CALHOUNS

June 30, 2009---Spent another day just enjoying the very pleasant marina. The Dream Manor is parked in the first slip across from the parking lot next to the Party Barge. The marina furnishes food for the boaters the first Friday of each month. We are looking forward to the activity this week. It is an opportunity to gather with the locals.












In the background can be seen part of the Fort Loudoun Dam and highway 321 (73) that goes over the top. Work on the bridge causes one lane traffic. There are always vehicles waiting in line. During busy times of the day it is a bit hectic.










No shortage of Wave Runners parked at the marina.







At Calhoun's Restaurant a little girl was feeding bread to the fish. Carp were actively fighting for the meal. Lots of boats were parked with people seated inside and outside enjoying a fine meal. A young man playing a guitar was providing music for the outside group.

MAINTENANCE

June 28-29, 2009---Sunday, drove around the local area just sight seeing.
Monday, changed oil & filter on the generator. Replaced the Separ filter elements on the fuel system to the main engines. Installed a small lift plate on the 20 HP Honda engine on the dinghy. Seems to help keep the bow of the boat down better as it comes up on plain.

SUDOKU

June 27. 2009---Rather lazy day. Hung around the marina and people watched. Brother and I spent the day solving Sudoku puzzles. Here are some pictures of signs and great boat names. The lake was very calm.

KNOXVILLE

June 26, 2009---Our plans are to stay at the Fort Loudoun Marina for a week or more. It is about a 30 minute drive into Knoxville. We had a rental car delivered to the marina and started exploring the area. Located the riverwalk in Knoxville and another Calhoun's Restaurant. There were lots of ducks and geese swimming around the pilings that support the restaurant. I am sure they are getting well fed. There were also carp that looked fat and content to hang around the area.

Much of the University of Tennessee is located near the river. The football stadium stands tall. A crane had some workers lifted working on the giant T. It is said that when there is a home football game that hundreds of boats will be rafted together in the river.

Located the airport to know where to pick up Carol when she arrives July 3rd. Found the bridge over the dam is being repaired. There is only one lane open and considerable waiting time due to heavy traffic. The entire area seems busy as there are plenty of vehicles on the road and with the hills and turns defensive driving is a must. We loaded up with groceries and returned to the marina.

FORT LOUDOUN

June 25, 2009---The water was so still this morning that reflections of trees was a beautiful sight. Toward the opening (in the distance) another boat can be seen at anchor.







They left shortly before us and headed up the Tennessee River. Took us a while to pile up the mayflies and get them off the boat. Mayflies?? Isn't this June??









Up river a short way there are some breaks in the trees. It looks like good pasture land.









I-75 was very busy as we passed underneath. Our speed was 8 MPH while overhead traffic sounded like it was traveling nearly 10 times faster. I bet they have not seen the detail of senery we have experienced.









Many very nice homes can be seen along the river. Some are so high up on the hills and far away it is dificult to get any good pictures. Here are a couple shots of homes closer to the water.










Notice the picture with the black angus cows in the lower right. When you click on this picture to enlarge it, you should see the Canadian geese in the lower left.








This picture is of some large manufacturing facility. Have not learned the details.










A nice boat by named "Lady Linda" passed us just before the Southern Railway Bridge near the town of Loudon, TN. After the railway bridge is highway US 11 that leads into town.









Along the river bank is a development in Loudon. If you don't mind your place looking just like your neighbors you could chose one of the white, two story units. River view would be great!








Past the white houses and on the opposite side of the river is a hughe plant. Our understanding is this plant brings in the corn by barge mostly from Indiana and breaks it into several products. Corn was being off loaded by a bucket shovel. The kernel is removed by a milling process. The inside of the kernel is processed into corn syrup. (It sure smelled sweet when passing by). The outside of the kernel is made into two by-products. One product is ethanol used as a gasoline additive. It is shipped by barge to Louisiana. The second by-product is pelletized corn gluten animal feed that is sold to the farmers.



















The Fort Loudoun Lock & Dam is the last one on the Tennessee River. This lock is the second highest with a lift of 72 feet. Crossing over top the dam are U.S. 321 and Tennessee 95. This dam created Tellico Lake. A town called Lenoir City is located by the dam and marina. The marina is only 1/2 mile from the lock & dam.
















Upon arrival at the Fort Loudoun Marina we spotted the "Lady Linda". Our assigned spot to tie up was directly in front of that 80' boat. It looked like a tight squeeze, but worked out okay.

What a handy arrangement. We put the dinghy in the water and went to the well known Calhoun Restaurant on site. Boats came and went from the restaurant while some of the folks stayed for the music at the Tiki Hut next door.

LITTLE PAINT ROCK CREEK

June 24, 2009---Another short day of travel. Pulled anchor and continued up the Tennesse River another 28.1 miles to just before day marker 576. Followed a tow for a few miles. the senery is quite varied with some cattle seen along the river. Turned off main channel to port and went about 1/2 mile up Little Paint Rock Creek. Had a little trouble getting a good set on the anchor. Will spend the night here and move to Fourt Loudoun Marina tomorrow.

EUCHEE DAY

June 23, 2009---Lots of sunshine this morning on Watts Bar Lake. The Barn Swallows showed no fear of our stationary watch dog, as they appeared to dive bomb him, and then land on the rails. Of course you know what birds do that requires some clean up!














There are no major towns around this lake. However this marina attracts attention as it has floating cabins for rent, bike trails, boat rentals, waterslide and other activities. There is a restaurant on site open 4 days a week, Thurs-Sun. According to the locals the marina name is pronounced "u-CHEE". The E is silent.





















A couple of washers and dryers are available in a separate building. Maryann was glad for the opportunity to get the washing done.

Amber Fawcett has been working at Euchee for the past 3 years. She keeps a close watch on the fuel dock for customers while on the computer taking courses toward a college degree. One of her many goals is to become a private pilot.

We departed the peaceful setting and went a grand sum of 7 ¾ miles to an anchorage in a cove, on the north side of the lake, directly across from the Blue Springs Resort & Marina. No internet service. Had to finish the blog this morning.