Grand Harbor start Tenn-Tom

Wilson lock -

We are back at Grand Harbor (the one with the nice high rise condos) where we stayed on our way to Joe Wheeler. Today we departed at 6am, daybreak, and after 8 hours we traveled 62 miles and 2 locks. The Wilson lock was a 93’ drop and the water was 115’ deep. It is named after Woodrow Wilson, our 28th president and when completed in 1925, it was the world’s largest dam. Take a look at the door after we were lowered down. The trees were at their peak color, it was beautiful.

There were 5 of us that left Joe Wheeler this morning and allthough we traveled in different parts of the river in very deep water, we all kept bumping logs. No damage done to anyone, however.

Tomorrow we chart new territory starting down the Tenn-Tom which is the connection of the Tennessee and the Tombigbee river. We leave the Tennessee at the state lines of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. The distance to Mobile, AL is 450 miles and 13 locks. More dirt was moved to build the Tenn-Tom than was moved to build the Panama Canal. This allowed passage between the Gulf Coast and the Midwest without risking life, limb and hull on the rapid Mississippi River This area is narrow, winding and remote and often we will not have cell phone or internet connection so don’t think we’re falling down on the job, it is beyond our control. The area is also full of nature, beautiful shoreline, alligators, birds, and even bears if I’m lucky enough to see one on shore. This is an adventure I’m looking forward to!