Day 42 - October 25, 2012: Florence, AL

While it was sad to depart the rendezvous, we headed out early to get on with our journey. Since there were 65 boats and many were also going back to Pickwick Lake to head down the Tenn Tom, we wanted to get into the Wheeler and Wilson locks before everyone else was up. We were underway by 6:45 AM and joined a group of 9 other early boaters.

Here is the Wilson Lock (a whopping 93 foot drop) as we are heading back down river. This is looking back just after we had exited the lock.

Wilson Lock - 93 foot drop

After arriving at Florence Harbor Marina, we borrowed the loaner car and visited Helen Keller's birthplace. With the support of her lifelong teacher, Anne Sullivan, she was able to learn to communicate despite blindness and deafness, graduate from college, and bring awareness to these issues world wide. I wasn't aware that in her speech to the Lions in 1925, she challenged the Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." This started the nationwide Lions Club commitment to provide eyeglasses to the needy. 

Helen Keller Birthplace in Florence, AL

We also stopped by the Frank Lloyd Wright - Rosenbaum House. We normally think of his work being done mostly in the upper Midwest and were surprised to know that this was here.

Frank Lloyd Wright - Rosenbaum House

Later, we were invited to "docktails" with other loopers and then grilled filets on the BBQ. One thing about looping is we don't have to plan our social events or organize entertaining guests. Everyone just gathers together and enjoys their love of boating.

Life is Great!