It was quite an adventurous day that began at 6 a.m., ended at 6p.m., and we only traveled 18 miles, but we made it to Joe Wheeler State Park and the AGLCA Rendevous! This is a fall gathering of Loopers that goes for 4 days, with all kinds of seminars, including ones which tell us what to expect for the next part of our trip all the way to the Carolinas. Pulling into the marina at sunset nearly brought tears to my eyes as we were helped into our slip by half a dozen fellow loopers, and the realization that we had achieved one of our goals.
We had to travel through two locks today, including one that is the tallest lift east of the Rockies. Unfortunately, there was a double tow in front of us that caused delays of several hours at both locks – twelve hours to go 18 miles! And we have to go through these same two locks on Saturday!
We had a blue heron sitting on the arm that opened and closed the lock gate. The photo on the right was taken after we had already gone part way up -we went up 90 feet!
When we got to the second lock, we were told we had to wait at least two hours or more so we tied up to a cell the tows tie up to – another first for us!
Plots more to tell, but very slow internet connection, so good night for now!
Congratulations! The endurance and patience that both of you have to deal with all the delays and the long days is amazing. But you did make it and with lots of stories to tell. Can’t wait for the next installment.
I can’t wait to get someplace with good internet so I can tall more stories about this trip. I have so many photos and such slow internet that it takes minutes to upload a single photo, so no way can I post even a few of the photos.
Congrats on making it to the rendezvous! What amazing (and sometimes frightening I’m sure) experiences you’ve already had. And more to come. Continued safe travels. Our best to both of you.
Thanks! We’ve discovered that doing the loop can be a very social thing, especially as Loopers reach this point of the journey. There were 11 looper boats at a small marina a couple of nights ago, all headed in the same direction. We all had docktails followed by a taco dinner prepared by the little cafe at the marina. It reminded us of Z dock.
Congratulations sounds like a rough day. We made an offer on a boat today. 4450 Cruiser yacht. Well let you know.
Congratulations enjoy the rendezvous we made an offer today on a Cruiser4450 keep your fingers crossed for us.