September 6, 2013 Anchorage at First Creek, Mile 277.0

Friday:  Another beautiful morning.  Guntersville, AL, area is very nice and the Alred Marina people were very helpful.  Keith checked to see what they charge for an annual slip and also if they did 6 months rentals.  The said they would and the price was reasonable.  It included cable TV, good Internet connection (that worked all the time), and our cells also worked good here.  Interesting; something to think about.  We have said this before but it is worth saying it again; the Tennessee River is awesome.  We are still in awe of it’s beauty. 

Ten miles underway this morning we encountered dense fog, right before the Guntersville Lock.  Up to that point is was a very sunny day.  The fog lasted for about 2 miles; 2 of the longest miles we have encountered in a while.  We could not see the lock until we were right on top of it.  Our radar and chart plotter got us safely in and out of the lock.  We made real good time on the river today; averaged about 11 mph.  We traveled 79 miles in just under 8 hours at 1700 RPM’s. 

CO’s comments:  I didn't see the lock doors until I was about 60' from them.  A good accurate chart plotter and radar are essential in times like this. 

9-6-2013: Like a picture post card.  Taken about a mile before the Guntersville Lock at Mile 349.0.

9-6-2013: Entering the fog bank.

9-6-2013: Fog rising.

9-6-2013: Our anchorage at First Creek, Mile 277.0+ by Joe Wheeler State Park..