Lower Tenn-Tom is Black Warrior-Tombigbee

Lower Tenn-Tom = Black Warrior-Tombigbee

Technically the Tenn-Tom Waterway ends at mile 217 when the Black Warrior River joins the waterway. We reached this juncture early in the morning after leaving the Rattlesnake bend anchorage – well not so early since we again had a foggy morning. Providentially the lock gods granted us a short delay since an upriver bound tow was already in the lock as we approached and our wait was minimal.  We overhead the lock keeper tell the tow captain that we were  headed his way, and were reassured when the gravelly voiced captain said he would try not to ram us. Then the captain added he preferred to see the “yachts” rather than have them appear by surprise as he was coming around a bend.  Did we mention that this lower stretch of the river is mighty twisty? There are famous oxbows which were not straightened and meeting a tow unexpectedly is not a pleasant surprise for us either.

 

 

We use the AIS feature on our chart plotter regularly to check traffic ahead. It also gives us the vessel name and speed which helps us anticipate when and where we will meet – not ram – them. Since we aren’t broadcasting the AIS signal, they can’t see us, but we can see them.  It is our responsibility to let them know we are here and heading at them.  They then tell us which side we will pass on – the one whistle or two.  “See ya on the two” means we will pass starboard to starboard.  These big guys often need most of the channel on curves and it is our job to stay out of their way on whichever side they choose. Thankfully traffic has been light and the occasional chats are not a burden but offer a little boredom relief.

Another issue we have encountered these last couple days involves obstacles. From Tarpon Springs, FL around the keys, we dodged crab pots.  On the ICW north we  dodged sand bars and shallow water.  On the Erie we had to avoid a little debris from the flooding, but the great lakes were mercifully free of obstacles that float or hide under the water.  We have travelled nearly 1500 miles on the inland rivers and seen few prop destroying obstacles.  However, since we left Columbus, the river has been littered with weeds and in them are hidden logs of various sizes.  These mostly bounce off our hull, nonetheless we try to avoid direct hits least what we can see is the proverbial tip of the iceberg/log – so to speak. These “obstacles” and the numerous curves are keeping us alert on our southerly journey.

 

 

 

P.S. An update on the missing watch – I opted for a replacement rather than a new battery in my old, old one since I found the perfect boat watch in Dirt Cheap for under $10 – just what the boat needed!  I also upgraded my anchor duty gear when Paul took us to Tractor Supply in Columbus – my new “ladies” wellies are keeping my toes dry on these colder mornings when I wash that anchor and chain. (Even 40 degrees is too cold to do this barefooted!) We have been fortunate with the weather in the big picture.  Those nasty overnight 20s were survived while snug at Paul and Amanda’s.  We have enjoyed more moderate overnights in the 40s and 50s with daytimes in the 70s or approaching them.  As we continue on south it looks like the favorable weather and light winds will continue – hopefully on into St Andrews Marina. So, the fog and light rain are not an issue – all things considered.