Our Adventures on Sea Dream: Alabama to Mississippi to Tennessee

July 22, 2014

Entering Zippy Cove, we crossed into Mississippi!

Early Sunday morning we moved a mile deeper into Mississippi, docking at Aqua Harbor Marina, finally joining Fred and Linda. It’s large and well kept with an excellent restaurant, nice pool and grassy Frisbee field for Louie to run. The Mississippians greeted us with charming southern molasses ascents, extending sincere welcomes.

Leaving the dock Monday morning, we were shortly at Pickwick Dam & Lock in Tennessee, along with a huge raft (1150 ft long) of 11 barges pushed by a single huge tug. The lockmaster put the tug and barges in the main lock (110 ft x 1100 ft), requiring two very slow trips, but allowed SeaDream, Young America and a house boat to simultaneously use the auxiliary lock (110 ft x 600 ft). Only one floating bollard still worked so, being the biggest boat, we tied to the bollard then the other two boats tied up (rafted) to us. All went well as the water dropped 55 ft.

Monday’s Tennessee River cruise included passing Shiloh National Military Park, Cherry Mansion in Savannah (General U.S. Grant’s headquarters during the battle), some lovely homes and wondrous river bluffs, water-carved over millions of years. Late Monday evening, we anchored behind Kelley’s Island then Young America rafted to our port side. About 110,000 pounds of boats hung on our single Rocna anchor and chain in the current. The evening was cool as we shared a wonderful fish dinner aboard SeaDream. The anchorage was peaceful and serene, with tree lined shores and sounds of birds and nature.

Early Tuesday, morning mist hung quietly over the river. We hauled anchor about 8:00 A.M., heading for Paris Landing, near the Kentucky border. The 68 miles down river would be a good day’s run. As the river widened into the Kentucky Lakes, we followed the marked channel, careful to avoid the enormous expanses of inviting, but very shallow, water. Boat traffic was light but we did see interesting dredges, tugs and shore side remnants of life before the river was dammed at Paducah.

Tuesday was also very hot, with temps reaching 93 outside and nearly that inside SeaDream. Thank goodness we were at least shaded. We surprised ourselves by docking at Paris Landing State Park about 5:00 P.M. and…. what a rustic spot! Louie had a good walk and run in the park then we joined Linda and Fred at the Inn for an all-you-can-eat “Crazy Chicken” night for just $8.75 each. What a dinner bargain! All in all, another great day on our lovely Tennessee River.