Tennessee River Trip

Phil Murff is a happy camper on Aunt Aggie.

Today we traveled from Paris Landing on the Tennessee River to Cuba Landing about 50 miles south.

Anne had a day to herself in the car, and Murff traveled with us on Aunt Aggie.  We had a quiet day with glassy water.  It was beautiful. We passed many fishermen.  We were waked once by a fast boat.  Flashlights and peanuts and water glasses tumbled, but no harm was done.  

We enjoyed having Murff with us.  He is a cheery passenger.  Murff makes sharp observations and is curious about the world.  He appreciated the lake, as we did.

Our main issue was getting in touch with the marina.  They are closed on Monday and Tuesday, so George finally called their emergency number to ask if we could tie up at their dock.  I felt as if our needing a spot for the night was not a true emergency, so I didn't want to do it.  George had a good chat with the owner and got directions for us.  

We passed this abandoned grain elevator on the lake. 

It was on the river bank when the lake was created in 1944, and now it sits in the middle.

Three more floors are beneath the water.

When we pulled into the marina, we saw the open dock.  I lassoed the middle cleat.  Murff roped the stern one.  We were quickly set up. Soon Anne came walking down the dock to join us. She had ice, a rare treat.  This is a quiet, rural spot.  The bathrooms/showers are up the hill.  It feels like Girl Scout camp, which is a pungent and sweet memory for me.  

We had happy hour on the front of the boat to avoid the sun's rays as it set.  As we were enjoying our chips and dip, a huge TVA tow came into the marina.  Fishermen scattered to get out of the way.  The tow pulled even with us but on the other side.  They are here for the night.  A guy came out on the deck to grill supper.  

The TVA tow sits across the way.

A tiny frog appeared this afternoon.  Did he come throughout the hole in the deck?  

Should we toss him over?

We had a great  dinner of pork chops, corn on the cob, and salad.  Now we are settling in for the night. So good to be with friends. Tomorrow Anne and Murff will have a day to themselves: They plan to visit Shiloh, the Civil War battlefield.  Anne also is excited about a catfish restaurant for lunch. We'll have separate adventures and then see each other at the end of the day.