Southbound.. Chattanooga to Nickajack

September 29, 2015

Tuesday 

Miles Traveled 38.1

Total miles 124.5

Day 17

We said our goodbyes yesterday to the kids, friends on the dock and to Jill and Marty at Irwin Marine. We were told with "Wine over Water" happening next weekend the slips were full.. That's ok we are ready to get moving.. They did warn us about storms.. We checked our sources and felt comfortable about leaving.. 

We got an early start to our day. The water was still, the winds calm, it was misty and there was a low fog, but not at water level. The temperature was warm enough for shorts and Tshirts but a windbreaker was nice now and again.

Baylor Campus ,with the low fog, still looks amazing.

Buster was on watch duty for any logs floating in the river.

Our visibility was clear.

And it's interesting to see the nice homes along the way.. This one was intriguing, with its observation tower. 

This house looked pretty nice too!

Buster likes to hang out an keep watch.. Good boy Buster!

Every now and again, I take the wheel and give Phil a chance to relax and walk around.. We both wear headsets to be able to hear each other when one or the other is away from the helm..

For a small stretch of our day we got some rain. It's nice having the option to navigate the boat from the inside helm. I'm not sure why Buster thinks he needs to be first mate.. I think he's in my seat!

We had almost no traffic all day. I think this guy was the only boat we passed .. And Thank goodness it was at a wide area of the river .. No problems... This could get trickier furture down the way.

The clouds are rolling in, and we're about to reach our destination for the day.

We tied our lines , walked Buster, and began fixing dinner, when the skies opened up.

The rains came as I washed the dishes. We were safe and dry.

It was a short calm shower , followed by a welcoming rainbow.

It's was a great first day! We even saw our first eagle sighting today. 

We are a short distance to the Nickajack lock, and a big boat just came by and anchored close to the lock. 

Saying good bye to the kids and Chattanooga.

It was a fun filled weekend!!! And a great two weeks in Chattanooga.. There is so much going on there and nearby Lockout Mountain.. Our neighbors at the slip had a drone with camera and took our photo and shared it with us.. Very cool toy!!! I think I want one..

There was a nice Publix grocery store just across the bridge and two blocks. The boys got cookies. 

It was good to be along the water!!! There are lots of folks who enjoy the various activities .

Emry showed me his statue pose.. Look at those muscles!

So many little details that make Chattanooga special.

Fun for all ages.. History to be learned.

Art comes in all forms.

Lookout Mountain overlooking Chattanooga .

Boat rides available!

Also an incline railroad to get you to the top. There are many awesome attraction in this area.. Google this town , then go and enjoy!

Race Day. Chattanooga Ironman

The sunrise this morning was ablaze!! A great start to a great day

This race begins with a 2.4 mile swim. And we had a front row view.

We all were there to cheer on Josh

We came down to where the swimmers exit the water.

The boys were there to cheer on their Daddy. 

Next they ride their bikes for 116 miles!!

So while Josh is biking all over the city and beyond.. We are walked around the downtown area.

It truly is a beautiful town.

Hard to believe that back in the 60's, Walter Cronkite called it most polluted city in the US.. The residence have changed it for the better.

We are enjoying the many parks.

The residence should be very proud of their transformation !

We had hoped to see artisan make chocolate.

When the bikers are finished, they then run 26.4 miles.. Unbelievable...

We had visitors .. Josh's brother Jeremiah and his girlfriend Britney stopped by.

Also Brad and Jane came too.. All in town to cheer on Josh!

We got a quick  glimpse  of Josh when he cam across the pedestrian bridge.

Meals and naps onboard.. Then back to catch Josh at the finish line ..

The boys gave their best on box hill .

Then we saw Josh speed by.

The finish line !!!

Great job Josh!!! We are all so very PROUD of you!

Brisket in Soddy Daisy

A huge Thank You to Brad and Jane for their wonderful hospitality. They invited the seven of us to their home for a boat adventure and a marvelous dinner!

The boys had their life jackets on and were very excited !

We saw a lot of folks camping.

Brad gave each of the boys a turn at driving the boat.

We all got a workout in the trail to the water..

Josh goofing around about how steep this trail is!

A much easier way to get up and down ...

And lots of fun too.

More FUN in their hot tub !!!

Brad is quite the grill/smoker chef!!! His secret is all logged in his personal log book... And tonight's brisket was outstanding!!! It should get five stars.

He and Jane out did themselves for a fantastic day!!! 

Thanks again!!