UP YOUR TENNESSEE

THIS THE FALL!!!  We are once again going "up the Tennessee" River.  We tried the Cumberland River in Spring 2014 but were not excited.  The Tennessee River just offers so much more in view, marinas and entertainment.  Also, we plan to tippy toe into the Tennessee-Tom Biggbe Waterway down to Bay Springs area. 

As Tommy and I cruise the river, our XM radio does inspire us.  I know the video is a bit simple but hey, I am the Captain.


Another sunrise along the river when leaving Clifton Marina(1st visit) this cruise.  Tommy and I enjoyed an interesting evening including the story of a "service" monkey. The Clifton music festival is starting and the shuttle driver has a service monkey.  We could not determine what the service was but did meet the monkey.  Now, I ask you "where in the world could you meet a service monkey"?  I did meet the monkey when it jumped to my shoulder but it was after dark during the fireworks display and could not get a picture.  Just take my word for it, no lie!!!

The above photo is a 49 ft. Grand Banks trawler.  She followed us from Clifton Marina and seen here entering Pickwick Lake after locking up.  She is a real beauty with twin 671 HP diesels.  Her Captain Dan is very interesting. He survived Vietnam, cancer and he and his wife have completed the Great Loop 3 TIMES.  That is well over 18,000 miles.  This cruise is the 4th and he reminds use each cruise is difference with new views and friends. 

 The view above is the 49 Grand Banks(left) and our 36 Albin. The tall man in the photo is Dan.  Just gives a perspective of the design and SIZE of the two boats.  Dan could just barley stand up in our trawler.  Seen here at Grand Harbor Marina at Yellow Creek. 

 

The above video depicts what can occur during a long 8 hour cruise with little entertainment.  It is well known that sailors will find their own fun.  My crew was not overly happy with being featured in the video, however, adequate food and grog was dispensed later in the day.  It is fair to warn all readers, more videos are likely to appear.

 

The cruise continues back to Clifton Marina to drop off Tommy and change crew. Denise will board and "up the Tennessee" river cruise will continue. Fair warning, you just never know what you are going to get.

 

Happy sailing

Capt. Barry, Adm. Denise, crew Bailey and Bella 

HOLIDAY CRUISE, JULY 4TH 2014

Summer cruising has arrived.  However, due to the unusually low temps, 75-80 high and 58-65 lows the July 4th. was a most pleasant 5 days cruise.  Yes, we abandoned our home cruising area to venture south along the Tennessee River to escape the madness of the holiday crowds.  Believe me, many recreational boaters do not know the "rules of the road" or care.  So, we escape their madness.

 

 

The deckhands seem well rested with typical place on the bridge of "0 Regrets".  We sailed on Wednesday noon for our first anchorage at Vickers Bay.  This is a new location for use but exploring is most fun.  We had no other plans past this point. 

 

 

The above view is a small, rock beach to our stern in a small bay in the Vickers Bay area.  The water was 12 ft. in most of the small bay and afforded good air movement but also good holding.  The hands, Bailey and Bella enjoyed a good swim as did the Captain and Admiral.  We were fortunate, only a few fisherman and limited pleasure boats entered the area during our stay.  The following day we ventured to another new anchorage, Heiman Fort Bay. 



 The above is a view from the bluff point at the entrance to  Ft. Heiman Bay.  The bay was very busy during the afternoon, however, by 6 pm. all had vacated except 0 Regrets and a Rinker Sedan Bridge boat across the bay.  We enjoyed a quiet and calm evening till 7 am.  I was shaken from a good sleep with a large boom, rattling the boat. I just knew the nearby boat had exploded.  Fortunately, it appears a cannon was fired above us at Ft. Heiman.  Whew!!! 

 



The horizontal line right to left is the Kentucky-Tennessee state line. We anchored on the "pin" at the entrance to Cypress Creek. Two marinas are located at the west end of the bay, one in Tennessee and one in Kentucky.  It seems the Kentucky marina is split by the state boundary line with beer sales permitted at the fuel dock but NO sales at the close by restaurant.  Two states and two different counties. 



The view is back to Vickers Bay for two additional evenings.  We enjoyed the bay so much we just returned and the quiet continued. We tend to celebrate the sunset with a good glass of red wine, joining in the celebration of another wonderful day on the water. 

 

Yes I must admit, my girl Bailey has an appetite.  Captured here eyeing the plate through the cabin window.  The "girls" are well fed but savor the flavor of human food.  Now, if I could just get her to "dump" the poop pad on the bow!!!!

 

Happy Sailing,

Barry, Denise, Bailey and Bella

aboard 0 Regrets