Tennessee River Thru Paddle - Day 25 (5/5/21)

Where ever we go, the wind is in our faces

Start: River Mile: 207

Finish: River Mile: 186

Day Total: 21

Trip Total: 468

Our logistics puzzle for today was, has the storm caused a backup on barge traffic through the lock? Not wanting to chance it, Jon had arranged for Delbert from the marina to haul our boats and gear over the dam so we could put in at the down river side. It worked out perfectly and we were in the water by 8:15.

We had a peaceful first three miles, until RM 204 when the river curved to the right and took us straight North. From that point on, we had steady 10-15 mph winds in our faces. What a surprise. It was that kind just going to be that kind of day. 

The river is actually a river here. Not a big lake. That made for a visually pleasing day of paddling, even if the wind was brutal as usual. At RM 197 we left the main channel and went to the right of Diamond Island. The wind in this two mile section was not as bad. The bird life on this river is made up of Great Blue Harons, Comerants, Bald Eagles and Canadian Geese. We get to enjoy watching them in their natural habitat. 

Early morning start on the Tennessee

We found a nice little beach to have lunch at mile 194. My leftover BBQ ribs were delicious. After a nice break it was back to our battle with the wind. The afternoon always seems harder than the morning, and today was no exception. The head wind really wore me down. By mile 21 I was completely wiped out. We found a boat ramp where we could set up camp. Lots of folks fishing at this spot, but they will be gone by sun down.

It was Jon’s turn for dinner tonight, and he really out did himself. Sautéed onion, garlic, potato and cajun sausage. Oh man, so good! We each had two servings and ended up with no leftovers. 

Chef Jonathan works his magic

We had a couple old timers walk over and struck up a conversation. They seemed to know who we were and about our trip, from Facebook. We had a really nice chat with them. 

Yum

We are not able to have a fire today, too many people around. It’s really cooling off so it will be an early to bed night for sure. I‘d love to get an early start tomorrow morning to assure we can get 24 miles in and reach the Redstone marina, where they have the best burgers on the river. We hope to be able to confirm that!