GL: GL - The wrong way

[Mike Sullivan]

I don't know about traversing the "Arm Pit" from east to west, but I don't
know why that would be any different than from west to east.  Just wait for
a good weather window and watch the tides, and direction shouldn't make much
difference.

As for going up the Tombigby, the Tenn Tom and the Tennessee, that's a
little different.  We live on the TN River so have some experience.  The US
Army Corps of Engineers, who control the locks and dams on these waterways,
lower the pool 5-6 ft every winter and the raise it back to normal in the
spring.  This is done for flood and pest control.  In the spring of most
(but not every) year, the spring rains come, and as the water levels are
raised on these rivers, all of the deadfall from the previous winter will
wash downstream.  What that means for a boater is that the currents will run
faster, and the "stuff" in the rivers can be hazardous.  Trees, logs,
deadheads, tires, barrells, and other assorted junk will present themselves
to you and can damage your boat.

Now, having said that, the severity of all of this depends greatly on how
much rain falls in March/April.  In some years the rains have not fallen as
much so the currents are not bad.  In a spring with heavy rains, the
currents can be as strong as the Mississippi River going backwards.  It just
depends.

A recommendation:  IF you make this trip, go up river at least to
Chattanooga.  If you do, you will be cruising on some of the most beautiful
water and scenery you will see anywhere in North America.  Beautiful
anchorages are plentiful, and marinas are easily available and cost less
than most other places on the Loop.

Good luck.

-- 
Mike and Pat Sullivan
Aboard Irish Ayes - Gulfstar 44
rgrsullivan at gmail.com
http://thevoyageofirishayes.blogspot.com/