We're planning our next cruise, which will probably take us to the
inland rivers, including: Cumberland, Tennessee, Black Warrior,
Tombigbee, and the Tenn-Tombigbee waterway. This isn't the "Great Loop"
track, but rather a trip up/down the navigable portion each of those
rivers, from the Gulf and return.

There seems to be several cruising guides (including the Waterway Guide
for the GL track) that cover those inland rivers, and Active Captain has
a lot of good info, but I still like to read about the various locations
and have books in my hands when cruise-planning (and when actually
cruising). However, without buying all the guides it's difficult to tell
which are worth the time and money.

For those of you who live on those rivers, or have cruised them, or have
already made your cruising plans, what guides would you recommend?

Additionally, what is the best time of year to visit the inland rivers
territory? Summer and winter seem like good times to avoid due to
temperature extremes. The fall would be ideal, except for the likelihood
of hurricanes in the Gulf, a portion of which we have to transit to get
to Mobile. Early spring also seems ideal - avoid Gulf hurricane season,
but get into the spring floods inland! Thoughts?

<><><><><><><><><><><><>Mozilla Thunderbird<><><><><><><><><><>
Bob McLeran and Judy Young              Manatee Cove Marina
MV Sanderling                            Patrick Air Force Base
DeFever 41 Trawler                      Melbourne, Florida
Blog: http://mvsanderling.net/Blog
Web: http://cruising.mvsanderling.net/

Hi Bob and Judy, 

Carol and I did most of the rivers you have in your plan and can highly recommend the cruising books by Fred and Joanie Myers.  He did produce a guide for most of the rivers you mentioned.  Fred has left the business of producing the guides a year or so ago but you may be able to get them yet.  I can provide you with a number if you like offline.  The reason we found the books to be so good is because Fred and Joanie would cruise each of the rivers yearly and update the books.  They are well written and certainly contain information the cruiser needs and wants based on their experiences.  They would also visit the marinas listed in the books. 

As to when to visit the rivers.  Our favorite time was the fall of course as the trees were turning, traffic was down, and the weather was gorgeous.  All of the beautiful anchorages were mostly empty and we had the place to ourselves.  I understand the hurricane consideration, but if you have a large enough window to get in the river system it would be safe cruising while there.  Lots of hurricane holes if needed.  If we can be of any assistance let us know.  The rivers were a highlight of our GL trip. 

DandC

----- Original Message -----

From: "Bob McLeran" Bob@MVSanderling.net
To: "T-GL" great-loop@lists.trawlering.com
Sent: Friday, June 1, 2012 11:12:31 PM
Subject: GL: Cruising guides for the inland rivers

We're planning our next cruise, which will probably take us to the
inland rivers, including: Cumberland, Tennessee, Black Warrior,
Tombigbee, and the Tenn-Tombigbee waterway. This isn't the "Great Loop"
track, but rather a trip up/down the navigable portion each of those
rivers, from the Gulf and return.

There seems to be several cruising guides (including the Waterway Guide
for the GL track) that cover those inland rivers, and Active Captain has
a lot of good info, but I still like to read about the various locations
and have books in my hands when cruise-planning (and when actually
cruising). However, without buying all the guides it's difficult to tell
which are worth the time and money.

For those of you who live on those rivers, or have cruised them, or have
already made your cruising plans, what guides would you recommend?

Additionally, what is the best time of year to visit the inland rivers
territory? Summer and winter seem like good times to avoid due to
temperature extremes. The fall would be ideal, except for the likelihood
of hurricanes in the Gulf, a portion of which we have to transit to get
to Mobile. Early spring also seems ideal - avoid Gulf hurricane season,
but get into the spring floods inland! Thoughts?

<><><><><><><><><><><><>Mozilla Thunderbird<><><><><><><><><><>
Bob McLeran and Judy Young               Manatee Cove Marina
MV Sanderling                            Patrick Air Force Base
DeFever 41 Trawler                       Melbourne, Florida
Blog: http://mvsanderling.net/Blog
Web: http://cruising.mvsanderling.net/

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