Days 148

Ditto Landing Marina AL - Hambrick Hollow Anchorage

• Start 1:05 AM
• End 4:00 PM
• Underway 2:30 Hours
• Distance 15 miles
• Total Miles on Trip 2910
• Av Speed 6.0 knots
• Locks 1
• Weather Sunny , 67 Degrees, Wind 6Knts NW

We traveled a whole 15 miles today from Ditto Landing Marina to Hambrick Hollow Anchorage. Because we only had a very short run, and Nick & Ginger were waiting for their Millie & Bradley, their great niece and granddaughter, we waited until 1:00pm to leave.

While we were waiting to leave we took care of some boat chores. Even if I don't mention it, we have to take care of things like check the oil every day we move, fill the fresh water tank every two or three days, clean the isinglass, clean up bugs and spider droppings, and all kinds of other fun stuff.

The current today was very strong and the closer to Guntersville Lock we got the stronger it got. As we made our last turn leading up to the lock we could see why. Eleven out of eighteen dam gates were open. As we approached the lock we were bounced around like we were in a washing machine. We had a very uncomfortable 10 minute wait while the lock master opened the gates. We were very glad we did not have a long wait. The forty foot lift was very quick and easy lift.

Our anchorage was only about one mile past the lock. One of the reasons we picked this anchorage, was the Gray Bat Sanctuary right outside of the cove.

Once we were anchored Millie and Bradley went swimming in some very cold water. None of the adults were brave enough to join them. Mark & Karen (Kay Dee) and Angel & I went exploring in our dinghies. We also wanted the dinghies ready so we could go watch the bats emerge from the cave at dusk.

While it was very fun to take the dingies to the cave, we were disappointed after waiting for almost an hour, the bats never emerged. We can only assume it was too cold for the bats.

Tomorrow's trip will be even shorter, we will be staying at Alred's Marina. Our final stop before Nick & Ginger's home port of Goose Pond Al.