After test running the boat yesterday and topping off of the tranny fluids we set out this AM for Decatur. Our bail out plan was to stop at Florence, AL but the boat ran fine and the vitals held steady. We were able to get two quick lock throughs at Wilson Lock, (the tallest / deepest lock) and Wheeler Lock (the longest / largest lock and dam) and timed our approach to the railroad lift bridge so that we got to the bridge just as it was being raised at 1700 hrs! A quick check down on fluids once we got into our slip revealed status quo! I will double check in the morning to be sure.

A seasonal cold front with rain and thunderstorms followed by freezing overnight temps is on its way through the TN valley. Our intention is to travel tomorrow to Scottsboro (Goose Pond marina) and ride out the expected PM thunderstorms there. If need be we can spend an extra day there, too. Meanwhile, it’s nice to have TV reception tonight. Although we don’t have WiFi here, we do have a fairly strong Verizon signal.

Right now I’m watching the World Series and beginning to fade. We’ll need to be underway by 0800 to get ahead of the heavy rain and make our 70 mile trip tomorrow.