Our journey to Chattanooga took us from Huntsville, Alabama, Ditto Marina to Goose Pond Marina in Scotsboro, Alabama. We arrived at Goose Pond in the late afternoon. It has a very narrow , shallow channel. Our draw on No Agenda is 3’8” and we were traveling in water as shallow as 4′. Needless to say I held my breath! Once we reached the marina the depth improved. The marina facilities and staff were super accommodating, we used the courtesy car and explored the area and of course stopped at super Walmart for more provisions! (Diet Coke)! We had dinner with the crew of Masquerade (Theresa and Susan) at the Dock restaurant and enjoyed shrimp, grouper, Caesar salads, gumbo and cocktails! Our boat and Masquerade left the next morning for Shell Mounds recreation area just below the Nickajack lock and dam. I’m trying to appreciate the history of the beautiful country we are traversing so I have been listening to Autio App, (Cliff notes for American History). It discussed the Cherokee Chief who reigned the area in the 1700, “Dragging Canoe”, he resisted settlers and colonist. The area was evidently rich in caves with saltpeter, used in the civil war and war of 1812 to make gunpowder. This area is steeped in colonial and civil war history. The countryside is absolutely gorgeous.
We arrived in Chattanooga on Sunday morning, October 24. We were docked at the Bluff Dock, Erwin Marina. We literally were docked in the spectacular downtown riverfront along, the River Walk. It was absolutely beautiful. Chattanooga is a very inviting and welcoming city. The downtown area is accessible by foot, tons of waterfront parks, pedestrian bridges, sculptures, art, restaurants. The Aquarium and Art Museum architecture was very modern and unique. Everything was so accessible. We walked to the Pickle Barrel, a historic spot downtown for dinner. It had the feel of an old Irish pub.
MaryLou came to visit !! We were able to hit all or the tourist hot spots: Lookout Mountain Incline Railroad, Point Park (Union Army defeated the Confederate soldiers here in the “Battle above the clouds”, Rock City and Ruby Falls.
This has been an amazing trip thus far! I have finally started and restarted my exercise program (Thanks Angela!), I have been reading novels (not medical articles) and even learned a song on my guitar!! Mike spends a lot of time planning and navigating. He drives the boat most of the time but I have been doing some of that too! The locks and docking can be challenging but our head sets for communication have helped! I think we should wear them all of the time!!
If you get a chance to visit Chattanooga do! It won’t disappoint!!