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Jon and Candy Gill on Isle of Skye
We
are presently in Fort Loudon Marina, just up from the Fort Loudon
Lock on the Tennessee River. (about 20 miles away from Knoxville-by
car) We left Nashville on the 20th of September. We went to Madison,
OH and picked up our 3-year-old grandson, who came with us as we
made our way back down the Cumberland River. We left the boat in
Barkley State Park Marina. (.70/ ft and a covered slip) and drove
JB back to his mother and returned to continue our trip. We enjoyed
the Cumberland, but the pool levels were low. If levels had been
a bit higher we would have had more anchorages to choose from and
it would have been more fun. Staying at docks and marinas is not
as much fun…esp. when the weather is very hot. We went back to Green Turtle Bay Marina and then from there we began a trip up the Tennessee River. We have enjoyed the Tennessee River very much. We went as far up the Tennessee as we could go which is to the Sea Ray plant. (which is on standby because of slow sale) and is about 10 miles past Knoxville. Right before Chattanooga, is the area sometimes called the Grand Canyon of Tennessee and it is beautiful. Chattanooga was an interesting stop. We spent only a couple of days. We spent a whole day in the Aquarium, which includes two buildings; One for Salt Water and one for Fresh Water. It would have been easier to spend even longer. We made side trips up the Little Tennessee River –and into the Clinch, Emory, and Little Emory Rivers. Watts Bar Lake (above Watts Bar Lock on Little Tennessee) is beautiful. Fortunately, some of the land is owned by the TVA and cannot be developed. We stayed a couple of days at Blue Springs Marina and visited with people who have come from Views of the Smokey Mountains are lovely. From this marina, (Fort Loudon) we rented a car. We drove into the Smokey Mountains and up to the highest point. We also visited Dollywood. This time of the year they feature excellent traditional craft display and there were a number of interesting exhibits. They also have music shows going on at various times –some are permanent shows and others are guest performers. The shows last about 30 min. and the quality of the entertainment was very good. We think of our friends at the NCYC and know that a lot of you would really enjoy the Tennessee River. Jon has to fly back for a few days of meetings in Toronto and Timmins and then we will start back down the Tennessee and make our way to the Tenn-Tom. Jon and Candy
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