More Locks on the TennTom

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Thursday, 11 November, 2010
Happy Veterans Day to all veterans and those who currently serve. We thank God for you and we thank you for your service.

We went through three more locks today, that means only six more between here and Mobile, AL. The section we cruised today is mostly a canal, cut by the Army Corps of Engineers because the Tombigbee River here is so winding. It’s much prettier than the divide cut, with more signs of civilization and even some pretty fall colors.

First was Fulton Lock with a 35’ drop. Fifteen miles down river was Wilkins Lock with a 25’ drop. Amory Lock was only 5 miles from Wilkins and the canal was straight between the two so you could see both locks from any point. Amory Lock was a 30’ drop. By the time we get to Mobile we will have dropped something like 415 feet.

Since it was such an uneventful day (a very good thing,) I thought I might explain a little about locking through. When you get about a half mile away from the lock, you call on the VHF radio to the lockmaster and let him know who you are (boat name) and which direction you want to lock (up or down.) When the gates are open and the green light is on, you proceed slowly into the lock. In the walls of the lock are floating bollards or pins that ride up and down in grooves. The best way we’ve found to tie up to one of these is to tie a line to a mid-ship cleat, then when you come to the bollard you want to tie to, you wrap the line around the top of the pin a couple of times and tie other end of the line to the same mid-ship cleat or another nearby. Of course you have to have fenders to keep your boat off the wall, we like the big round ones, one forward and one aft. That’s all there is to it, other than informing the lockmaster when your boat is secure. It is recommended that when locking up, you move your boat to the most forward pin you feel comfortable with. Locking down, it really doesn’t matter.

Today it was just our boat and Sara’s boat in the locks. A big crowd of boats left early this morning, but we decided not to hold them up (besides we were still dawdling over coffee) and waited until later to start our day. It was a sunny, bright day, even quite warm this afternoon. Tonight we’re at Aberdeen Marina, looking forward to showers after supper. It was nice to be able to put our garbage in their dumpster, too. If you want to look on your maps, we’re at Aberdeen, MS.

By the way, we do appreciate your comments.

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Photos

Fall Colors
along the canal section of the Tenn Tom

Earendil in Amory Lock
In the background you can see Wilkins Lock, five miles away

Floating bollard
recessed into lock wall, this is what you tie your boat to when locking up or down

Forward fender
between bow of boat and lock wall

aft fender
between lock wall and rear quarter of boat.

Comments

[charli-tx]

surprise
Well, I was just cleaning out my e-mail and found your blog in my spam. Glad I looked. What you are talking about just is so impressive as it is Greek to me. I know nothing about boats, sailing or traveling for that matter. I know you had told me you would be going in Nov but as usual, the dates flew through my mind and landed somewhere else. I have been to Shiloh and to Savannah many times on survey but never had seen Grant's headquarters or Shiloh from the river side. I appreciate your comments...you are very knowledeable... I was always in a quandry as to which house Grant actually stayed in . With the cold front coming in tonight, I hope that you are 'south' enough that you don't really have to endure low temps. So sorry to hear about 'aunt lolly'.... i almost felt like I knew her for all of the good things you have said about her in the past. I look forward to more postings...just be careful! Charli-Tx