Lock Lessons Learned - Day 28 - Clifton to Counce, TN

Sunday, October 31, is significant in that under normal circumstances it would be the day that we would taken the boat to Marine Services for winter storage.

Guided Discovery in Clifton, TN on Sunday morning

Sunday's goal was Grand Harbor Marina in Luca, Mississippi at the start of the Tennessee Tom-Bigbee Waterway, a 55 mile run up the Tennessee River with one lock

During our departure preparations, which includes checking the engine room and fluids, I discovered a leaking water pump related to the cockpit air conditioning system.  Actually, I should have figured this out days ago when I was cleaning the sea strainers and noticed considerable water in what had always been perfectly dry bilge. I incorrectly attributed the water to the heavy rains.  Bad thinking.  We've had heavier rains and no water.  I also noticed that somebody, either myself of a technician, kicked the bilge pump and cracked the housing.

Departure occurred at 10 o'clock and the trip up the Tennessee was pleasant as we enjoyed our 25th day of PERFECT weather since leaving Chicago.  That's 25 out of 28 days for those who are counting.  The scenery changed from pristine wilderness to rock formations and homes perched high above the river.

Winter storage on the cheap

Typical scenery

Nice home perched high above the river

The two most significant sights along this stretch are the Shiloh National Military Park, which we passed at 1:43 PM and the Pickwick Lock and Dam which we reached at 2:30.

Pickwick Lock and Dam

We got a big scare and learned an important lesson locking through Pickwick.  Here's the story. 

After a 70 minute wait for an upbound tow to lock through (he got there just before us and he has priority) the doors finally opened.  We have to go up 55 feet.  This lock features a floating bollard, which we have used before, and we tied to one to starboard in the forward part of the lock .

The doors open

We have to go up 55 feet

As we rode up things started to happen and, unfortunately, they happened fast.  First, we did not tie tight enough, second, we did not cleat the line securely and third, we did not have the forward 28" (big) fender ball far enough forward.  Three big mistakes.  The result was that as the boat rose, the pressure of the water swung the stern out pressing the bow toward a very ROUGH wall.  Despite our frantic efforts with the bow thruster which we can control through a remote and Diana pushing with all her might, the starboard rub rail contacted the wall (several times).  At the same time, the line payed out and ultimately, despite my holding on with all my strength, I had to let go.  The boat was now floating free in a very turbulent lock.

The next two to three minutes involved using the engines to avoid crashing uncontrollably into the wall.  Fortunately, I was able to do so and quickly maneuvered the boat back to the bollard where Diana competently re-secured it.  The rest of the ride up was uneventful and we exited the lock 27 minutes older and, I hope, slightly wiser.

I had two clues that should have forewarned me.  The first was the turbulence we observed the lowered the water level just prior to our entering.  The second was the Lockmaster's instruction to tie as far forward to get a smoother ride.  I disregarded both.  Unfortunately, I/we had become complacent due to our previous locking experience, which had up to now been a piece of cake (due to the fact that we were going down NOT UP).

The photo doesn't capture the turbulence.  It actually created a wave

 Oh well, that's why it's called a rub rail.  Below is a photo of the damage.

Minor damage on the rub rail

Approximately an hour later, we reach The Tennessee Tom-Bigbee Waterway and one mile down river, Grand Harbor Marina, another truly first class facility.   We topped off the fuel tanks (120 gallons at $3.14 per gallon) and tied up for the night ($57.78, another bargain).  Use the link to heck out the marina.

Another beautiful sunset as viewed from the boat's cockpit

The only other excitement was dinner, which we wanted to have at a restaurant.  Turns out most are closed on Sunday and all are 5 to 7 miles from the marina.  No problem.  We call marina security (as it's after hours) and the security guard brings us keys to a courtesy car, locates a restaurant that's open, drives us to the car in his golf cart (a bit of a distance) and gives us directions.  All of this started around 6:30 with the restaurant closing at 7.  We made it with 5 minutes to spare.

Food was just OK.  Unfortunately, being on State property, the restaurant was dry and we really could have used a drink.

Written by Les (one day after events)