Day 3 underway,

One Lock, three tows, 6.5 engine hours and 47 SM

Not so cold and not so much frost, but the fog went from bad to worst as the sun came up with rising temperature.  Even with the time change we thought we could get going at 0800--not a chance; 0730 could not see the bow 15 feet from the helm.  36 degrees outside.  Then poof, a breeze came and off went the fog and we untied the lines and cast off at 0833.  Only about one MPH current downstream so our SOG was 8-8.3 MPH.  We essentially had the river to ourselves, did see a couple of brave souls fishing on the bank and in boats--we waved.  There were some interesting bluffs along the way and some amazing homes up in the hills.  But not as good as our waterfront property today as we cruised down river.

Waiting to go

Actually, technically, we are on the Cumberland River, but also this is now Cheatham Lake.  Down stream is the Cheatham Lock and Dam.  (lock and dam)  I had called the Lock on the phone earlier this morning with estimated arrival time.  Lockmaster said he was anticipating three tows before we got there and might have to wait.  Acknowledged.  About four miles from the lock called again and was informed we had arrived before the tows and the lock would be ready for us on arrival.  Yahoo.  We rigged our big bumpers and proceeded into the lock and tied up starboard to at 1145.  We cleared out of the lock at 1200.  We met three large tows with 3x4 barges (12) and once again got to practice the whistle passing protocol.  Finally chatted with the third tow who was more talkative, confirmed my AIS was transmitting and saw me well ahead of time.  I was very appreciative to learn my installation was a success.  I have been seeing reciprocal AIS traffic since day one, nice to know I too was being seen.  Just a beautiful sunny day as we continued down river to our intended destination.

Entering Cheatham Lock

Clarksville, TN has a FREE courtesy docks with electric.(map)  Passing the dock, we did a 180 turn pointing the bow up river and eased along side the floating dock and were secure at 1500.  Electric works!  We walked the waterfront park in breezy but a warm 64 degrees.  Salad and cup of soup on board for supper we are good to go.

Serenity secure

Did not know about the battle of Clarksville.  (civil war)

Tow and barge of undetermined length went by at reduced speed; the wake did not seem too bad and we did not bounce too much into the dock.  That is a good thing.   Boat and crew did well today.