Cordell Hull

Cordell Hull was a fun lake to explore.  I had Mom join me (only as a land lover) on this venture.  She brought the binoculars and watched as I made it around a bend past the campgrounds.  I chose to launch at the Corps of Engineers park off Hwy 85 in Smith County. There's a great swim area near the boat launch prior to reaching some of the nicest camp grounds I've seen. The parks fee is $4/day. I was able to find a small beach spot just outside the swim area a very short walking distance from the parking spot. I launched about 5:30 am and took off onto what turned out to be a wide open area.

Mom was a great help.  Plus she's always there to cheer me on and warn of all the dangers...ha!

I rowed 5,000 meters around a bend to see rolling hills and bluffs that were beautiful. The bass boats were few but polite. I have found this to the the case with most crack of dawn boaters as opposed to late afternoon tournament participants. As I passed the campgrounds from the water, I had to laugh to myself over the sound of a constant hum from generators. It's amazing what camping meant to this group. I personally grew up with a tent, fire pit (smores- yum!) and if we were lucky a common restroom with a quick shower. These campers I noticed had huge set ups with rv's, air conditioning, front porch areas and even TV's (come on)!

The camp ground was tucked in a bend and this was the area I encountered many floating trees, some sticks and of course human trash such as plastic bottles and worm buckets. It amazes me how much people litter!!!! Anyhow, the obstacles I had to navigate the most were the trees. I took a picture of one that I swear was the likes of seeing the tip of a glacier. This tree root ball was as big and a ski boat and floating! Amazing.

As I reached the 5,000 mark and settled for a quick drink, I paused to take in the rock bluffs that were running at the bend in the river just beyond the channel marker. Sitting there with no boats to disrupt the peace, I was thinking about the journey I am taking and all the things I will see. Perspective from the water is so different from the roadside or trail. The water is my peace and the beauty is my confirmation of a higher existence.

As I started my journey back to the beach where I launched, I once again had to chuckle as I passed 'campers'. I was beginning to see the people stir and smelled the start of breakfast cooking (but no campfires). One of the best smells ever is bacon, even on the water!! Fishermen were moving out to their spots and the sun had made it's way above the hills to just start touching the water and sparkle.

Once back to my launch/recovery shore Mom was waving and expressing her happiness of my safe return. It's helpful to have an extra set of hands as you are juggling oars, water bottles, waterproof bag, and boat. Thanks Mom.

The hills in Tennessee with their mist are always beautiful.  Perfect picture to start a row.

There actually is a spec on shaore.  That's Mom!  She's got the binoculars and is watching me and I'm sure a few birds.  I rowed over to wave..... hey Mom!

This is the tree rootball that was as big as a boat.  Who knows other than the fish how big the rest of the tree spanned. 

Stopping to 'smell the roses'.  Actually I don't know what these flowers were, but they jumped out and I took notice.

Loaded and ready to go back to Hamilton Creek Marina in Nashville.  I thought  I would post this for those if you that wonder how I get the scull from point A to B.  It's a sight!