October 30-31

October 29 Brisk but perhaps better than a hard frost back home. Also very foggy as the sun came up over the mountains. We waited awhile before we could depart before the fog lifted. The River temperature is still 68 degrees. Nickajack lock was only a few miles downriver and waiting for the lock was not an issue as another boat had called for a lock opening and the lockmaster indicated it would only be a few minutes. A smooth ride down and out into Guntersville Lake a few minutes later. Each day the trees turn a little bit more. Not much of a picture at the top left but the story behind the picture is somewhat intriguing. At mm392 on the River sits a sad site with only the tops of a non functioning set of nuclear plant cooling towers peeking above the trees. In 1974 the TVA began to build Bellefonte nuclear plant. In 1988, after spending 6 billion dollars and never finishing the plant the TVA abandoned the project. News reports indicate a weak economy forced the TVA to abandon the project. Recently the site was approved as one of two sites for the construction of nuclear plant by a consortium of energy companies. Sounds like they may be starting all over again. Most of the equipment is outdated. Reports also indicate the local people embrace the idea since there are several other nuclear power plants in the area. Our arrival at Goose Pond marina was welcome and the staff is very helpful. Dinner was at the nearby Docks Restaurant which served us such a great meal on the way up the River. The boat Christine was already here and Carol Ann arrived about 5pm

October 31. Today is an easy day. Only 27 miles to a great anchorage just above Guntersville Lock. Washing a few days grime off the boat, a little paperwork, and the morning was gone. We took on 102 gallons of fuel, got a pump out, and took off just in time to have our usual lunch on the way. A half a sandwich, a few grapes and a special treat today--mini size candy bars handed out by one of the other looper boats in honor of Halloween. It doesn't look like we will be attending a Halloween party tonight. Just a few ghosts and goblins circling the bright moonlight night while the boat swings at anchor. The trip down river was delightful--in contrast to the other day when we travelled this section of the river and it was foggy, rainy, and overcast. Not a cloud in the sky today. No wind and 70 degrees. Arrival time was 3pm. The picture is of the sun setting over our anchorage. Pork Chops on the grill and cottage cheese- a simple but tasty meal. The town of Guntersville Al is only a few miles away if you are trying to locate our whereabouts.