Guntersville Al to Ditto Landing marina, Al

October 6,2015

Tuesday 

Miles Traveled 24.1

Total miles traveled 217.7

I lock

Day 24

It was a glorious colorful morning! Phil has the start of a possible cold/ear infection. The meds are beginning to kick in and I think he's on the upswing. So today should be another easy day.. 

Buster was impressed with the colors in the sky this morning.

This is a small bat cave at water level before reaching the Guntersville Lock.

This portion of the river has some beautiful cliffs. 

We passed this sleek yacht just before entering the Guntersville Lock.

Phil and I are getting adjusted to what's needed to lasso the Ballard and stay connected but off the wall.

The hills and cliffs will be missed as we head toward flatter terrain.

The leave are beginning to change .  In a few weeks this area will be stunning.

There is a wide varity of hardwoods.

We came into Ditto Landing Marina. It's very nice in here and we have met several "loopers" and had "docktails" with a few this evening before dinner. Firebird and Sonata..both very experienced with the travels..

Here at Ditto, there looks like a nice campground within walking distance to the marina. And a nice wooded area all around us. We'll explore more tomorrow . We plan to stay here two nights.

Goose Pond to Guntersville AL

October 5, 2015

Monday

Miles traveled 20.8 

Total miles traveled 193.6

Day 23

Knowing it was going to be an easy 20 miles , we took our time this morning. Two more loads of Laundry. We put our truck into storage. We hope to come pick it up sometime in December . But until then, we will no longer have our car handy.

We then fueled the boat and had her waste pumped out.. We are ready to go by 11:30:

It is a beautiful day. 

More wonderful homes

Buster seemed a bit bored by it all.

I think I woke him up.

We made it to the free dock in Guntersville. No electric or water but a very nice floating dock, that's easy to get Buster to shore to take care of his business.

The entrance is about 18' and here at the slip it's 9'. There is ample room to maneuver and nicely protected from west, south or north winds.  No winds at all tonight.

There is one other boat tied up but nobody is aboard and there's a For Sale sign on her. I'm guessing this marina could easily hold as many as 7-10 boats... Depends on their size .

On the outside wall , there were HUGE cleats.  Buster was impressed!

Where we are docked is a close walk into this cute little downtown area of Guntersville Alabama .

Many cute little shops.

But make note: much is closed on Sunday and Monday.

This is The  Spanish Bed&Breakfast. 

Kala's Cottage.. Gifts and wine.. Great combo!

Goôse Pond Colony Marina

October 2,3,4, 2015
Thursday , Friday, Saturday , Sunday
Miles Traveled 0
Total miles traveled 86.4

Day 3,4,5,

It's been cold and wet these last many days here at Goose Pond. We made the most of our time here on the  transient dock.. Phil had project each day and also a little time to relax too. I got a bug to reorganize drawers and closets . I don't get that bug too often so I ran with it.

This time was also ideal to run errands since we still have our truck to get around . Trips to Wal-Mart, Home Depot , and even down to Guntersville to Publix. 

This was a good time to get out the fall decorations .

Also a few Halloween decorations too.

Buster was a bit unsure about the crow at the helm. He's adjusting .. Brave boy.

Here's a rare sight.. Phil isn't too crazy about heights.. But here he is up an extended ladder installing a TV antenna .

Thank goodness the waters were calm and no rocking..

We went by our old slip in hopes to run into a few friends on their boats.. No one there on Saturday 😥.. It really was lousy weather and not boat friendly.

But lucky us... On Sunday, the skies cleared up and friends returned to the marina and we got to spend time with Mike and Tina.. And Kevin and Penny.

Boating folks are wonderful.. 

Laundry day

October 1,2015

Thursday 

Miles traveled 0

Total miles traveled 86.4

Day 3

Not the best day for photos... A day filled with drizzle but ideal for getting caught up with tons of laundry.

11-loads and a kazillion quarters! But it's done!! Beds made and clean towel and clothes put away.

Nickajack to Goose Pond, Scottsboro, AL

September 30,2015

Wedsnday 

Miles traveled 48.3

Total miles traveled 172.8

One lock

Day 18

It was a great night and we both slept well. Phil's up at his early time. Coffee aroma  wakes me up, Buster gets his walk and we hear the anchored boat hailing the lock manager. We untie lines to join in the early opening of the lock. Perfect... Canadian geese are getting an early start too.

The lock manager opens his gates, blasts his horn and the green light is on.. We enter the lock.

Right behind us is the boat we saw last night anchored out. This yacht is 70' long and looks like something out of James Bond.. 

Her name is Miss Rachell II  out of Destin Fl.. Sweet!!!!

We secure our boat to the bollard and drop about 30 feet. The gates open and slowly we exit the lock.

Down river we see some not so nice home... Yet they have a great location and living their dream!

We get another eagle sighting. I wasn't able to get a good photo of this majestic bird.

Fall colors are just beginning to change.. This river will be glorious in about four weeks.

Trains traveling today too.

Tugs busy too

95%of the river is all natural but there are a few industrial businesses too.

Nucular power plant in the distance.

It's a beautiful wooded area .

Buster barked when he discover a stowaway on board!

A little butterfly rode with us for about an hour.

We arrived to Goose Pond to a bit of Excitement!!! On dock 4, this boat sank to the bottom over night.. Good thing he was in shallow water..4'

The owner was unavailable.. I'm sure there's an interesting story behind this sad sinking.

Boat US had her out of the water within a couple of hours.

Several other "loopers" are at the docks and we were invited on Hallelujah for "docktails" and we met up with California Lady and Sea Jamm.   Nice folks and a lot to learn from their travels.. Most of us will be spending the next few days here in Scottsboro with errands to run or projects to do.