Vol Navy Day -- Oh My My My What a Day

Well September 8, 2018 has finally arrived -- the day we have planned for as we created our Journey and itinerary down the Tennessee River that took us 606 miles and 17 days to reach our destination..  We're here, we made it and now it is Vol Navy Day.  As you may remember, participating in Vol Navy was a "bucket list" item Gene and I have had for a while as we venture through retirement and check off those oh-so-fun things we've dreamed of doing together.

The marina we are staying in is 15 miles from downtown Knoxville.  Our son, daughter-in-law and 2-year old granddaughter drove from Nashville to be with us and participate in our Vol Navy dream.  Also along for our ride to Vol Navy from the marina is our son's best friend from high school, Joey and his brother TJ.  We leave the marina around 10:30AM and make the ride to Vol Navy.  The 15 mile ride will take us a little over an hour to complete.  We see several boats also headed for Vol Navy with their Vol Navy flags proudly flying on their boats.  It was a gorgeous ride, a little cloudy so it's not too hot.  

As we arrive, boats of all sizes and shapes are docked for the day.  Along the riverfront at Neyland Stadium, we are looking for a good spot and the right size boat to match up with and raft up to.  Vol Navy protocol states for largest boats to be tied up nearest the dock and similar size boats to raft up/tie up together.  We find the perfect spot -- 4 boats from shore at Calhoun's Dock and right below Calhoun's Restaurant; in the heart of Vol Navy. 

By 12:30 we are tied off and ready to take in all Vol Navy has to offer. The boat we tie up next to was awesome.  They have been to every home UT football Vol Navy game for the last 8 years so we picked a great and experienced boat to tie up next to.  As soon as we get tied off, they give all of us their standard tradition and "welcome" gift which is UT Orange jello shots.....well we aren't ones to break traditions of others, so we accept their gift which is a perfect kick off to a great rest of the day.  They have their large screen TV set up, plenty of munchies and absolutely the nicest folks to talk with and tell us about their experiences over the years.  

Orange and White Jello-Shots -- Welcome Gift from Our Neighbors

Many Boats tied up in front of Neyland stadium

This being the first home game brought about 100 boats to Vol Navy -- certainly not as many as some of the other SEC home games, but plenty for us to see on our maiden Vol Navy experience.  Some of the biggest games will have 200-300+ boats tied up; in fact they actually closed Vol Navy last year at the UT/Alabama game because the river had exceeded the number of boats that could be tied up together in the river.   

Our Boat Tied Up Next to 4 Other Boats

Neighbor's Boat We Are Tied Up With

There are people coming to Vol Navy on Paddle Boards, Kayaks, ski boats, fishing boats.  In addition, there are boats from the US Coast Guard, Fire Department, Sherriff Department, and Local Police to ensure everyone is being smart and safe.

Vol Navy Fan -- Will Paddleboard for Free Beer!!

The next "row" of boats across from us captured our attention.  Apparently this boat also attends Vol Navy regularly.  They are in a 50' boat with at least 30 people and 5+ dogs on board.  They were having a really good time and they provided us with as much "endless entertainment" as we wanted to see -- and they had a "dancers pole" on their boat also --- so just trust us when we say they enjoyed their Vol Navy day "to the fullest". 

Boat in Center of Picture is Party Boat of that Row

See Boat in Center of Picture below that wins the weekly award for "Sailgator of the Week" which is the award on water similar to Tailgator of the week on "Land"

Boat in Center of Picture Wins Sailgator of the Week Award.

The absolute best UT Vol fan on the water is our granddaughter, Harper, sporting her "Smokey" Dog outfit for the day.

Harper is supporting her UT Vol Outfit

Justin, Jessica and Harper Enjoying the Neighbor's Boat and a big Smile

We have ribs and wings from Sweet P's local restaurant, my infamous chicken salad, cheese dip, brownies and plenty of cold beverages on our boat.  No one left hungry or thirsty.

Justin, Joey and TJ Always Enjoy Eating

Our plan was to stay at the game until about 6PM them head back to the marina for the night.  We have never docked out on anchor or tied to another boat aboard Cloud Nine, but our boat neighbors "twisted our arm" and convinced us to stay.  So we did.  They cooked a shrimp boil on their boat and shared their dinner with us.  It was amazing.

Beautiful Night View of Vol Navy

We topped off the night with Harper spending the night with us aboard Cloud Nine.  She was the perfect addition to our day and night.  

On Sunday morning, everyone that rode to the game with us also rode back to the marina.  It was such a gorgeous ride seeing all the amazing houses along the 15 mile ride.  Once we got docked up at the marina, we had one last lunch at Sweet P's BBQ restaurant then everyone headed home and called it a successful weekend.

Sunrise on Sunday Morning aboard Cloud Nine

Harper had a good night sleep now ready for Sunday's Ride Back to the Marina

Being part of Vol Navy with our family and friends exceeded our expectations.  We had such an amazing time and created memories we will cherish forever.  

On Tuesday, we will start our venture back home to our Western Kentucky marina which is 600+ miles back.  We plan to be back home by early October....after we enjoy everything this part of the Tennessee River has to offer.  

Love my Captain......Love Cloud Nine....