Friday June 23, 2017. Leaving Chattanooga.

The rain stopped early this morning and a check of the weather indicated we would have dry conditions for at least most of the day. Since we were only planning for 40 miles today, we were in no hurry to leave. We all got up and walked up to Puckett's Restaurant for a HUGE breakfast. The owner was kind enough to give us a bag of ice to replenish the cooler.

The females walked to the candy store after breakfast while I took the ice down to the boat and got it ready to leave. Fluids were checked and the water tanks filled by the time the crew arrived, and we cast off about 11:15 CT.

Dani loves to take the wheel.

The sun was out and the wind was up by the time we left, and running downstream we were moving at about 8 to 8.5 mph. We made 39 miles or so in about 5 hours, and tied up at the same pier above Nickajack dam where were stayed on Tuesday night. We got more rain and pretty strong winds this afternoon, but the girls had helped me secure Genesis well to the steel dock.

Here are some assorted scenery shots of the mountains.

The mysterious log river monster!

We saw lots of ospreys today, but no eagles! Out of 10 trips through the Gorge since 2010, Wednesday and today's trips are only ones when we didn't see multiple eagles. Life doesn't carry many guarantees, though. One of the ospreys put on quite a show for us when she thought we were getting too close to her nest.

First she screamed at us .....

Then she glarred at us in a starring contest ....

Then she turned and showed us her profile (still screaming at us) .."..

And finally she threatened a full frontal attack. We decided to leave.

Glenda says:

Across the river from the TVA campground is a straight section of railroad.  From this side if the the river you can see the entire train from engine to the caboose.  Its a unique perspective compared to the usual, sitting at the crossing seeing one or two cars at a time and not knowing when the last car will come by.  

Dani says:

I woke up this morning to Papa on the phone. Before we left the dock we went to pucketts and had breakfast. It was really good! Papa left before GG Dakota and I to take the ice back to the boat. GG took Dakota and I to the brick couch for a picture. After asking and asking GG finally let go to the candy store. We got a bag to fill up and the lady working there said to fill it up to the top.

Me and GG on the brick sofa

I wanted so badly to go across a bridge that went over nothing that GG took a picture of me and Dakota on it.

                  Even though there was no water Dakota and I played in a puddle.

                        This is the little stream that I played in by the aquarium.

On our way up to Chattanooga I saw this rock and thought it looked like the turtle from the "Neverending Story " and forgot to take a picture so I did on our way back.

This a picture of a Indian statue that Dakota and Abby saw on their trip too.

The wind was blowing and the storm was about to come....I loved it! After this picture was taken I was splashed by a wave because the wind was blowing so hard.

Dakota says:

Today we had to leave Chattanooga and head home but we got to stop for breakfast at pucketts agian before we left. The owner of the restaurant was kind enough to give us 5 pounds of ice for our trip back which we were greatful. After breakfast me dani and gg all went to find the brick sofa that me and abby sat on when we were there last we even stoped at a local cany shop to have some for the trip back. Dani was kind enough to buy a bag for us to share because i didnt have any money with me. After that we all headed to the boat to get ready to leave. After that i pretty much napped the entire way back to the camp ground we stayed at before. Thats about it for today though but we also had some storms but none to bad. A little rain never hurt anyone. Anyway untill tomorrow.