DEBBIE'S VISIT

July 7-12 - We left Grand Harbor Marina in Counce, TN on the Tenn-Tom Waterway and joined the Tennessee River at Mile 217 with Daughter Debbie aboard as our special guest.  It doesn't get any better than this!  For a few miles, the river meanders back and forth in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, and then settles into being in Alabama.

Leaving Grand Harbor Marina

Capt. Bill and Daughter Debbie

Debbie at the Helm

The highlight of the day was going through Wilson lock at mile 259.4, which is just above Florence, AL.  It is a national historic landmark and was the world's highest dam when it was completed in 1927.  Today it is the third largest with a lift of 93 feet.  What a thrill for Debbie as it was her first time going through a lock!

OMEGA entering Wilson Lock

Char lassoing the bollard to secure OMEGA

Debbie keeping OMEGA away from the lock wall

                                                        Water Swirling Into Wilson Lock
Exiting Wilson Lock, we were in Wilson Lake at elevation 507.5 feet.  It is 15.5 miles long and is dotted with homes, small private docks, and parks.

Continuing on upstream, we went through Wheeler Lock at Mile 274.9 and shortly thereafter we arrived at our destination at Wheeler State Park Marina.

OMEGA on the right at Wheeler State Park Marina

Wheeler is a great place to relax and have fun which is exactly what we did for the next four days.  We hiked the wooded park trails early in the mornings and took in the natural beauty of the park.

Bill blazes the trail for us

Lakeside Cabins at Wheeler State Park

Father and Daughter resting a bit during our hike

Later in the day, we took off in the dinghy to explore the creeks in the surrounding area and then enjoyed swimming in the Tennessee River to cool off!  It is definitely summertime weather here with temps in the mid-90's.

Tulsa Mermaid

Swimming in the Tennessee River

We rented a car for the weekend and did a little land exploring.  Went to Florence, AL and walked around the University of North Alabama campus, which was very pretty and interesting.

Debbie and Dad on UNA Campus

View of University of North Alabama campus

Their mascot is a lion, and they have a Lion Habitat on campus.  However, Mr. and Mrs. Lion obviously did not want to be disturbed.

Had a great Italian dinner at Rigatoni's on the main drag of town.  If you visit Florence, Al, be sure to go to Rigatoni's.

Laundry day at Wheeler State Park - Charlotte and Debbie take off in the dinghy with our load of laundry headed over to the marina office.

On July 12th we drove Debbie back to Grand Harbor Marina at Pickwick to pick up her car for her long drive back to Tulsa.  Had a wonderful visit with her, and we're so glad she was able to come.