We Northern State Loopers all thought that it would be warm down here in TN. It is getting colder as the river fog indicates. I suppose we can’t complain when some areas of the country have had the dreaded s… word. This morning was 47 degrees and warmed to 65.
We had another delightful cruise up the Tennessee River from Clifton to Pickwick, a distance of 49 miles and 1 lock—that’s where it got tricky. Bob and I have done 9 prior locks on this trip and 72, on the Trent-Severn and Eire Canals on a previous trip but today’s locking experience was memorable.
4 Looper boats entered the Pickwick Lock at 3:15; 3 chose to tie up to bollards on the starboard side; one, on the port side of the lock. The wind and current entering the lock was strong, and it took a lot of strength to get the lines initially attached to the bollards.
The lock gate closed and we began the 55’ ascent. All of a sudden, the port side boat had a surge of flood current which caused the crew to lose control of their lines. They struggled valiantly, and in a brief moment, were desperately trying to hang on to one line as they were pulled stern first into the middle of the lock. We all watched helplessly as they began to careen out of control towards 2 boats on the starboard side. The captain was able finally to get to the engine and try to get some steerage, and the lockmaster realized the problem and shut down the lock. Luckily, the boat did not crash into the other boats but did hit the wall pretty hard but with no apparent damage. We all breathed a sigh of relief that no one was hurt and no boats were injured.
After exiting the lock, we all headed for the anchorage at Pickwick State Marina. This peaceful place was a welcome sight after this harrowing experience.
Be careful out there.
We had another delightful cruise up the Tennessee River from Clifton to Pickwick, a distance of 49 miles and 1 lock—that’s where it got tricky. Bob and I have done 9 prior locks on this trip and 72, on the Trent-Severn and Eire Canals on a previous trip but today’s locking experience was memorable.
4 Looper boats entered the Pickwick Lock at 3:15; 3 chose to tie up to bollards on the starboard side; one, on the port side of the lock. The wind and current entering the lock was strong, and it took a lot of strength to get the lines initially attached to the bollards.
The lock gate closed and we began the 55’ ascent. All of a sudden, the port side boat had a surge of flood current which caused the crew to lose control of their lines. They struggled valiantly, and in a brief moment, were desperately trying to hang on to one line as they were pulled stern first into the middle of the lock. We all watched helplessly as they began to careen out of control towards 2 boats on the starboard side. The captain was able finally to get to the engine and try to get some steerage, and the lockmaster realized the problem and shut down the lock. Luckily, the boat did not crash into the other boats but did hit the wall pretty hard but with no apparent damage. We all breathed a sigh of relief that no one was hurt and no boats were injured.
After exiting the lock, we all headed for the anchorage at Pickwick State Marina. This peaceful place was a welcome sight after this harrowing experience.
Be careful out there.
