October 21-30, 2011 . . . "Grand Canyon" and Chattanooga

Upriver from Ditto SONATA passes Painted Bluff as we enter the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau.

Passing downbound tug WALKER pushing 16 barges is a gentle reminder that the economy is way down. On our prior trip up the Tennessee the river was busy with tugs and barges . . . now they are a rare site.

Thru the Guntersville Lock and on to our anchorage behind Goat Island.

Another anchorage graced by God's magnificient beauty. The evening and morning was only disturbed by a passing fisherman or the gentle breeze of a bird.

One of the many herons we see along the way.

In the background behind the Jackson County Park and Marina is the never completed Bellefonte nuclear power plant which was started in 1974.

After 23 years of faithful service the port engine shut-down-solenoid has decided to quit. A replacement has been ordered, received at Brandi's in Knoxville, and will be installed there. Must now shut down the engine by hand . . . what a great boat SONATA is, continues to be, all working well.

Thanks to the internet and a call to Rick (866-790-6464) at TrayCana.com a new solenoid was ordered, shipped, received, installed in minutes and all is well. Ordered two solenoids at $91.00 each #1502 12L6U1 B2S1.

Into the Nickajack Lock and Dam we lock through with the tug BAKER and its scrap metal barge; the heron watches from the upbound gate; we then depart for our overnight anchorage next to Little Cedar Mountain.


Anchorage and on up to Chattanooga in the "Grand Canyon" greatly enjoying God's masterpiece of color that a camera just cannot capture:

Drawing near to Chattanooga SONATA passes the Chattanooga based tour boat, SOUTHERN BELLE making a down river "leaf" tour.

First looks at Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga.

The riverboat DELTA QUEEN is moored across the river from SONATA. SONATA is shown at the Bluff Docks, fourth boat back. Several loopers are with us at the dock.

It was great to have Brandi and Taylor come from Knoxville to join us for the week end in Chattanooga. A weekend of shopping, eating good food, movies, and a tour about the town.