Oct 24 Ditto Landing Huntsville AL back to Ingalls Landing Decatur AL

Oct 24


We left the boat at Ditto Landing and got a rental car for a trip home. Took the long way home and stopped in Chattanooga so see which loopers were around and for a BBQ lunch. 

Nina and Pinta replicas hogging up the Chattanooga visitor docks

Got home OK and was relieved to see that after being away for 4 months there were only a few chores waiting for us.  We were able to catch up with friends while watching a Clemson football game and then enjoying a dinner out.   Did a little binge TV watching catching up on F1 races. 

Never get tired of the sunset views from the back of our lake house

But honestly, after a few days I was getting bored and fidgety to get back to the boat.  So here we are – at it again. I should mention that while we had the rental car we did some exploring in Huntsville.  It’s got a very vibrant craft brewery industry.  There’s one area in town where 5 breweries are lined up virtually side by side.  A few more scattered around the downtown area and then several taprooms specializing in craft beers.


Breweries aside, back on the water the Tennessee  continues upbound to higher elevations through a series of additional locks but we’re as far up as we’re going and will now be heading downstream all the way to the Gulf of Mexico – down some 556’ to sea level.  The railroad bridge in Decatur has a 9’ clearance and has to open for us to pass but due to maintenance work it is closed from 7AM until 5PM. 

Decatur RR Bridge - no getting through without a lift

  So, we planned our departure from Ditto Landing to arrive just before 5 to catch an opening and spend the night back at the Ingalls Landing free dock.   Left Ditto at noon planning for a very leisurely cruise.  Started our trip running at 6.5 knots but ETA on the GPS was too early so we slowed it down to 6 knots, then 5.5, then 5, then finally to 4.5 for the last hour.  Better to just float down the river than idle around in front of the bridge with an early arrival.  Pretty much had the river to ourselves all day with the exception of one tow we passed and a couple of bass boats out fishing.  We were hoping there would be some more fall colors in the trees but it’s still pretty green with just touches of yellows and browns. 

Flock of birds (pelicans??) as we passed Wheeler Wildlife Refuge

We have company at the dock as Loopers Salty Paws are also tied up for the night.  Checked out Decatur’s only brewery Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing (XEO for short). They had an interesting IPL - India Pale Lager.  A nice easy day with a relaxing end was a good way to get back into the swing of things.  Big day for Martha.  While driving the boat she hailed a tow and arranged for a pass. 

Martha setting up to pass on the "One Whistle"

She also took the helm for docking duties making a  180 degree pivot in the channel and laying the boat smoothly alongside the dock while John franticly tended to the fenders and lines.

Journey for Oct 24