Sunday, October 20: Heading to Chattanooga

Date:                           October 20, 2013

Day on the Cruise:     170

From:                          Joe Wheeler State Park Marina
                                       
To:                               Ditto Landing Marina, Huntsville, AL

Statute Miles:              55.7 SM

Time:                           6.25 Hrs

Cumulative Miles:       4,300.6 SM

On Board:                   Susan, Chuck, Maggie, Trooper, Peanut

Tonight we are at Ditto Landing Marina which is on the River South of downtown Huntsville, AL.

The Red Circle is Ditto Landing Near Huntsville, AL

We are finally heading on our side trip up to Chattanooga. It feels great to be moving again after more than a week sitting at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, AL.

We traveled today with Mike and Veronica on "Pazza Bella". Just the two boats, and they took the lead.

We departed Joe Wheeler at 8:10 in temps near 40 degrees and wispy fog on the waters. It was very cold up on the fly bridge. We were bundled up in sweat shirts and jackets. The sun was out and burned off the fog in short order. By 10:30 we were shedding layers and after lunch we were in tee shirts. A beautiful cruising day after all!

Send Off Party on the Dock

Fog Over Joe Wheeler Marina

Fog Mostly Burned Off as We Leave

Following "Pazza Bella" Up Wheeler Lake

It was fun to cruise up the Tennessee River on what used to be our home waters when we lived at Decatur, AL. Nothing has changed! We passed our old marina, Brickyard Landing, where we kept 3 of our boats over the years. It must have been too early on a Sunday because they were not open!

Passing By Our Former Marina, Brick Yard Landing in Decatur

We had to get the railroad bridge at Decatur raised in order to go under. This was accomplished after waiting a few minutes for a train to cross. Another 30 or so minutes found us going under the I-65 bridge and then we started to get into some hilly areas where the Army's Redstone Arsenal borders the River. Then it was the U.S. 231 bridge and finally we arrived at Ditto Landing at the base of Green Mountain that runs South from Huntsville. The scenery is very rural, and the trees are just showing a hint of Fall colors.

Railroad Bridge In Decatur Opens Up for Us

Cat Food Plant in Decatur. Trooper got a Sniff of This!!!!

I-65 Bridge East of Decatur, AL

At Ditto, we tied up in a slip at the transient dock area. This is right next to the boat launch, and all afternoon we had a parade of bass boats going by to get back on their trailers.

We Made it to Ditto Landing in Huntsville!

Entering the Marina at Ditto Landing

In the Harbor at Ditto Landing

Tonight was diner on board. Tomorrow we go about 40 miles to Goose Pond Colony Marina which is on Lake Guntersville. We have to transit Guntersville Lock to get there. The weather looks good for the trip!

Thanks for Reading!