Knoxville Visitors

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(l-r) Anthony G, Eleanor, Emily, Henry and Anthony J. pose for a photo with astronaut Hoot Gibsonin Huntsville Alabama.

Our initial cruise plan called for us to go all the way up the Tennessee river as far as Knoxville to visit Anthony and his family. Unfortunately, the passage of two hurricanes and the resultant flooding and debris which headed down the Tennessee river made this impossible within the timeframe available. We decided that if we couldn't get the boat to Knoxville, that we would simply rent a car and go up for a four or five day visit which worked out quite well. Upon returning to Florence, we met the family in Huntsville on the following day to tour the Space Museum there. This was quite an experience and highly recommended. During the course of our tour, Anthony recognized a former astronaut and shuttle pilot who he had met through his work at Cirrus aircraft. After the Huntsville tour, everyone returned to Florence for several days on the boat. While we remain tied up at the Florence Harbor, we had the opportunity to show everyone our discoveries in Florence and also to take them on a short cruise down the Tennessee river, returning to Florence at nightfall.

While in Florence, the family visited the Helen Keller House again with us, as well as the park and downtown in Tuscumbia, Alabama. We also made good use, in the time available, of some of the great restaurants in Florence.

Our day long cruise on the Tennessee river was also a lot of fun. Everyone took a turn driving the boat. The Anthonies flew a drone and composed a video for us.

One unusual occurrence during our time in Florence while I was sitting out back in the boat cockpit that evening. There was a very large collision sound, and a car plunged off the approach to the highway bridge next to the marina, landing in the marina driveway. I ran up to the scene of the accident along with several men from the restaurant. The car began to burn and there were two occupants, one unconscious. We opened the doors and took both of these people out of the car before it burst into flames, an ambulance and helicopter ca for the victims. As a strange ending to otherwise beautiful day.