Don't worry, it wasn't all work while we were there. Every day new loopers came into the marina and we would stop by the transient slips to see who we knew and introduce ourselves to those we didn't. The Looper tradition of docktails was held most every afternoon and we tried to stop by when we could.
Soon enough it was time to get moving and stop working. We left on October 11th for a stop at Paris Landing State Park and Crazy Chicken Night. This is how we started the trip last year and it seemed fitting to keep the "tradition" alive. It's inevitable as we head south along the same path as last year that we stop at many of the same marinas. There are only so many along the way. It's nice to see some of the same faces as last year and "sit a spell" with some really great people. In the picture below is Gene (R) who runs Clifton marina and his friend who spent his working years on the barges, both are 80 now. Its always a hoot to spend some time swapping stories with these guys even though I can't understand half of what they say!
Clifton Marina added something new this year in the Clif-Tones...a small band that comes to entertain the boaters heading south this time of year.
Next morning we left early to make the 60 mile run to the start of the Tenn-Tom and Aqua-Yacht, another repeat from last year. There was rain on the radar when we left but the "forecast" was for improving conditions through the day....wrong! Less than an hour after leaving Clifton we rounded a bend and were faced with this sight.....
It doesn't show in the picture but way up river there was a barge sideways trying to get back under control from the wind. We were hit with 40 mph winds shortly after taking the picture and then the rain started. The picture below was our view all day after that. Seems we only go through locks in the rain!
Today we took a day off at Aqua Yacht and borrowed the courtesy car to go exploring. I'm a bit of a Civil War buff and Shiloh battlefield was not too far away. It's a very impressive site with a self guided driving tour.
Back at the marina they were having a classic boat show which was worth a look-see. Very nice to see the old boats so well taken care of.
Tonight is the Hunters Moon and it's nice to see clear skies as we get ready to head south on the Tenn-Tom waterway.
The fall colors are starting to show here so it's definitely time to start moving south. We figure about 8-10 days to Mobile and then slowly make our way to Orange Beach Marina where we will be staying for the month of November. Stay tuned for an update then. Meanwhile keep an eye on the "locate us" link on the right to see where we are. I'll keep sending out tweets on the mornings we're moving.
