**Pilotage Plan: Huntsville, Alabama to Florence, Alabama*****Overview***This pilotage plan will guide you from Huntsville, Alabama, a charming city situated near the Tennessee River, to the scenic Florence, Alabama, known for its historical sites and vibrant waterfront. The journey promises a mix of natural beauty, wildlife spotting opportunities, and quaint local attractions, making it a delightful trip for boaters of all types. ***Route Description***- **Start Point: Huntsville, Alabama** - Departing from Huntsville, ensure your vessel is fully equipped, check the weather forecast, and confirm that you have your navigation aids ready.- **Segment 1: Huntsville to Guntersville** - Travel from Huntsville towards the Tennessee River and head southeast to Guntersville, a mere 17 nautical miles away. The route offers plenty of natural beauty, particularly as you enter Guntersville Lake. - **Navigational Aids**: Keep an eye out for markers and buoys that guide the way, particularly the markers denoting the Guntersville Dam. - **Shelter**: If the weather turns inclement, Guntersville State Park offers excellent shelter and is equipped with docks.- **Point of Interest: Guntersville** - Guntersville is an exciting stop with various recreational activities. You could explore the Guntersville State Park or the town itself, known for its local eateries and Southern hospitality.- **Segment 2: Guntersville to Lake Wheeler** - Depart from Guntersville toward the west to connect with Lake Wheeler. This section requires careful navigation as you’ll need to pass beneath the Guntersville Dam and into the narrow, wooded riverbanks of Wheeler Lake. - **Navigational Aids**: Look for the various channel markers that guide through the lake. The channel can be narrow in spots, and depth can be an issue, so maintain vigilance. - **Shelter**: Wheeler Lake has numerous coves where you can anchor if needed. The Bear Creek area offers sheltered spots if wind conditions increase.- **Point of Interest: Wheeler Dam** - A quick excursion towards the Wheeler Dam can show you a unique engineering marvel. Remember to maintain a safe distance from the dam, as strong currents can be hazardous.- **Segment 3: Wheeler Lake to Florence** - After enjoying Wheeler Lake, continue your journey towards the south-west to reach Florence, which lies approximately 20 nautical miles downriver. As you approach Florence, the landscape opens up into the river town, famous for its rich musical history. - **Navigational Aids**: There are several buoys marking the channel into the Florence area. Be mindful of any local boat traffic, especially as you near the marina. - **Local Restrictions**: Speed limits may vary in certain areas, particularly around marinas and residential zones. Adhere to no-wake zones to ensure the safety of small craft and swimmers.***End Point: Florence, Alabama***- Florence is a perfect ending point for this segment of your journey. The area offers a wealth of activities, from visiting local historical sites such as the Rosenbaum House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, to enjoying the lakeside parks.***Safety Concerns***Throughout your journey, priority should be given to safety. Always wear personal flotation devices (PDFs), keep emergency supplies onboard, and keep communication devices charged and accessible. Keep a watchful eye on the weather; storms can form rapidly. ***Recommended Apps***For this trip, I recommend having handy navigation apps like:- **Savvy Navvy**: This app offers excellent route planning and access to tide tables, ensuring efficient navigation.- **Navionics**: Another great app for nautical charts.- **Windy**: Ideal for weather monitoring, providing real-time information.By following this pilotage plan, you can embark on a safe, enjoyable journey while taking in the stunning sights and discovering the charm of the Tennessee River region. Enjoy your boating adventure!