Chapter 20: Fast and Fun

Everyone knows Bill likes to drive fast, right? Well, on Oct. 20 Captain Billy put the hammer down driving “2 Explore” up to 19 knots (= to 21 mph)! Had to catch up to our gang of boaters going into a really big lock and to avoid a really long wait. We were flying! It was fast and fun for about 10 miles. The lead boaters likely were thinking we would not make it. Bridgett was thinking, “Just watch us try!”
At Iuka, Mississippi the Tennessee River joins the Tombigbee waterway and becomes the “Tenn–Tom.” It’s not deep nor significantly wide, but it is tree lined, bird heaven, and beautiful. We left Columbus, MS marina at 5:30 am today (10/23) so our parade of eight boats could get through three locks together. It was 46 degrees and a bit too dark for our comfort level. Got through the first lock at 6:45 and the rising sun was spectacular!
We have now traveled 1,909 nautical miles, completing about 35% of our estimated 5,500-mile journey in four months. So far, the dream is a reality.Read more