Great Loop Day 067 Nov 3, 2016, Pickwick Landing to Grand Harbor Marina
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” — Tennessee Williams
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DAY 67 Thursday, Nov 3, 2016. Pickwick Landing State Park Marina to Grand Harbor Marina. 9.8 miles.
Leaving Pickwick Landing Marina and saying goodbye to its resident raccoon bandit living under these docks.
The Sea Marie is sandwiched between the big boys.
Greeting selfie!
A short hop today. This marina offered a courtesy car for a ride to Walmart for groceries. Needed some fresh fruit. After gassing up one of my 5-gallon cans, which was much cheaper here according to the waterway guide website, I settled into my assigned slip. After I hooked up the shore power cable I went to the marina office to pay the transient fee which was discounted to $1.00 a foot and inquire about the courtesy car.
My phone had a voice message from Jimmy Barnes whom I met at Hammond Marina in Indiana. He said his brother Joe who lived nearby would be glad to take me to Walmart. One of my purposes in doing this voyage was to meet the people who inhabit these waters. I agreed. Jimmy called Joe who called me and we set up a meeting spot. Asked if I had eaten and said no, he hadn't either, and asked if there was someplace I would like to go. I said your choice.
"Catfish?", he asked.
Without hesitation, I said, “Yes”.
Joe knew where the condominiums were that are a part of this marina. Said he helped build the building laying in some of the stonework some years ago. He arrived in his gray Camry and we took off up and down the winding roads that led away from the marina.
We drove past the Shiloh Civil War Monument where In April 1862 a fierce and bloody battle was fought by General Grant's Army of Tennessee and General Buell who commanded the Army of Ohio against the Confederate Army of Mississippi commanded by Gen Johnston and Gen Beauregard. Over 23,000 soldiers were killed, maimed, or went missing. It was the bloodiest battle up to this time. Only the Battle of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg had greater casualties later in the war. A couple of days ago I traveled up the Tennessee River at Pittsburg Landing where Buell and a division of Grant's Army crossed the river to engage the Confederate army sending them into retreat.
Not far passed Shiloh Battlefield and National Cemetery was the Hagy's Catfish Hotel. We were lucky there were few customers where Joe said it's usually quite crowded. Just off the parking lot was an old log cabin that Joe said was the first restaurant. Behind the parking lot was a nice view of the river. The waitress said to sit where we wanted and offered us the menu. Didn't take long to spot the all-you-can-eat whole catfish dinner. With slaw, a choice of potatoes, and hushpuppies. That's what we ordered. The generous slaw came with a sweet house dressing that was simply delicious. We both had the sweet potatoes and the fish arrived. Heavily breaded and deep fat fried. The meat just flaked off the bone and would melt in your mouth. Joe and I started with 2 fish and I had to order one more it was so good. Yep, we were stuffed to the gills so to speak. Joe insisted on paying the tab and I left a generous tip.
Looks like gravy but it’s a sweet dressing. The best slaw to date!
Joe points out the cabin that was the first Hagy’s restaurant.
The menu explains the history.
Our bellies satisfied we headed to Walmart. Now Joe knows these roads quite well. Never uses the GPS on his cellphone. Don't need to. Joe says he never gets lost and I believe him. We find the Walmart in Savannah, TN. Grabbed a cart, got out my list and we walked the aisles as I filled the cart. Just under a hundred dollars. That's less than I pay back home for weeks worth of groceries. On the ride back we had a lively discussion, from politics to women. I could listen to him talk for days if I had the time. When we talked about the river Joe said the river is the lifeblood of the people who live here. As the waters nourish the soil so to it nourishes the soul. The river has deep meaning to the locals and they will do whatever it takes to protect this natural resource. I learned a lot listening to Joe, as his brother called him, a good ole country boy. But there is much more to this kind and generous man. One I'll remember for the rest of my life. So if you see Joe driving in his gray Camry, give him a wave and a smile. The wave and smile you get back will surely make your day. So onward I travel further south with more confidence and assurance the people are doing well. Fair Winds and Gentle Seas...
I stopped by Twolynne but Steve wasn’t home.
I caught up with him later in the evening with his friend.
Here is a video about Steve and his incredible ship, Twolynne.
I captured a screenshot at 2:32 of me and Steve the next day. Those free cinnamon buns and pumpkin swirl rolls are starting to show on my belly.
By the way, just near the entrance to Grand Harbor Marina is Alabama - Tennessee - Mississippi Tristate Border in the Tennessee River is located. For a split moment, the Sea Marie was in 3 states at once.
Comments from 2016:
Donna Stolarski Whipkey, I hope you ate there.
Henry Krzemien RN Had the best catfish dinner ever!
Donna Stolarski Whipkey, I see you did.
Bob Meredith Damn! Now I just gotta find some good catfish!
Johnny Barnes Your words are very kind. You come again.