GL: The Wrong Way

[Btlifes2short at aol.com]

Morning Tom,
 
After doing part of the loop backwards twice I feel I can answer your  
question.  The last 2 springs we have wintered on the west coast of FL and  then 
headed back up the coast to Mobile and points north on the Tenn-Tom,  Tennessee, 
and Cumberland Rivers.  In 2006 we headed up the Tenn-Tom in  June and last 
year we headed up the Tenn-Tom in mid May.  Both times we had  a great crossing 
and normal river conditions.  We did have to wait out  about a week of wind in 
Crystal River last year before we made the crossing to  Apalachicola.  You 
won't have to worry about going against any current  while you are in salt water 
but the rivers could be a very different  story.  
 
We just got back from going on a cruise ship with the owner of the  Demopolis 
Yacht Basin and he (Fred) told us that currently the Tenn-Tom is 6'  above 
normal and there is lots of debris in the water.  The Demopolis Yacht  Basin is 
located 215 miles above Mobile, about 1/2 way to the Tennessee  River.  My 
suggestion would be to call the Yacht Basin  (334-289-4374) when you are few days 
out of Mobile and find out the river  level before you head up.  Also note 
that all it takes is a hard rain to  really cause the Tenn-Tom to rise quickly, 
then you will have big current and a  ton of debris in that river.  There are 
a number of good anchorages to ride  out the high water if you get caught.  We 
REALLY LOVE the trip from Mobile  to the Tennessee, it's beautiful, remote, 
and you will meet the nicest folks  along the way.  Just be sure and not cut 
the corners when  you are on  the river, it's a sure bet you will bend a prop if 
you do.......many, many  snags outside the channel!  
 
This year we will be cruising the Bahamas & East Coast so we will miss  our 
time on the rivers.  When you get to Demopolis tell the gang that  Lifes2Short 
sends their best.  If you need more info don't hesitate to ask,  you can also 
find more info on our blog, address is listed below.
 
Have a great cruise!  

Brenda &  Todd Lanning
M/V Life's2Short
40'  Oceania
btlifes2short at aol.com
Check out our blog @
_http://btlifes2short.blogspot.com_ (http://btlifes2short.blogspot.com) 

Leaving St Pete today and headed south!



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