Well all was well until about 8:30 am this morning. Had a great trip from Harpeth River to Clarksville. Spent the night last night and started the old tub up and pushed away from the dock. No forward or reverse gears. Luckily I was close enough to throw my lock-thru hula hoop over a cleat and keep from drifting off into the bay.
Well after looking in the engine room I see the shaft and transmission had come unbolted. Four bolts had come all the way off the connection. Yesterday all was well. I did feel The boat came in to the dock a little quickly and didn’t take reverse to a full stop but I just figured bad boating skills. In fact this dockage was the second here because I wanted an outside dock with 30 amp service.
Well the boys from Pebble Isle just left. They reattached the tranny and shaft and Putting it in gear here at the dock it is fine. Nobody can figure out what happen other than vibration at idle. I never felt any wobble or loss of power any where on the river. Thank God this didn’t happen on the river in a narrow channel with a strong current and a tow boat coming at me.
Well Here are some pictures from the last few days.
Rainy day out of Rock Harbor
Bluff about 200 yards from my anchorage at Harpeth River
Storm on the way at Skinny Dip
Five minutes later look at the water blowing up under 30 mph winds
Getting hammered constant 30 mph wind
But you always get the beautiful sunset. You can see the lights of Old Hickory Lock and Dam.
Eye level from the deck looking up the Harpeth River at 7:00 am
7:30 am
Sight of repairs
Clarksville Marina and embayment
Well tomorrow I will head to Dover Island and then the next day back on Lake Barkley.
I will make it. I feel groovy real groovy
Doc Brad Standing by on 16.
Last word
One very good guy and good old soul I was lucky enough to know for a number of years has passed. He is another friend I will think of from time to time for the rest of my time. He will never be truly gone from my life.
Black Dog Sailor 