Monday, July 5, we were underway by 5:30 am CT, and by 6:15 am, we were on the Tennessee River at mile makers 215. Our first lock on the Tennesee River was the Wilson Lock, a lift of 93 feet. It makes you feel small when you are at the bottom of the lock. The second lock of the day was the Wheeler lock, and by 3:30 pm CT, we out of the lock. Another first for me being captain of Lollipop occurred about 7 pm CT in Decatur, Alabama, as a Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge blocked our progress. After several calls, the bridge tender answered and raised the bridge for us. Shortly after the bridge, we found an excellent spot to anchor for the night at mile marker 307.5.
Tuesday, July 6, was the final day of our journey to Lake Guntersville. I am unsure if it was exhaustion or excitement, but we were underway at 5:10 am CT headed for our last lock, the Guntersville Lock. We arrived to find the lock set up for downriver, so we waited about 20 minutes for the lockmaster to drain the lock for us. Soon enough, the lock was ready, and we got the green light to go in. As we were about to enter the lock, another pleasure boat called to say they were less than 5 minutes behind and asked the lockmaster to hold the lock for them. But, the lock doors closed, and up we went. At the top, I expected to find a commercial tow, but there was nothing. About ½ an hour later, I heard the captain of the pleasure boat call to say he was secure in the lock. I still wonder why the lockmaster would not wait for them.
We are in our home lake and only 8 miles from our marina, but it felt like we would never get there. Finally, an hour and a half later, we were tied to the fuel dock to pump out the holding tank. A short 100 yards to go, and at 1:45 pm CT, we were in our home slip for the next three months. That evening Bronson and I drive a car from the marina and went for a celebratory dinner at a local Mexican restaurant.
On July 7, between the rain showers, Bronson and I loaded his gear in the marina loaner car and drove him to the Huntsville airport to catch his flight back to Tampa. When I got back to Lollipop, Deb arrived, and it has finally set in that Lollipop was ours. We have plans to do some upgrades to Lollipop while she is at Guntersville Lake. So, follow along as our adventure continues.
