A-Carol-ing

At 6 am and 29 degrees with frost covering the boat, we quickly dressed and began going through the checklist to get underway shortly after sunrise.  Sixty miles/8 mph + short daylight hours=get going!  As the sun appeared over the calmness, the beauty was such that we were reminded that this was a CAROL morning!  Mike’s sister, Carol Lehman, likes to enjoy her cup of coffee in the serenity and quiet of the early morning.  Carol’s appreciation for this gift nature provides her inspires us to be grateful for these mornings as well. 

By 10 am Velsignet had passed through the Heflin Lock near Gainesville, AL, our only lock for the day.  The skies bathed us in sunshine all day long.  The flying bridge was a comfortable hangout.  The scenery along the Tenn-Tom seemed beautiful compared to the drab and dreariness of the past cloudiness.  (Thinking now, has it been drab and dreary?  I’ve forgotten!)

Cruising down from the Heflin Lock was new  territory for Brenda.  When Velsignet cruised upstream towards the Tennessee about two months ago, Mike and his sister, Carol, captained the ship.  Brenda met them near Gainesville.  That evening two months ago was as pleasant as this evening is. 

Tonight we relax in a protected anchorage, just 6 miles north of Demopolis, AL.  We celebrate the Christmas holiday by listening to Christmas music by Harry Connick, Jr., Kathy Matea, Susan Boyle and Michael W. Smith.  We are also reflecting on the beginning of this adventure which included Carol Lehman.  

All is calm; All is bright!  (especially with the full moon!)

Isn't this beautiful?   Doesn't look frosty at all, but it was!  (Frosty means it's also slippery walking around the boat.)

As the sun came up, a fog came over the water.  Our visibility was quite far, so we ventured out as planned.

Sunshine all day.  Made the contrast between rocks and water and trees stand out.

The flying bridge was our hang-out once the sun warmed it up.  It's Saturday, so we listened to Minnesota Public Radio's "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me,"  "The Moth Radio Hour," and "This American Life."

More water....the photo doesn't do the cruise justice!

The closer we get to Demopolis, we're seeing more of the bluffs along the waterway.

Sick of water pictures yet?

We're anchored on a canal off the Tenn-Tom for the evening.  We're planning to grill something to go with our salad.  First...a glass of Phantom Chardonnay, a wine introduced to us by neighbor Patricia Grimes.  Here's to you, Pat!  And here's to sister, Carol!