A day to get stuff done..

Sometimes it's not all about having fun.. There are the usual  things that need to get done, like doctors appointments. We both saw our doctor today for our yearly well visits..

There is something quite comforting about this picture in the exam in room . I think it speaks of great care from this office..

After our exams we drove to where our camper is stored and Phil got it all "winterized".  Not fun and exciting but.. Needs to get done.

Now one less thing to worry about.. Time to get back to the river

There is always something going on at the river.

Buster says he'd rather explore the river by dinghy

Red white and Blue day on the River

Today was a great day!!! In memory of the five service men who were killed here in Chattanooga back in July, there was a parade, speeches, prayers and songs.. Also the Blue angles flew over and free concerts into the evening.. Topped with fireworks at dark. It was great.. And to make it even better ... Was to share the day with Kelly and her daughter Paige.

The day began with a beautiful sunrise.

We got the dinghy in the water for exploring the river..

Lookout!!!!  Get it... That's Lookout Mountain in the distance .

Also we could see the goings on at Riverfront.

With our dinghy, we could get quite close to the behind the stage. 

 We did walk out on the lawn and among the crowds .. Even bought a T-shirt..

 And there I am with the Mayor of Chattanooga .. He seems like a nice man.. A great gathering to help raise money for the families of these fallen service men..

The Blue Angles were AWESOME!!

Thank you Kelly and Paige Pierce for trying to "smuggle" in the KFC!!!  It was yummy and we truly enjoyed our day with you two .. Great parking spot too!

Paige looking good with Buster and Phil on the dinghy.

We enjoyed the concert from afar, sitting on the boat was so much more comfortable..

Perfect for the fireworks..

Yep.. It was a great day!  God bless America!

Bluff View Marina, Chattanooga

Our plans are to stay here in Chattanooga for the next two week. Time to explore the city, visit with friends and family, go to a few events, have our annual well visit with our doctor, and just enjoy.

Out for a walk with Buster this morning.

There is much to see and do within walking distance from the marina. There are Shuttle Buses, bikes and walking trails all over.. 

There are shops, theaters, museums, activities, and every kind of restaurants you could hope for close by.

There's a pedestrian bridge with incredible views.

This area of this marina can hold about 10 boats.. We are glad to have this slip for the next couple of weeks.. There is a lot going on at the Riverfront!

Tomorrow there is a concert fundraiser for the military men who were killed here back in July. All this within a five minute walk.. Much we can view from our boat.

The river is used by many folks.. Locals and those passing through.

There are many statues and art pieces along the trails.

What s great looking bed and breakfast!

Many gardens to explore and some where pets are not permitted:(

We discovered this wonderful bakery. And of course couldn't  pass up going in and buying a loaf of bread..

Nice door!

So many great places to walk and explore.

This walkway has a see through floor... Phil and Buster were not big fans of this one.

This city knows how to enjoy their waterfront!

Nickajack to Chattanooga

Day 2, 38.3 miles 5 hours and no locks

What great night!! The stars seemed so close and the temperature was perfect. No need for A/C or heaters.. The inverter worked great so we had what we needed without any noise from the generator. All was very quiet. The water level did rise about 2' but the lines were tied in anticipation of this possibility. We noticed the driftwood level on the beach .

This morning we woke to a heavey fog on the water.. It was pretty cool!! We took our time with coffee , breakfast and Busters walk on the grass.

The hills behind us are hiding.

Great lawn for Buster to  take care of "business".

The fog was moving out.. Time to head north.

Some say this stretch of the Tennessee River is like the Grand Canyon of the East.. Well, I don't think they have ever seen the Grand Canyon.. I just don't see it.. Don't get me wrong!! This stretch is absolutely BEAUTIFUL.. But nothing like the beauty of GC!!! 

Did I mention, that yesterday, I watched a hawk circle, dive to the water, swoop the surface, put its feet in the water and nab a fish.. All about 30 yards from the boat.. It was awesome!! 

Again today, not much traffic.. No other cruisers. 

We did see a tug pushing 12 barges.. Our thoughts went to our nephew Jeremy.

We saw many more homes , cottages , cabins ,Campsite, farms and a few Mega Mansion..

The Baylor Campus is right on the water!! What a great school! Kyle and Paige Elliott both graduated from there!! Our thoughts were with them today.

Beautiful campus

Somewhere along this stretch from Nickajack to Chattanooga there is an area called the "narrows". Rumor has it, boats have been shot at for going too fast and waking the shoreline. They say the residence hate that and they shoot. The picture in our heads of where this is, never came into view... So we don't know where it was.. But the good news is... We heard NO GUN SHOTS!!!  Just a very beautiful areas...by the way.. We saw no" no wake" signs.. 

Lookout Mountain .. We know we are getting close..

Coming into downtown Chattanooga. Boat rides, ball field behind the boat and the Aquarium to the left.

Time to tie up.. 

Wow! Perfect landing ! And we are next to a couple we met a few days back down in Goose Pond!

Security gates.. Nice.

Today's rewards.

It's going to be an early night..zzzz