Day 143 Joe Wheeler Park Cover to Florence Tuesday October 9, 2018

Day 143 Joe Wheeler Park Cover to Florence Tuesday October 9, 2018

Clouds came in overnight. They had the upper hand for most of the day. Temperatures were mid 60s to low 80s. A moderate SW wind.

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Today was lock day. Wheeler and then Wilson Lock in relatively short succession. The total distance traveled was about twenty miles. But it took about four hours adding the time in the two locks.

We left our very anchorage about 8:00.  We again passed the Joe Wheeler Marina. In a few days it will be packed with Looper boats and the Fall Rendezvous will be in full swing. One thing that we were reminded of was it was unseasonably cold when we were at a last year's rendezvous (we drove down).  We are thankful that it unseasonably warm this year.

The wind was up from the SW and blowing almost straight at the first lock with a good fetch. We had to wait a short while to allow the lock to be made ready for us. Normally,  a fifteen minute wait would be a piece of cake but there was a confused chop at the approach to the lock where we held station for a the lock to be opened. The waves from the lake were not all that bad but the dam and lock walls were reflecting them and making for a "every which way" wave pattern. Not the end of the world but so different from our normal flat calm river conditions. You can see some of the chop in the photo below.
 

Wheeler and Wilson are good drops at 48 and 93 feet respectively. And interestingly the Wheeler lock was much slower draining than the Wilson lock so the time down for each was about the same.

 

We enjoyed our stay at the Florence City Marina on the way up and decided to stay again. There were only several transients on the way up but a full house today with all the Loopers headed to the Rendezvous.

We took the courtesy car to town for an oil sender for one of the engines and to go to dinner. This building was impressive in the center of the City.

"I Spy" fans can you spot Perelandra? Hint We like to be 'front and center."

And upon our return to the marina, this fellow was out looking for his "shore dinner."

Nothing like fresh sushi - "Table for one?"

Some more football this evening gave time for the sun to settle into bed for another night so it is time to say ................

Good Night and May God Bless