15 November, 2019 Tenn-Tom Waterway Fulton, MS

Followed same tow through 3 locks; 6.9 engine hours, 26 SM

The  6.9 engine hours today were really about 3 hours underway remainder idle waiting.

34 degrees at 0500 winds northerly less than 5; forecast clear skies and northerly winds 10 MPH. Surface water temp 56.1 degrees.

Not too bad of a  start today

From the anchorage it was only about an 45 minutes (5+ miles) and we were awake early, so we made preparations to weigh anchor and depart early.  Anchor up and secured and we were U/W @ 0650.  Checking AIS I noticed a down bound tow and an up bound tow not yet entering the lock.  It was going to be a wait.  We exited off the main channel and found a spot out of the wind in 20 feet of water and dropped the hook.  Hour later the Lock master called all the waiting recreational vessels  stating the lock would be ready for us in 30 minutes.  We fired up the diesel and pulled the anchor and off again at 0831.  The forecast winds of 10 had freshened to at least 15 from the north.  Bay springs lake is oriented north/south and today there was a very long fetch and the waves were building to 1-2 foot.

Cruised most of the day at 1850 RPM and 7 MPH or slower and lower RPM--almost making fuel.

Approaching the Whitten Lock and Dam (Whitten Lock) 4th highest change in elevation in US, with 4 other boats, I was considering our entry and tie up.  We had rigged for a port side tie.  The gigantic 70’ sail boat we were following took the first tie vice going to the far end--i went around and then and there realized there was significant wave action and impressive tail wind.  At idle we were scooting along too fast.  I reversed--single engine inboard do not do well backing up.  No steerage to speak off.  We approached our tie off too fast--no room for a go around because the lock door ahead is closed.  I reversed again, increased throttle and it was colorful to say the least.  We quickly re-rigged for a starboard tie and I maneuvered in front of a 50’ yacht without hitting it and in a slight lee, we safely and securely tied to the lock wall.  We were bobbing up and down +/- 2-3 feet.  Whew--have not had that much excitement in a long time.  Crew safe, boat safe.  Great learning today.  Exit 80’ lower, water was calm and smooth for a few miles.  Hi anxiety--did not get any pictures but Kim was on bow with go pro.  Will try to edit down a video to post later.

Bottom of Whitten Lock--84 foot drop

Next was the Montgomery Lock and dam (Montgomery_Lock).  Same tow ahead of the same four pleasure boats so we had to wait again.  30’ elevation change--locking down.  Entered lock at 1115 and exited 1139.  Smooth entry and tie up.  We looked and preformed like pros.  Wind still blowing but not straight down the lock axis.

Next up was the Rankin Lock and dam. (John_Rankin_Lock). Again, tow ahead with priority and another wait.  1245 arrival at the lock, we did not enter the lock until 1400; exit 1430.  Little more challenging with tailwinds and choppy water entering the lock, but we were better prepared and safely secured port side tie.

Only a few short miles down river as we approached our anchorage near the Fulton Recreation area.  (map)  A well marked secondary channel to a launch ramp with good 10’ water all the way.  We dropped the hook slightly south of the boat ramp in 10’ of water with a gusty north wind of 10-15.  Good set.  Surface water temp 51 degrees.  We are thankful the boat is good to go and we did not get hurt or hurt the boat.


466 SM traveled since our departure from Cedar Creek Marina 1 November, 2019