Clifton TN and beyond

Clifton TN and beyond

Quaint Clifton, named for its cliffs, offered a chance to catch up on all things internet and enjoy some FSU football – Go ‘Noles!  The main attraction in this town besides the refurbished main drag is the T.S. Stribling museum which overlooks the Tennessee River on Water Street. Although little known today, Stribling won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1933. His former home now the museum was worth a visit even if it is currently not staffed plus it included a hilly stroll into town from the marina. During the steamboat era, Clifton was a lively place known for gambling and the occasional fight. Today, the sleepy main street shows no trace of this raucous past. A monument on the river front to Nathan Forrest – that rascal who plagued the Union armies during the Civil War – does include a colorful description of his crossing the river at these cliffs.  While flat boats transported the soldiers, their horses were pushed off the cliffs and expected to swim across. Not surprising, less than 100% made it safely to the other side.

The marina at Clifton is another example of designing to cope with floods.  The poles on which the docks float exceed any we have seen so far – even those on the Mississippi were not as tall. Apparently in recent years, the water has risen halfway up the fuel tanks covering the parking lot, but thankfully the docks did not reach the tops of their poles. On Friday night the transient docks were overflowing with six loopers or wannabees. The kitchen cooked up some gumbo and fried corn bread so the crowd was fed around the family style tables in the snug club house/office.  Just another tough day on the loop.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hung around Clifton to watch the FSU game since away from the marina our TV options were limited. 

 

watching the game outside while the inside crowd watch Old Miss

 

After tearing ourselves way from Clifton, we headed upriver (south) to Diamond Island. Although we have heard this is not the most beautiful stretch of river, there were many scenic spots to enjoy. Also we noted numerous developments along the banks – many elevated  due to the annual flooding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed a quiet night at Diamond Isle (no TV or much cell service) and in the morning pulled out to join a convoy of two boats – one our friends Rick and Deb on What’s next? who we hadn't seen since mid September.  After navigating Pickwick Lock at the top of Lake Pickwick, we decided to join Deb and Rick in Zippy Cove before continuing on up the Tennessee River to Florence.  Zippy Cove is actually on the Tenn-Tom Waterway just beyond the where it joins the Tennessee River. This delightful unpopulated cove was a contrast to the heavily developed shoreline on Lake Pickwick.  It is nice to find a few pristine spots in this popular area - perfect for catching up with looper doings.

 

 

 

 

 

free from our eight-legged friends