Our Tennesse trip begins😃

Blue Springs Marina Restaurant

We left home with  the boat  early Sunday morning (5am) in order to get through Atlanta without any hassles. We arrived at Blue Springs marina on watts bar lake just off the Tennessee river where we launched. After launching, parking trailer and securing the boat in overnight spot we went shopping to get last minute groceries. Had dinner at the local restaurant at marina then turned in for the night ready to hit the river.

Snug in her dock space at Blue Springs Marina on Watts Bar Lake

Still dreaming

Well alot was going on in 2012 so thins got postponed. We did take a cruise in early 2013, but on a cruise ship. Visited Australia and New Zealand which we have always wanted to do, but no way we were taking "Simplicity" across the waters:)
In April our Oldest son got married and now we are settled back planning our next boat trip for next spring.

Planning new trip for 2012 or 13

Getting the itch again and getting older:(  Alan and I have started to plan a boat trip along the east coast and Maine. We haven't decided as to when we will start this until after Alan has his knee checked out. Has really been giving him some pain and the boat will aggravate it right now. Not giving up though.

Avery Island home of Tabasco

We left Houma and traveled to Avery Island. We stopped at Morgan City to fuel up then proceeded on. Finally found Avery Island and the dock. Some people who lived there let us tie up at dock in front of their house. I don't know if it was private or public, but they were kind enough to say go ahead. Got up this morning and toured the Tabasco plant, bought some souvenirs and walked back to the boat. Loaded up and left for Houma. This was the point where we decided to turn back east and head back home. It has been too stressful with the weather and finding fuel. Lots of barges and tug boats, even more so that on the Mississippi and Tenn-Tom we were on 3 years ago. This is suppose to be fun boating and it hasn't been. We are going to try and explore Lake Ponchatrain and take our time heading back east and explore those areas. I am glad we did it, but it's time to turn around. We arrived back in Houma this afternoon, tied up and went for a walk. Will leave tomorrow morning for Seabrook and back through the Harvey and Industrial locks.

Houma, La

We left New Orleans about 10:30am from Seabrook Marine. The wind was blowing, but not as much as it had the night before. Wanted to make it to Houma and knowing that we had enough fuel to get there and had called ahead to see if there was some available. We had to wait at least 45 minutes for the bridge to open then noon for the industrial lock. Rafted up to sailboat in the lock and it went pretty smoothly. Lock tender must not have had a food start this morning because he was a little crabby:) We cruised out of the lock and headed upstream on the Mississippi past New Orleans then we locked through the Harvey Lock and canal. Not much of a wait at all and we locked through with no problems. We were the only boat and the crew was nice. You do need at least 20 feet of line though, because it is about a ten foot drop and it is a cleat on the side wall. Usually they throw you a line or it is floating bollards that adjust with your boat. Luckily we have been through a fair amount of locks and was prepared. Not much to see along this route except big ships, tugs and so forth being worked on. We only went 54 miles and it took us all day. We arrived at Houma and plenty of dock space. Nice Town dock with electric and a laundromat within walking distance. Got a bite to eat while laundry was going and hydrated ourselves. We were both thirsty and drank three glasses of tea. Walked back to boat and after putting away laundry we both crashed. Next we are going to try to make it to Avery Island(Tabasco sauce) and probably turn around and head back. We left on the 7th  and in nine days we have only cruised this far because of weather. Gas not being available everywhere is an issue also.

New Orleans-Day two

Aquarium

Riding the streetcar

Streetcar driver

We went back into the city for the day since we couldn't cruise and bad weather was coming. Took a cab into the city and had them drop us off at the beginning of the the streetcar route uptown. We rode it all the way to the end and really enjoyed the scenery (beautiful homes) and mingling with the people. We went to the aquarium, ate at Landry's, walked around more and took a cab back to the boat around 7pm. Brad Pitt is filming a movie in New Orleans, but we never saw him. Just the film crews and prop guys. The cabbie told us that movies are always being filmed there and it was good for the economy of New Orleans.

A day in New Orleans

Jackson Square

Streets of New Orleans

French market

Cafe Du Mond

Riverwalk Sculpture

Took the cab into New Orleans and spent the day wondering around the french quarter, bourbon street and the waterfront. Had lunch at the Acme Oyster House, saw the market and had beignets at Cafe Du Mond.It was really nice just strolling around and not being in a hurry or there to see one particular thing. When we arrived back at marina our package was waiting for us and I installed the software update in GPS.  Whohoo it worked. We are expecting a storm with 15-25 knot winds tomorrow so we will stay put at marina. Hopefully Saturday we can lock through the locks and get to Houma. We will spend the day in New Orleans again and ride the streetcar and who knows what else.