Great Loop

December 1 What an incredible DEI compliant approach to designating bathrooms.  Even if you want to argue with it, you can't because you can't stop laughing. Gulf Shores / Orange Beach Time has passed since my last post simply because days and nights have been filled with activities and delights.  The rivers were long and constant.  There was not a lot of variation or excitement to them.  Arriving in Mobile Bay changed all that.  The world exploded with color, people and fun.  Our adventure changed from a singular path to a multiverse of options and decisions and we were up for the challenges.   After having the Shorebilly serviced we headed to Gulf Shores Al, home of the incredible and amazing Jerry and Rosemary Reichstetter.  Anyone who has spent time around me has heard me quote him many times. He might hate this picture, but there is nothing more classic than a pic of Jerry handing out a Yuengling.  The Reichstetters and us have been...

November 14 First a Smile Our oldest son teaches Military Science at the University of Houston.  For Veterans Day he was asked to lead their football team on to the field. I am so proud of this young man!  The Rivers We traversed the Illinois Waterway which consisted of multiple different rivers (i.e.. Calumet, Des Plains ...).  Then we transitioned to the Northern Mississippi river which lead to the Ohio river.  This opened up to Kentucky lake which led to the Tennessee river.  A quick 400+ mile side trip on the Tennessee had us to Chattanooga and back where upon return we were on the Tennessee - Tombigbee canal.  The end of that had us on the Tombigbee River which opened up to Mobile Bay.  All in all, 1800 miles of rivers and about 25+ locks. Where the upper rivers were not that pretty and heavily commercial, our path off the Mississippi was beautiful and fun.  There were multiple nights at anchorage and the marinas were welcoming and kind....

November 6 Side Trip READY, AIM ...... No, not a statement of "to much time on the boat together"!  Just a funny pic we took. Time for a side trip!!! What the heck, Chattanooga is only 200 miles out of the way!  The Tennessee River is reputed to be the prettiest gorge east of the grand canyon.  Let's see!  Off we went. Now 200 miles doesn't sound like a lot if you are a landlubber.  On a boat, it is a different story.  For most Loopers, it represents about 25 hours, or four/five days, of cruising PLUS 3 locks ... each way!  For the Shorebilly it represents 10 hours or about 3 days due to the lock delays.  Therefore, most Loopers do not do this side trip.  We, however, could not resist. The extra 100+ miles is because we had some running room yesterday to make up some mileage and we did. The Tennessee River The river is beautiful with wide open spaces, long rock faces and hardwoods lining the banks.  Unfortunately, due to the dry year, th...