View Larger MapLocation: 35 05 44.00 N, 85 13 09.00 W – Chickamauga Marina, Chattanooga, TN

Today was overcast with severe storm warnings being announced on the VHF by the Coast Guard. We switched to the WX (weather) channel and listened to the details. They were forecasting Thunder, Lightning and high winds until mid-afternoon. We plowed along for much of the day all zipped up in moderate rain and an occasional lightning strike. We felt reasonably secure since we were down in the valley with mountains on both sides. Visibility remained good and we were dry inside.

We planned on taking fuel in Chattanooga and called Marina Max to check on fuel price ($2.59 / gal.) and the possibility of an overnight tie-up. There was no space there or anywhere in downtown Chattanooga. The annual River-bend Festival was raging in Chattanooga and every available space was taken. Tennessee Aquarium looked like ground zero for the event. There was a huge floating stage barge sponsored by Coca Cola moored behind the Aquarium.

We cruised through Chattanooga taking in all the sights and listening to the music and wished would could have taken advantage of the good times on shore. Marine Max handles the boat space assignments for the city so if we want to participate next year we will have to give them a call.

We called the Chickamauga Marina for their fuel price ($2.18 /gal.) and Transient tie-up ($1.00 /ft) Considering the weather forecast and possible severe weather we decided to stay in the marina tonight. We approached the Chickamauga Lock, locked-thru without incident and turned into the marina for the night. We were able to take a courtesy car again, went to town for dinner at The Olive Garden and then went to WalMart for some provisions. We settled in the evening with the intentions of watching another old-time classic movie.