MOBILE TO SUMMERLAND KEY

Nov. 5 - The wind laid down somewhat, and we headed out across Mobile Bay.  It was a little choppy, but our stabilizers reduced the rocking and rolling.

Seagulls Following Us Across Mobile Bay

 We met our good friends, Debbie and Alan Hager, at Lulu's for lunch and had a great visit.



Charlotte, Alan, and Debbie at Lulu's

We were back to Florida again!  Hoorah!  Our anchorage for the night was at Ono Island just west of Pensacola.  Capt. Bill had to don his lightweight wet suit and go under the boat to fix one of the cutters that had come loose.  The water was mighty cold...brrh!

Nov. 6-8 -We hustled across the Panhandle to Appalachicola, making overnight stops at anchorages in Destin and Pearl Bayou just east of Panama City.  The temperatures were chilly early in the mornings (mid to high 30's), but warmed up by midday with sunny clear skies; very windy.  We were able to enjoy piloting from the flybridge now and then. 

We stayed at Scipio Creek Marina in Appalachicola.  Enjoyed meeting several other Loopers who were preparing to cross the Gulf including Art and Cathy from Huntington Beach, CA aboard Fortuity.  They were cruising with Two Turtles, Mint Julep, and Sassy II.  We had met Tony and Liz on Two Turtles back at Dog River Marina in Mobile.  They live on No Name Key just a few miles from our home on Summerland. 

We received a call from Sally Higgins, Charlotte's longtime good friend since she was in the sixth grade.  She and her son Bill were driving back home to Tallahassee from Galveston, TX, and they decided to take a side trip down to Appalachicola to have dinner with us.  What a delightful surprise!  We "pigged out" on seafood at Boss Oyster House and had a great visit.

Sally, Bill, and Charlotte

Sally, Bill, and Charlotte

Nov. 9 - The weather forecast was good for crossing the big pond, so off we went.  Left the marina about 10:30 AM shortly after two other Looper boats (Bar B and Second Noel); they were headed for Clearwater.  The other four boats listed above had departed at 2:30 AM headed for Tarpon Springs.  We decided to set our course for Longboat Key and Sarasota, which was 232 miles.  Fortunately the seas were around one to two feet with the wind from our port stern, so it was a comfortable crossing for which we were very thankful.  Bill was concerned about a vibration so he reduced our speed to 1650-1700 rpm.  We normally run at 1800.

Sunset on the Gulf

The sunset was beautiful as it set at about 6:17 PM.  About thirteen hours of darkness faces us as we continue across the Gulf.  We took turns at the helm over night, and all went well.



 







Afterglow on the Gulf



Sunrise on the Gulf

A welcome sight shortly after 7:00 AM.  It's a new day on the water!

Here Comes the Sun!

We were pleased to arrive at our final waypoint west of  Longboat Key Pass Bridge, the conclusion of our Gulf crossing.  It's always a relief to have that long crossing behind you!



Approaching Longboat Key Pass Bridge from the Gulf

Capt. Bill called the bridge tender to request an opening.  Fortunately, this bridge has no restrictions on openings, so as soon as the bridge tender could clear the bridge from traffic, he opened it for us.

We continued south on the Intracoastal to Sarasota where we anchored in the mooring field south of Marina Jack's.  It was time to rest and relax after 24 hours of cruising from Appalachicola.

Nov. 11 - We continued cruising south on the Intracoastal Waterway on Veteran's Day.  It was slow going as there are lots of  "No Wake" zones.  There were lots of boats out on the water enjoying the holiday, the beautiful weather, and this very picturesque part of the waterway.  We attracted numerous groups of dolphins to swim along in our wake.  Capt. Bill took a great video of at least six of them having a great time.

We anchored in the lee of Chino Island just eight miles north of Mile 0, which is at the mouth of the Okeechobee Waterway (Caloosahatchee River).

Nov. 12 - 14 - It was only 17 miles from our anchorage to Bob and Barbara Fordyce's condo in Cape Coral, and we needed to get there before low tide.  We were welcomed by our good friends, Bob and Barbara, and several of their neighbors.  As always, we enjoyed our weekend visit with Bob and Barbara and their daughter, Linda. 

Bob and Bill

After returning from church and breakfast on Sunday morning, we received the very sad news of the death of our dear friend and neighbor, Lorene Jonas.  Lorene fought a courageous fight against cancer for several years.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband of almost 60 years, Bud, and the rest of her family.

Nov. 15 - An approaching cold front was forecast, so we decided we had to get on our way home before it arrived.  We said farewell to Bob and Barbara and headed back down the river.  After refueling at Salty Sam's in Ft. Myers Beach, we headed south to Marco Island where we anchored for the evening. 

Nov. 16 - Another nice day on the open water... we continued south into the Everglades and decided to forge on to Marathon rather than stopping at our usual stopover at Little Shark River.  The Captain dodged lobster bobbers all day and into the evening, which didn't make him a happy camper.  Shortly after sunset, we crossed under the Seven Mile Bridge and headed over towards Boot Key to anchor.  Charlotte manned the spotlight on the waters ahead so Capt. Bill could avoid picking up a lobster bobber line.  It was a long day's cruise - 104 miles in 11 hours, 10 minutes.  It was a good feeling to be almost home.

Nov. 17 - We headed west toward home on Hawk Channel.  Beautiful weather and gorgeous waters - what more could anyone ask!  We had some skinny water going through the outer markers at Summerland which we expected as the tide was fairly low.  As planned, we dropped our hook off Melody Key at midday to await high tide about sunset.  We offloaded our tender and went ashore to open up the house and check things out.  Everything was in order and looked good.   Then about sunset we were able to bring OMEGA in to our dock.  Joan Colasurdo and Melanie Zanini came over to catch our lines and welcome us.  We were so happy to see them again.

Our wonderful 2010 cruise has been concluded.  We cruised 394.2 hours and went 3343 miles in six months.  How blessed we are!  

 





HEADING TOWARDS HOME

Oct. 21 - 26 - Our first two days were on the Tennessee River with stops at anchorages at Hambrick Hollow and Wheeler State Park.  On the third day, we arrived at the junction of the Tennessee River and the Tenn-Tom Waterway.   Some of the Fall color is displayed below.



Fog was thick below Guntersville Lock


We spent one night at Grand Harbor Marina and then headed south on the Tenn-Tom toward Mobile, AL.
Our first anchorage was at Bay Springs Lake where we experienced a severe thunderstorm after dark with lots of lightning.  Captain Bill kept us safe and secure; he maintained a close watch until the wee small hours.  On the 25th, we went through seven locks and made it to Columbus, MS.  It was extremely windy all day, and severe weather was forecast.  It was good to be in the marina to wait it out.  Enjoyed a reunion with our good friends, Don and Rosie Peck (JUST ROSIE).






Rosie Peck

Bill, Al and JoAnn(Our Turn - 44 Defever), and Don Peck

In anticipation of the forecasted severe weather, we were able to put OMEGA in a covered slip right next to JUST ROSIE, which was a real treat!

Oct. 27 - Nov. 2 -  We left Columbus Marina and continued our cruise downstream towards Mobile.  Overnight stops along the way included Hairston Bend Cut-off (Mile 318.7) on the 27th, Sumter Landing (Mile 270) on the 28th, Foscue Creek at Demopolis (Mile 214) on the 29th, Bobby's Fish Camp (Mile 118.9) on the 30th, Alabama River Cut-off (Mile 52.8) on Halloween, and Tensaw River Cut-off (Mile 12.2) on Nov. 1st. 

The weather was brisk and nippy early in the mornings, but clear, sunny, and nice by mid-morning.  Fog delayed our departure from Foscue Creek on the 29th and from Alabama River Cut-off on Nov. 1st.  Our longest run was from Foscue Creek to Bobby's Fish Camp (95 miles), and we just made it before dark.  The morning fog and delay getting through the Demopolis Lock required Capt. Bill to really put the "pedal to the metal" to make it to Bobby's.  Fortunately, there was only one other boat with us at Bobby's limited dock, so we weren't faced with rafting with another boat.

On the 31st, we locked down at the Coffeeville Lock (Mile 116); this was the final lock for this year's cruise, and we were ready to celebrate.  We went through 38 locks this summer/fall, which brings our grand total to 237.  This includes our 2002 Great Circle cruise, our 2009 cruise to the Tennessee River as well as this year's cruise.  Glad they are all behind us!!!

Due to the shortage of rain this summer and fall, the water at some of our anchorages was really skinny.  Capt. Bill kept a sharp eye out when navigating in and out.  He did a great job as always!

Lots of rain and wind associated with a cold front moving toward us was forecast, so right after dawn on Nov. 2nd, we hustled on down to Mobile and part way down Mobile Bay to Dog River Marina.  We encountered heavy rain as we passed through Mobile, but fortunately once we were out in Mobile Bay, it slacked off until after we were safely docked at the marina.  A number of Looper boats have come in since our arrival, and no one is leaving until the strong winds (25-30 knots) calm down. 

OMEGA at Dog River Marina, Mobile, AL




                                                                                                                               Waiting for Good Weather 

High Winds and Rough Waters on Dog River

 We had hoped to depart today (Nov. 4th), but decided to stay put until tomorrow hoping for calmer waters and less wind.  It will take us about three hours to get down Mobile Bay and into the Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway.

LAST DAYS AT GOOSE POND

Oct. 10 - 21 - It was "Grand Central Station" at Goose Pond Colony Marina each day as Loopers came and went.  We especially enjoyed getting to meet a number of folks on other Defever Yachts, which is the same make as OMEGA.  A few photos will give you an idea of the variety.




Hallelujah (44 Defever) - Grand Rapids, MI
Dave and Barb

 

Sea Dog (60 Defever) - Amherst, OH
Terry and Beth



Gypsea (46 Defever) - Holland, MI
Dick and Pat



















Tide's In (Defever 48EU) - Portsmouth, NH
Stephen and Pam

Our good friends, Paul and Stacy Brannon (SEASEA), were preparing to depart  for Wheeler State Park Marina to help welcome boaters coming to the Loopers' Rendezvous.  We hosted a luncheon to bid them farewell. 




Patsy Whitney, Stacy and Paul Brannon, Ray Whitney, and Charlotte



Paul and Stacy Leaving Goose Pond Marina Aboard SEASEA
44 Gulfstar



October 17 was a special day.  Grandson Ross drove up from Birmingham for a brief visit.  Unfortunately, his bride Starr was out of town on an assignment for medical school, so she wasn't able to come.  Charlotte gave Ross the afghan she knitted for him and Starr as a wedding gift.  She was only four months late in completing it.  Hope it will be something they will enjoy for many years to come.









Ross and Grandma Charlotte

For our last evening at Goose Pond, we enjoyed one last visit to the Mexican restaurant with Ray and Pasty Whitney and Jim and Peggy Himburg.  Jim is the Dockmaster at Goose Pond Colony Marina, and we wanted to thank him for all he did for us during our extended stay.

Peggy and Dockmaster Jim Himburg



Peggy, Jim, Ray, Patsy, Charlotte and Bill



Oct. 21 - All good things come to an end, and it was time for us to cast off and head towards home.  We leave with many good memories of our days at Goose Pond Colony Marina and Scottsboro, AL.

Beautiful Fall Color at Goose Pond Marina

Fuel Dock and Transient Area at Goose Pond Colony Marina

Dock 4 at Goose Pond Colony Marina

D

Over the past two years, we have spent four and a half months at Goose Pond Marina in Scottsboro, AL.  During that time we feel we have become a part of the community and have made many new friends.  We will surely miss these friends in this small Tennessee River community.

OUR CRUISE TO TENNESSEE

Sept. 21 - The Loopers are beginning to arrive at Goose Pond Colony Marina.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the term "Loopers," these are folks who have cruised up the eastern seaboard to NYC, up the Hudson River to the Erie Canal in northern New York, through the Erie and Oswego Canals to Lake Ontario, across Lake Ontario to Kingston, Ontario, up the Trent-Severn Canal to Georgian Bay, across it to the North Channel and into Lake Huron to Lake Michigan, down the west coast of Michigan, over to Chicago, down the Illinois River to the Mississippi, down the Mississippi to the Ohio, up the Ohio to the Tennessee River and up the Tennessee to the Tenn-Tom, down the Tenn-Tom to Mobile, across the Florida Panhandle and down the west coast of Florida.  They may have started at any point along that route, and when they complete the loop or "cross their wake," it's time for a celebration.  As many of you know, we completed the "Loop" in 2002, so it's fun to meet this year's participants during their stop at Goose Pond.  It's a good reason to have a get-together, and we certainly didn't want to miss a party! 



Dinner Party to Celebrate Completion of Loop
By Brenda and Ken (Tellico Lady) and Nancie and Bill (Wautauga)

 In addition, we were still experiencing temperatures in the mid-90's, which is just too hot to enjoy anchoring overnight.  Every day we expected the heat wave to break, but it lasted much longer than expected.

Sept. 24 - We finally left Goose Pond and headed up the river toward Tennessee.  It was a beautiful cruising day, and we enjoyed piloting from the flybridge.  Went through the Nickajack Lock and anchored at Little Cedar Mountain, a picturesque spot about 37 miles from Chattanooga.  The trees are beginning to show a little color.

Sept. 25 - It was a cloudy, overcast day with light rain off and on as we cruised through the gorgeous section of the river known as the "Grand Canyon of the Tennessee."  We passed by Chattanooga and continued upstream through Chickamauga Lock and on to Sale Creek, another familiar anchorage from our 2009 cruise.  It's finally cool enough to turn off the AC in the evening and open the boat up!  This is what we've been waiting for!

Lookout Mountain

Sept. 26 - We cruised another 52 miles upstream through Watts Bar Lock into beautiful Watts Bar Lake.  It was another cool, overcast day, but we enjoyed the beauty of nature along the way just the same.  East Martin Light was our anchorage for the evening, another favorite spot from last year's cruise.  Charlotte finally dropped a hook in the water and caught a catfish, which Bill fileted for an appetizer for dinner...it must have been the one and only as she didn't get another bite!

Sept. 27 - A rainy morning so we postponed departure until midday when we hauled our anchor and cruised another 39 miles to Blair Island.  The shoreline on Watts Bar Lake has rolling hills.   Before TVA flooded the area, it must have been mostly farm land as the land around the homes has been cleared of trees, and you see lots of grass around them.  We anchored behind Blair Island for the night and snuggled under a blanket for the first time...the heat wave is definitely over!!

Ft. Loudon Lock

Sept. 28 -  It was a cool 57 degrees this morning as we headed on to Ft. Loudoun Lock and the Little Tennessee River (Tellico Lake).  Ft. Loudoun lock raised us up another 72 feet to 813 feet; it is the last lock on the Tennessee River. 

We stayed at Ft. Loudon Marina, which was another great facility.  It was a great place to celebrate our anniversary.  Enjoyed visiting with Valt and Sandy Melbardis, who live aboard their Tollycraft  Amber Isle.  We met them in 2009 at several anchorages on the Tenn-Tom. 



 Little Palm Houseboat at Ft. Loudon Marina

Calhoun's at Ft. Loudon Marina

 Our anniversary dinner was at Calhoun's, the waterfront restaurant at Ft. Loudon Marina, a great place to celebrate this special occasion!

Sept. 29 -  We decided to spend another night at Ft. Loudon Marina so we could see a little more of the area and catch up on some boat and household chores.  The marina courtesy car was available so we got to see downtown Lenoir City, TN and do a little shopping.  We captured a few photos on our walk up to the overlook above Ft. Loudoun dam and the river.


Ft. Loudoun Dam and Lock



Highway Over Ft. Loudoun Dam and Lock

View from Ft. Loudoun Dam Overlook

Sept. 30 - Omega headed upstream on the Little Tennessee River (Tellico Lake).  You can only go about 31 miles to Chilhowee Dam.  We had expected the Smoky Mountains to be close to the lake, but they weren't.  Instead, all along the shoreline were hundreds of huge homes built too close to each other.  Evidently before TVA flooded the area when the dams were built, the area must have been farmland on rolling hills.  Most of the land had been cleared of trees, and homes were built at different elevations up the hills.  It was a disappointment to us.




Homes on Tellico Lake



Do you think this is big enough for the two of us?



Maybe this one would be better!!!



These three silos used to be on somebody's farm!!

This was the primary home of the Cherokee Indians from about 1730 to 1836, and their communities in the area were quite well-organized.  There were seven clans of Cherokees; the most important group, the Wolf clan, lived in the Overhill region near the Tellico river and below the Appalachian Mountains.  This area is now Tellico Lake and its surroundings.  What a terrible tragedy that they were uprooted from their homeland and marched all the way to Oklahoma in the infamous Trail of Tears!!!





Historic Fort Loudoun

 We passed historic Fort Loudoun, a rough frontier outpost built in 1756 by the British to protect the Cherokees.  Trade with the Cherokees was essential to the survival of the colonists.  Problems caused delays during construction of the fort.  Meanwhile the Cherokees were courted by the French, who incited them to attack some isolated settlements in Virginia and South Carolina.  The Indians then attacked Fort Loudoun, and the British surrendered - the first formal military surrender to Indians in North America.  When Montreal was captured by the British in 1760, the influence of the French ended.

After anchoring at mile 22.5 on the Little Tennessee River, we continued upstream in our tender to the dam.  Between there and the Chilowee Dam, we could see the mountains in the distance.




View of the Appalachian Mountains from Tellico Lake



This is what we came to see!  How beautiful and how blessed we are!










Along the way, we went ashore at Chota Memorial, which recognized the seven Cherokee Clans and the remains of their community center on the site.  A tombstone of Chief Oconastota was in front of the spot where the doorway was.  It felt like we were on very special ground!

Chota Memorial to the Seven Clans of Cherokees



Wolf Clan lived on Little Tennessee





Chief Oconastota - Note the feather in the foreground!



 




  OMEGA Anchored on Tellico Lake 







Sunrise at Toqua Creek on Tellico Lake



Oct. 1 - After capturing this spectacular sunrise from our anchorage, we realized that the wind was blowing like crazy.  Since we were out in the open and whitecaps were all around us, we decided to haul anchor and head back down the lake.

A quiet little cove called Dead Cow was our anchorage for the evening.  Our good friends, Jay and Nancy Watlington, wanted us to meet some of their good friends who live in the area.  We went ashore in our tender to meet Ray and Teresa Riggs for Happy Hour at the golf clubhouse close to their home.  Their grandson Cooper was staying with them.   Both Ray and Teresa had worked with Jay and Nancy at Oak Ridge Nuclear labs.  It was a pleasure to visit with them.

Ray and Teresa Riggs and Bill

Oct. 2 - After returning to Ft. Loudon Marina, we rented a car to take in some land cruising in the area.  We headed up TN Hwy 129 to "Slay the Dragon," which is considered America's #1 motorcycle and sports car road.  In an 11-mile section of mountain road, there are 318 curves and elevation changes from 877 feet to 1962 feet.   It was a beautiful Saturday, and there must have been more than 1,000 motorcycles of every size, shape, and description moving as fast as they could go in both directions.  There we were in the midst of them!  It was awesome!!

A Few of the Motorcyclists Cruising the Dragon

Overlooking Fontana Dam, NC

What a View!

We crossed over into North Carolina and stopped for lunch at Fontana Village.  Our return route was on the Cherohala Scenic Skyway which took us up as high as 5400 ft.  It was as clear as a bell, and the views from the overlooks were outstanding!

View from Cherohala Skyway, NC

What a Gorgeous Day in the Mountains!



Appalachian Mountains from Cherohala Skyway

 Oct. 3 - Off we went again in our rental car after attending Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Lenoir City.



St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

 We headed toward Knoxville to poke around in a huge shopping area called Turkey Creek.  On our return trip, we drove up to Oak Ridge, TN to see the area where our friends (Jay and Nancy) worked at the Oak Ridge National Labs. 

In the evening we went to see Jay and Nancy's friends, Jerry and Lynne Williams, who lived near the marina.  Lynne's brother, Jim, was visiting them from St. Petersburg.  We enjoyed meeting them and getting acquainted.

Oct. 4-5 - The Captain announced that it was time for OMEGA to head downstream.  We have cruised 1722 miles since we left home on May 17.  What a wonderful time it has been to date!  As we headed toward Chattanooga, we enjoyed the beginnings of fall color along the way.

Fall Color at Our Anchorage at Dog Leg Slough

 Our next layover was at Island Cove Marina on the outskirts of Chattanooga.  Again we were on familiar ground as we spent a week there in 2009.  Thanks to Enterprise, we were able to get another rental car and enjoy the area once more.  If you haven't been to downtown Chattanooga to see the development of the waterfront, make plans to do so.  It is well worth your time.  We especially appreciated seeing the completion of the cascading waterfall which was being renovated in 2009.  There are a number of large designs mounted on the sidewall depicting the culture of the Cherokee Indians with an explanation mounted on the concrete steps opposite it.  They are most interesting. 



Tribute to the Cherokees on Chattanooga Waterfront



A Most Impressive Display

Our good friend, Father Jim Vick, met us for dinner downtown on Oct. 6.  Father Jim used to be a dentist on Summerland Key before he went to the seminary and became a priest.  He is the pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Chattanooga.  It was a treat to see him and to enjoy his company again. 

On Oct. 7th we drove downtown again and got some exercise walking along the riverfront, across the picturesque walking bridge, and around the downtown area.  It was another beautiful day with temperatures in the mid-80's.

Walking Bridge Across Tennessee River

 

Aquarium on Chattanooga Waterfront

Oct. 8-9 -  Continuing our cruise downstream, we again passed through the Grand Canyon of the Tennessee.  This was one of the clearest days we have had traversing this section of the river.  While we have many pictures taken on previous passages, we couldn't resist taking some more to share with you since the weather was so perfectly beautiful.



OMEGA Headed Toward Lookout Mountain

Too Early for Peak Color, but Beautiful!

We arrived back at Goose Pond Colony Marina in Scottsboro, AL about midday on Oct. 9th.  It's amazing how it almost feels like home.  We'll be here until approximately Oct. 20th when we'll continue our cruise back to Summerland.