Goose Pond to Nickajack

Day 1...48 miles.. 7 1/2 hours. 1 lock

What a beautiful day!! Skies were clear, the humidity was low and the winds calm. We couldn't ask for s nicer first day..

This part of the Tennessee River has very little development. We only saw a handful of homes, one paper mill and about 5 or 6 bridges. Very little traffic today, only one boat passed us going south, and a dozen or two fishing boats quietly hugging the shoreline.

It started out a bit on the cool side. But the day just got better.

Buster at his post.

One of the many bridges.. All tall enough to fit under with ease.

Old Glory and her friendly friend ( thanks Kelly Massengale Pierce) flying in the breeze.

Just beautiful shoreline.

Cool railroad bridge.

Buster checking out this tug.

Time to put on our life jackets and prepare for our first TVA Lock at the Nickajack Dam.

We had an hour and a half wait as a barge/tug had a double load.. 9 containers then 6. Then it was our turn:)

Phil at the Ballard to ride the wall UP🔺

🔺we probably went up about 20-25 feet. Then they slowly open the gates

Then they blast their horn and bid us a good day!

7 1/2 hours later we are tied up to the free dock at Shellmond Park in Tennessee waters. 

Buster had a great day!

Now he's happy to find a patch of grass.

Night all.. Sorry this didn't get posted last  night.. Internet connection just wasn't happening..