Tennessee River Run Swallow Bluff Island and Panther Creek

October 29 - October 31, 2016

We left our quiet anchorage at Denson Island around 8:00 am, in 51 degree temps with fog. The forecast called for another 80 degree day. Mucho Gusto is still behind us but should catch up before the end of the day. At 10:30 we got our first glimpse of them on a long straightaway. They slipped back out of sight on each turn. I tried to text Rhonda but couldn't get open internet service. When we passed little towns with WIFI, I quickly try to connect to any open network available. Finally at 2:00 I capture one for just enough time to send a message, letting them know we will be anchoring at Swallow Bluff Island. By the time we got to the anchorage, Mucho Gusto is moving along behind us, our Buddy Boat once again.

We anchored Mystic first and Mucho Gusto rafted up to us. It was so good to have them back! The sun set as we sipped docktales and caught up on the trip down the Tennessee. We were anchored right behind the Island and lucky to see the goats grazing on the shoreline. There were signs everywhere warning us not to come ashore but it was great fun watching the two adults and two cute kids. A huge custom Trawler named Vector came from the South and anchored behind us. In the morning we will head for Pickwick Lake, another milestone in our journey. Tomorrow is Halloween!

Swallow Bluff Island Goats

Vector

Scott capturing the sunset at Swallow Bluff Island

Beth & Rhonda aboard Mucho Gusto

Sunset at Swallow Bluff Island

We raised our anchor at Swallow Bluff Island and headed south as the sun rose above the horizon. It is a beautiful morning, the temperature is 59 degrees with ground fog adding just a bit of chill to the air.

Sunrise at Swallow Bluff Island

Mucho Gusto is in the lead. We made our way down the waterway, passing homes that sit high on the bluffs. A gentleman sipping coffee on his deck waved to us; we smiled and waved back. As we moved south, the air is filled with a sweet smell, much like a spring morning back home in Minnesota. The last three days have been perfect, easy and enjoyable.

Mucho Gusto

Views Along the Tennessee River

After about 26 miles of moving along the Tennessee, Dave calls to me, pointing at the shore. My first glance through the binoculars gave me the impression we were looking at deer but as we got closer, there was no question we were looking at a pair of coyote. I got several photos of them, calling to them to get their attention. They are beautiful! They scavenge along the river bed looking for food and a cool drink. How lucky we are to see this magnificent animal in it's own environment.

We have to pass through the Pickwick Lock and Dam to anchor for the night. We planned to anchor at Yellow Creek, just across from the entry to the Tenn-Tom but the wind is out of the south making this unfavorable. Scott asks if we'd like to join them at another anchorage called Panther Creek, three miles south toward Decatur. This will be our last evening with the Joiners. Without a doubt, we wanted to spend this night enjoying their company one more time. They are heading to Decatur to visit their son and we are headed down the Tenn-Tom toward the Tombigbee. When we got to the Pickwick Lock, we had to wait about a half hour to lock through. A cigarette boat zoomed by us as we crossed into Pickwick Lake. We dodged his huge wake while looking up at the amazing homes on the cliffs lining the Alabama side of the waterway. The Mississippi side reminds us of the Apostle Islands. The Alabama side of the New England lakes. The water is a cool green, not clear but much cleaner than the Mississippi.

Pickwick Locks and Dam

Pickwick Lake Mansion

Pickwick Lake Mansion
swimming pool with glass wall facing lake

Mucho Gusto led us into Panther Creek. Once we were settled, we gathered for docktales and to share the gorgeous evening together. We watched as hundreds of minnows swam in tight circles. Suddenly a larger fish would break into the rhythm, causing the minnows to scatter and jump in the air. We tried to stay quiet as we watched but ended up laughing hysterically at the display.

Watching Minnows

Rhonda & Scott Joiner aboard Mystic at Panther Bay

As everyone headed below for the night, I took a moment to lay back in the cockpit, my eyes resting on the milky way floating above Mystic. Suddenly, a shooting star dashed across the sky in slow motion, then fizzled like a firework. I felt so small but also so important in my role as an observer in this amazing universe.

Mystic & Mucho Gusto rafted at Panther Bay

The coyotes woke me in the middle of the night with their howls. I fell back to sleep envisioning them running along that beach.