COUNCE, TN TO FLORENCE, AL

Monday, September 15th to Wednesday, September 17th, 2014

Day 42-44
Miles Traveled on Wednesday: 41
Total Miles Traveled: 1136




  Monday morning we visited the Tennessee River Museum in Savannah, TN.  This museum gives history about the Tennessee River from the Ice Age to the Steamboat Era.  Although it was a small museum, it was very well done.  (A tip for those touring this area:  go to Shiloh National Military Park first and get a free admission voucher for the Tennessee River Museum). 

Tennessee River Museum

  After the museum, we had a great lunch at The Outpost at Pickwick Dam.  Their specialty is BBQ and it was delicious.  However, the "show stopper" was the Hog Fries - waffle fries topped with their pulled pork with spicy BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing.  Next to the restaurant is a little general store which carries local food items.  We both got a fried fruit pie made by Yoder's - YUM!!!

The Outpost at Pickwick Dam General Store

  


  Tuesday was a day of rest.  We just relaxed at the marina all day long.  We enjoyed our stay at Grand Harbor Marina - great people and great service. 
http://www.gograndharbor.com/



  Wednesday we cruised to Florence, AL.  We had yet another great day with beautiful weather.  About half way to Florence, we got into an area of the river were a fiber optic line was going to be placed.  Fortunately, they hadn't closed the river yet and were just getting the buoys set and the work boats ready.  You never know what you are going to see on the river. 

line of bouys for laying of fiber optic line

  We arrived at Florence Harbor Marina mid afternoon and just in time to congratulate NEW Gold Loopers, Jeffrey and Lolly on "Knot So Fast".  They pulled in just minutes after we did.  We were the second people to congratulate them on their completion (the first was a good friend that was there to help them dock).  We hope this is not the last completion we will be able to be a part off.  

  After visiting with them for a while, we walked over to the Florence, AL visitor center and got loads of information about the Muscle Shoals area.  The Visitor Experience Specialist, Suzanne, was very informative (we have found this to be the case at most of the visitor centers we have gone to).  While there, we got to see the "Alabama Jammer",also known as "Bama Jama", on display.  This Alabama shaped guitar was made by Gibson for the State of Alabama in 2011 for The Year of Alabama Music campaign.  It was played by many famous musicians during this year. 
http://www.yearofalabamamusic.com/alabama-jammer  

"Alabama Jammer"

  Music runs deep in this area, for example, Lolly (the gold looper) is a musician and writes lyrics for jingles and Zach, the bartender at the marina restaurant, plays keyboard for a band known as "The Local Saints".  Check them out at: http://thelocalsaints.com/