Day 27 – 10/30/23

Starting location: Clifton Marina, TN

Weather: Hard rain, muggy & warm at night, then rapid shift to much colder and windy by morning. Rain off and on all day. High in low 50s.

Ending location: Pickwick State Park Marina, transient dock, TN on Tennessee River, entered canal at MM 208.

Statute miles: Approximately 49

General summary: Abrupt change in weather overnight. Hard rain persisted. Much colder. Feels like early winter. Short walk around Clifton Marina area in the morning, then headed out to resume our Southward track. Pickwick Lock and Dam was the biggest foreseen hurdle. Noted numerous boats heading that way and after some radio communication determined we would form a flotilla – our first – to get through the lock as a group. 11 of us headed in line towards the lock and waited together. The lead boat had organized a 1:30pm lock through, but ended up being 3:30pm before the downstream headed barge was out. Thank you to the Halcyon for letting us raft up (tie up side by side) with them through the lock. Long, tiring day. Not a lot of photo opportunities.

Boater information:

1. A flotilla through Pickwick Lock is a very good idea. Important to call early in the morning and have an experienced lead boat to organize.

2. Pickwick State Park transient moorage is first-come first-served. They do not take reservations, so it is a good idea to call the harbormaster in advance to find out how many slips are available.