Grand Harbor to Carter Branch Anchorage

10/17:  Actually, we did not return to the river as mentioned in yesterdays log.  Instead we awoke to am absolutely stunningly beautiful day and an equally stunning weather forecast: “ showers and thunderstorms, some severe evening hours and overnight, winds 15 to 25, gusting to over 35, chance of rain 90%.  Guess what; we stayed over another night as we had no desire to sit at anchor.  Was a good call as around 2200 we “enjoyed” a 2.5 hour lollapalooza of  T’storms, lashing rain, tornado warnings & reported gusts in excess of 70 mph.  We came through unscathed, as did the other boats in the Marina.  Bed felt good when all quieted down.  Will try again tomorrow.  Bonnie says…one would think with an unexpected day ashore lots would get done. Hmmm, not so when living in boat time! We did go for a lovely hike with Joel and Linda –Water Music. They are from Minneapolis and came down the Mississippi to begin their Loop. Found we had many life experiences and interests in common. With the predicted storm, the marina was more than full with many seeking refuge. We were moved to a different slip—right next to the Louise and Jessie, Katie, Reggie and Bird! Had another Docktails evening but ended much earlier so we enjoyed a dinner aboard: Mango salsa pan seared pork chops with a rice medley and tossed salad. Oh yes, mustn’t forget the luxury of ice cream! Yum.

10/18:  This time, we really did get under way. Moved to fuel dock at 0915 for diesel & pump out.  Under way at 0955 on the way to a delightful anchorage just below the Wheeler Lock & Dam, only 9 miles away from our Rendezvous destination at Joe Wheeler State Park, AL., mile 274 (from the Ohio River).  Was a beautiful day, filled with cool air & bright sunshine.  Met up and anchored out with Northern Spirit, a Canadian sloop out of Britt, Ontario.  Covered another 46 miles and arrived at anchor at 1615.  Bonnie says…We tried to anchor in a very private creek with no homes but couldn’t get the anchor to hold---not good. So moseyed a bit more upstream and went to Carter Branch---cliffs on one side and homes on the other. A plus was a very easy dinghy ride to a boat ramp with a low wall---no one got wet or muddy when taking the girls ashore. One must consider these priorities. Dinner was chilidogs and salad!