using much more fuel than the port (left). Not good, especially for the old wallet. The repair shop had recently been sold to another operator, and the mechanics were spoken for that day; they would try to get to us tomorrow. Since the weather had been 90 degrees with 90% humidity, we opted to stay tied up in the marina and use the dock power rather than our generator.
On the good side, there was a very lovely restaurant right on the property, on the water. It was one of the best meals we have had. The Docks Restaurant is a very down-home country inn that served exquisitely prepared meals. Easily comparable to the best I have had. What a marvelous find. The next morning, while waiting (crossing our fingers!) for the mechanic, we took a referral to have breakfast at the Goose Pond Bait & Tackle store. It, too, was very good. Fresh made, cooked to order, with a view of the water.
Seriously, Bait & Tackle and Grill:
Suzanne’s Fried Bologna Breakfast! Oh, sooooo good! (If you like fried bologna, of course!)
Unfortunately, the mechanic was not available that day either, so we decided to pull in the lines (ropes) and head out, knowing days were burning and we wanted to get South before the two locks closed on the Tenn-Tom.
This is the Entrance to Good Pond Colony Resort. They have a special machine that cuts the dense floating grasses and lily pads. Without that maintenance, one would not be able to get through.
As the day progressed, we realized this was a day of many first sights for us!