We decided to head on a side trip to Knoxville, TN to see a UT Football game and be part of the Vol Navy. We had only about a week and a half to get there, so we started off and averaged about 80 miles a day getting to Knoxville. Most of the days, we were pulling in just at dark, and in one case we had to shorten our trip due to a four hour delay in the lock.
0ur first stop was Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers, Kentucky where the marina had a great park like feel.
on the way to Green Turtle Bay 
our boat dock 
Walking around park area
We walked all around and found the Thirsty Turtle Tavern for a late lunch. We went through the Barkley Lock at the Kentucky lake without much delay. We had docktails with several other loopers at Green Turtle Bay that evening.
The next day was 83 miles to Cuba Landing on the Tennessee River — starting to see more green trees and hills…
Tennessee River 
We got there at dusk, had dinner and hit the sack for the next early morning and 99.5 mile day to Grand Harbor Marina in Counce, TN.
Pickwick Lock
On our way, we saw planes crop-dusting.
We arrived at dark and met some friends, Peter and Yvonne, on the boat “Quite Nice” for dinner. We hadn’t seen them since Chicago; they will be completing their loop in Mobile, Alabama. We hope to see them again before they sell their boat and go back to Texas.
The next day we headed out early expecting a 90 mile day, however, we got held up at the Wilson Lock for 4 hours. We got through the second lock (Wheeler) at dark and so decided to cut our trip short and stay at Joe Wheeler Park, just a few miles past the lock.
Early morning 
Wilson Lock wall waiting 
Sunset before Wheeler 
Wheeler Lock at dusk
The next day we would travel 101 miles to Goose Pond, again leaving at daybreak and arriving just at dusk. We went through Guntersville Lock this day, without any delay.
Goose Pond thru grassy bay
One more long day and a quick pass through Nickajack Lock would get us to Chattanooga.
On the way we passed the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant.
Chattanooga was a very nice stop. We were right downtown on the city dock.
Walking around Chattanooga 
River walk trails
There was a lot to see walking around Chattanooga – – the “Trail of Tears” memorial was just off the dock as we walked into town.
After Chattanooga, we went by 2 more nuclear Power Plants
The second one was Watts Bar nuclear plant. After that we went through the Watts Bar Lock and then onto our marina at Blue Springs, TN.
Blue Springs Marina
We picked up crew (Larry’s Mom – Shirley; sister – Sandra and her grandson Parker) at Fort Loudon Marina, Lenoir City the next day who went with us to Volunteer Landing in Knoxville.
Don Campbell, our good friend from Kingsport came to stay the night on the boat. We walked to downtown Knoxville and had dinner with Don.
On the way back we saw this interesting bike arch
The next morning, Logan, Breven and Michael came for a morning boat ride and brunch on the boat. Don fixed Bloody Mary’s for the occasion.
After getting back to the dock, we saw several witches paddleboarding and canoeing down the river!!
We watched the UT vs Ole Miss game on TV back at the boat while Michael and the McAdams went to the game. It was a disappointing loss for the Vols. The next day we headed to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Knoxville for church where we met the McAdams and Patty Evans who joined us for brunch on the boat and a boat ride back to Ft. Loudon Marina.
Larry & Mary’s Great Loop Blog 
We really enjoyed joining you on the boat in the Knoxville area. Your maps show it was quite a trek to make that side trip so your family and friends could join you. We are so glad you made the effort! Sandy and Bill
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