Dec 8 – 10, Monday thru Wednesday

We awoke to light raindrops on the back deck.  Tom got up and returned the rental car this morning but did crawl back in bed for a short catnap.  The day was cool and dreary and made for a lazy day.  Colletta cleaned the boat which made for a good rainy day activity.  Tom finished labeling wires and working in the bilge.  We went for a walk around town, between the raindrops.  Tom tried to get into the bakery to see how they made the baklava but even his good looks could not get him a tour. We Skyped to wish a Happy Birthday to our grandson Wyatt and ended our low key day with a low key evening.

Tom has a small dive tank and regulator on board in case he needs to go over the side and take care of anything under the boat.  There is a dive shop in town so we walked to the shop and are having the regulator serviced and routine maintenance done on it.  We also walked to the library to check out the locals and Tom, of course, had to stop into a restaurant supply house. (old habits die hard)  Lunch was at Q Dogs which is a hotdog stand and BBQ place.  The owner was smoking pork and chicken and of course Tom enjoyed chatting with him about the food and its prep.  The hot dog was great and Tom had a hotdog with BBQ beef on top which he enjoyed.  Laundry, reading and a nap made up the rest of the afternoon.  We joined Harvey and Mary Helen on Lollygagger, which is another Ocean Alexander, for “docktails” and sharing.

Part of the day on Wednesday was used for preparation for leaving. In the afternoon we went for a bike ride.  The bike path goes from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete, a total of 35 miles.  It is on the grounds of an old railroad track and the path is wide and mostly level.  It was a nice 13 mile ride into Palm Harbor and back.  Mary Helen and Harvey then joined us for dinner at Costas – of course a Greek restaurant.  Tom needed to eat a good lamb shank dinner and he found one; with of course baklava for dessert. 

This will be our last post of the year as we will be traveling home for the holidays with family and friends.  Thank you all for following us on our adventures.  Thanks also for the prayers and good wishes.  Merry Christmas!  Til next year…… God bless each and everyone of us.

 

December 4, Thursday

I cannot remember what we did this day – either I’m old or this traveling/vacation stuff is harder than I thought!

December 5-7, Friday thru Sunday

This weekend will be a travel time for the Kataras’. Tom rented a car from Enterprise for the weekend.  They do a good job of catering to the “loopers” with a weekend rate of $10 a day.   On Friday morning, we picked up the car and headed off.  We went to Osprey FL to visit your very good Friends, Bob and Laurie Wiesemann.  We spent the afternoon and evening reliving the boat traveling days for both them and us.  Tom’s first trip on the rivers to Florida was with Bob on his 49 Grand Banks.  Bob and Laurie moved their boat from north to south and back many times.  It was enjoyable to hear their experiences and to have them give us any helpful hints they could remember.  After a delicious steak dinner and lively conversation, we returned back to our boat with full stomachs and fond memories.

Saturday was another beautiful day in central Florida.  Tom checked the boat and the battery charger still was not putting out enough power, so it is time for a change.  He had a spare charger on board cause he is well prepared and carries spare parts for just about everything – a good cruiser needs to be well prepared.  Colletta went into town to run a few errands and get an exercise walk completed.  In the early evening we headed down to Dunedin to join Tim and Pam on Sweetwater to watch the Christmas boat parade.  The parade consisted of 23 entrees and Santa arriving on the last boat to light the town Christmas tree.  Colletta enjoyed the whole production.  It was our first experience with a holiday boat parade and we certainly will enjoy more in the future.  We were pleased when Connie and Bill from Simpatico showed up from Clearwater and brought their friends, fellow Loopers, Ray and Arlene.  We also met King and his wife on Blue Moon and Jennifer and Pierre who are paddling their canoe along the Loop with their dog Jasmine.  What an adventure!

A couple of the 23 boats in the parade. We had front row seats on Sweetwater

 

Still having the car on Sunday allowed us to attend Peace Lutheran church in Holiday Florida which is just north of Tarpon.  We enjoyed familiar hymns and meeting some locals.  After a quick stop at Walmart, Tom was back in the bilge finishing replacing the battery charger.  With a little assistance from the first mate, things are charged and working well.  A low key dinner of soup and a little football completed our day.

Monday, December 1-Wednesday December 3^rd Tarpon Springs

We are now in Tarpon Springs for the month of December.  We will be on the boat for a while and then head back for the holidays and then return before the end of the year to restart and continue our adventures.  Tarpon Springs a town made up of two sections.  The one many people are familiar with is the waterfront working seaport and the Sponge docks area, which is the Greek community with shops, Greek restaurants and a lot of shopping and a lot of eating.  The other section of the town is the Downtown section with historic buildings and Victorian homes.

Of course we did shopping, a lot of sponges available with goats milk and olive oil soap; Greek groceries with Tom’s favorite Greek olives and cheeses.  The first restaurant experience was from Mykonos where lamb, saganaki, and Greek wine and beer was enjoyed by all.  The dinner was shared with Simpatico, Connie and Bill, and Sweetwater, Pam and Tim, both of who survived the 22 hour crossing with us.  After a short nap, food was on our mind and Mykonos was a great way to start our visit.  The next evening we enjoyed a dock party with our new friends.  Both Tom and Tim bought shrimp from the local fishery.  Tim grilled his and Tom boiled his for peel and eat.  Greek bread purchased from the local bakery along with cheese and olives was shared by all.

The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs

So many olive oils and so little time. This is one of my favorite grocery stores.

 

 

  There were 16 of us sharing our food, sharing our stories and enjoying each other on solid ground. (Tim and Pam, Andy and Julie, Cliff and Mid, Mike and wife, Jay and Sue, Burk and Stel, Connie and Bill, and the Kataras)

One morning we lowered the dingy and went for a ride.  The main purpose of the ride was to find the Spring Bayou and the manatee.  The manatees gather in this bayou because of the fresh springs that feed this water area. Because this is a protected area, Tom had to row into the Bayou to watch these mammals.  It was great.  These lazy, sleepy animals swam around slowly.  We stared at them, watched for their “snort” as they came up for air and watched for the swirl of water made by their tails. 

No motors were allowed so we rowed are dinghies up to see the manatees.

Not a gator just the swirl when a manatee goes under.

 

Wednesday was a beautiful day, sunny, warm and calm winds.  We pulled the bikes off the boat and headed to the beach.  Rode to Sunset beach and to Fred Howard Park.  Then went exploring thru downtown Tarpon springs, enjoying the ride.  After a refreshing beer it was necessary to stop for more Greek bread and baklava for dinner.  The bike ride was great – 11 miles and exploring the town. 

Saturday November 29-Sunday November 30 – Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs

Awake to sunshine and nice day.  The winds have shifted which is good.  It is hurry up and wait – which is hard.  No one says much, but we just sit in the rockers and enjoy the sun and quiet for a while. The boat’s fuel tank has been topped up with 130 gal of diesel at the great price of $ 3.30 per gal. A pump out and all our maintenance checks are completed. It is 181 miles from dock to dock in Tarpon Springs. The thing is that you want to arrive when it is light so you can see the crab pots that cover the waters down on the western coast of Florida. We depart at 12:30 for the East Pass, which we have to get around to enter into the Gulf. We are greeted by a pod of dolphins as we exit Carrabelle and head for the Gulf. At our cruising speed of 8 miles per hour we will be crossing the Gulf for 22 hours so it was an overnight crossing. It is a little bumpy with some bigger rollers thrown in. We departed Carrabelle with 5 other boats. As the day progressed we were joined by approximately 10 more boats that had also been waiting for a weather window to cross. Some of the boats had been waiting for almost 2 weeks to get a good weather report to cross. Not everyone travels at the same speed so different groups would run together. We had discussed with Dovekie, Simpatico, Sweetwater, and Dickey Do to travel together. We were headed to Tarpon Springs while some boats headed to Clearwater or Bradenton.  As we entered the Gulf we were anxious and ready to begin our adventure and also apprehensive as to not knowing what to expect for the next 20 hours.  

The afternoon was uneventful and the sunset was gorgeous. As the sun set the half-moon illuminated the water as we crossed.  The water was our only scenery as was the dotted lights of the other boats which were traveling with us.  Tom slept from 1900 until about 2230.  The waters were calm.  At 2130, after much discussion, we all decided to slow down to 6.5 knots as to not arrive too early, and in the dark, in the area of the crab pots.  Tom took the helm at 2300 and would stay there the rest of the trip.   At about one a.m. the moon set and it was incredibly dark with thousands of stars showing in the sky. We checked in with each other by radio to make sure everyone was awake and doing ok. As the sun rose we were 20 miles west to Tarpon Springs preparing to make our turn to head east as soon as we could see any crab pots. Luckily, the crab pots were not a problem.  We were far off shore and even as we headed east, we finally encountered them in 37 feet of water.   They were easy to see and our two sets of eyes kept us safe.  To enter Tarpon Springs, we had to follow the channel markers as there was no direct route in because of the shallow water.  Shallow water will be our nemesis on the west side of the gulf.  We entered the Anclote River as the tide was going down.  The river also has shallow spots so we were relived to get to the dock safely and in time before the water was too low.   Sweetwater, Simpatico and Greeks Folly all arrived safely after 22 hours, had a quick lunch and all promptly took a nap.  We all agreed we were ready to get off the gulf and even off the boat – at least for a while.

Navigating as the sun sets. Preparing for the dark.

Sunset on the Gulf

 

 

Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28 – Carrabelle, C-Quarters Marina

C quarters marina is our resting place for a while, until the weather window opens.  That is the time in which the weather and the water are safe and calm enough for a crossing of the gulf to Tarpon Springs which is 180 miles.  Many boats are waiting to cross and more boats are arriving at the marina.  Besides the crossing, our mind is on Thanksgiving.  We want to have dinner and the preparations have begun.  Tom cooked a turkey breast in our little oven on Wednesday.   He also did a wonderful job making gravy and mashed potatoes.   James, from the marina, smoked a turkey, deep fried a turkey and made a ham.  He brought all that prepared food over to the marina on Thursday around noon.  Tom was in charge of the carving and everyone brought something.  We had all the traditional fixing, sweet potatoes, green beans, salad, mashed potatoes, stuffing and even pumpkin pie for dessert.  Tom said a prayer of Thanksgiving and for safe passage on the waters.  There were 16 boaters and 6 locals all enjoying the meal. By midafternoon many were sitting in the rocking chairs or porch swing on the deck just enjoying the day and the sunshine and the new friends.

 Friday was a day of preparation as we are planning on leaving tomorrow.  Tom checked the engines, got fuel and got a pump-out. The captains and their crew had a meeting on the porch to discuss travel routes and timing for the crossing.  You do not want to arrive too early in the morning at Tarpon Springs because of the blinding sunrise and the many crab traps to dodge for a safe arrival.  After everyone shared their ideas and concerns, decisions were made and the only thing left to do was to get a good night sleep.

Tuesday November 25, White City dock to Carrabelle

Departed at 0739.  Passed Apalachicola at 1012 and proceeded out into the bay where it was “you couldn’t get there from here”.  We headed out 22 miles across the bay to the Carrabelle channel.  We arrived at about 1500 and pulled into C-Quarters marina where we backed into the slip.  $1 per foot, great Wi-Fi, incredibly helpful people.  We followed Dovekie in, then us then Simpatico.  The first three “looper” boats.  More would arrive the next few days all waiting to make the crossing when the weather was right.  The marina is located across the street from a hardware store and an IGA – very important when traveling.  The six of us decided to go to the Fisherman’s Wife for a seafood dinner.  We were underwhelmed – they had no oysters, and the seafood wasn’t very good either, but we slept good that night.

Monday November 24, 2014 Panama City to White City Free Dock

Got up for a 0800 departure only to be greeted by an early morning rain and then dense fog so no one was moving.  Finally departed the harbor 1038 and although a little foggy, the seas were flat.   Fog eventually lifted and the sun came out 1151.  The water was still calm and air was hazy.   Pulled into mm329.4, White City free dock which was an old Corp of Engineer facility. We tied off the end of the dock cause of 6 ft. of water, no cleat on the dock so we used the posts.  Simpatico pulled in front of us in shallower water.  It started sprinkling again, so we shared a few cocktails with Bill and Connie and called it a night.

Saturday, November 22, Sunday November 23, 2014 – Panama City

Day started slow and we slept in.  Overcast with intermittent sprinkles of rain.  Got bikes down and headed into town, exploring and searching for Harbor Freight Store.  Ran into Bill and Connie on their bikes out by Wal-Mart and Harbor Freight store, about 4 miles inland.  Tom made purchases to support his favorite tool store and then we decided to purchase a frozen turkey to cook this week for Thanksgiving.  Tom noticed Bill’s new “hairdo” and needed one too.  After completing our shopping and getting directions, we proceeded to the local barbershop. There were 4 female barbers and they did not take a reservation which was perfect for Tom as he was a “walk-in”.  They did a good job and he felt pampered for the day.  On the way back to the boat we stopped for lunch at Toms Hot Dogs – great dogs and a special foot log dog with kraut, mustard, onions, special beef and Toms special sauce.  A gastronomic delight.    Back at the boat we did some cruising planning with regards to airfare, the cats and marina locations.

On Sunday, the winds picked up and shifted to the southeast to 35 mph wind and the rain started.  It rained like cats and dogs.  The sun would peak its head out and tempted us to come out and play and then the rain started again.  Tom made French toast for breakfast which could have been considered the highlight of the day.  Tom took a nap, Colletta worked on her beading, Tom took a nap, Colletta listened to some of the Bears game, Tom read, watched a little cable TV, got caught up with family and friends on the phone, and Tom planned tomorrows travels. 

Friday November 21, Port Walton to Panama City Marina

Depart dock at 0721.  Was 50 degrees and clear skies and the water around the dock was clear also.  At 0743 we entered Choctawhatchee Bay. It is a large bay and during some points is very shallow so it is important to follow the markers.  Water was a light chop, winds out of the northeast and 30 miles to cross the bay.  Entered the area called the Canyon, another canyon, at 1117.  It extends from mm 253 to mm275.  It is a very narrow channel but deep.   Past 2 tows in the canyon.  One of them was eastbound like us.  It was a difficult passing situation because of the narrowness of the channel.  We entered the West bay, mm273, which opens into a much wider body of water.  Traveled thru West bay and St. Andrews bay to reach Panama City Municipal marina at 1550. 

Thursday, November 20, 2014 – Wharf Marina EHL mm158.2 to Port Walton

Departed at 0756 following Simpatico out of the harbor.  Blue water and blue skies surroundings us.  0823 was the first dolphin sighting – which was the first of many.  The dolphins swim toward the bow of the boat and ride the bow pressure wave so they don’t swim, the boat pushes them forward.   We hang over the edge and watch them. They smile and we smile.  At 0930 we entered Florida and were greeted by a fly-by of the Navy Blue Angels who are stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Base.   Traveling was easy and arrived at Port Walton free dock at 1545.  Sweetwater/ Tim and Pam were already there when we arrived.  Went to KCs for a huge and delicious burger, enough leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. 

Wednesday November 19 –Eastern Shore Marina to The Wharf

Very cold this morning, 29 degrees, frost on the docks. This is soooo wrong.  Departed at 0845, very skinny water coming out of harbor, told to “hug the reds”.  1.9 ft. under keel as we left.  The ride to the ICW was smooth, followed course on chart plotter, the bay is shallow, and 9 ft. of water is the norm.  We realized we left without paying the dockage fee to we called and they noticed too.  $120 for 4 days – good deal.  Entered the ICW (Intercoastal Water Way) at daymark 118 at the southern end of Mobile Bay and headed east toward Florida.  Had planned to stop at Lulu’s for lunch (Jimmy Buffetts’ sisters restaurant) but the dock was full so continued on to The Wharf marina.  Arrived at 1330, got a pump out and a slip for the night.  The slip necessitated that the captain stern in and he did a perfect job of docking the vessel.  The marina is a modern entertainment complex – the docks are just one of their features.   The Complex included a hotel, a waterpark, an amphitheater, a playground, a cinema,  and high ropes challenge center as well as many shops and restaurants.   We walked the grounds and enjoyed stretching our legs a little.  After some socializing, we snuggled into the boat for the night.  Cable TV was available so we took advantage of it.  Tom installed a new sending unit that Dog Marina dropped off.  That’s service.

Sunday November 16-Tuesday November 18 – Fairhope Alabama – Eastern Shore Marina

Sunday was a boat maintenance day.  Tom washed the boat, made it look like new.  It never ceases to amaze how dirty it gets.  Colletta did laundry and spruced up the inside living quarters.  The cats contributed nothing; they are the one consistency on the journey.  Got the charts and books out and discussed with Bill and Connie where the trip will go next.  We skpyed with Jason and April and the boys. It is a great way to “be there” without being there.  It rained hard that night.  The weather front is here.

Monday was a day to use the car and run errands.  Bill had medical appts to deal with and during that time Tom and I used the car to sightsee and shop.  The Grand hotel is south of town and is a pretty complex.  It was used as a hospital during the Civil war.  The town of Fairhope has many art sculptures spread throughout town so we stopped to observe a “Dolphin family”, Seahorse, Brown Pelicans, and a Teachers memorial.   In town we had a cup of gumbo at the Gumbo shack.  We found a thrift store and Tom finally bought another sweatshirt and sweater.  The weather is very windy, with 5 foot waves on the bay.  The sweatshirt was a necessary purchase.  After a quick dinner on the boat, we headed back into town for ice cream – yes even in this cold weather – and a cup of coffee.  Wandered the streets for a while and admired the trees covered in twinkle lights for Christmas.  The official lighting of the trees was a week earlier and over a million lights decorated the streets.  Bought some gourmet chocolate - my favorite- and called it a day.

Bill and Connie Bowman long with a very cold colletta on a very big battleship

Sunset over Mobile Bay looking out from Eastern Shore Marina, Fairhope, Al

 

Tuesday was a day to visit the Battleship USS Alabama in Mobile.  Got an early start – we were only about 15 miles away from the park.  On the ship, there are 3 self-guided tours which lead the visitors into every hold, mess room and work area of the ship. The ship was a complete floating city.  Everything from a soda fountain to a blacksmith, to a dentist and a post office.  The outside deck of the ship was impressive.   The visitors have accessed to most areas of the ship including the turret of the main guns.  We did all the tours and spent 3 ½ hours wandering around this massive steel boat.  After a quick lunch, we then headed to the other attraction on the park which was a submarine called The Drum. The first thing you become aware of is the big disparity between the two vessels.  The sub only used 72 sailors and officers while the battleship used over 2500 men. The sleeping quarters and cafeteria on the ship were spacious as compared to the Subs facilities.   The grounds of the park also included aircraft.  The day was educational and interesting.  A lot of history to process.  Back at the boat we loaded the bikes in preparation of departure tomorrow.

Saturday November 15, Dog River Marina to Eastern Shore Marina. 

With the sun shining brightly and the boat running well, we decided to go across the bay to Eastern Shore Marina.  It is closer to the Florida intercoastal water way and we would once again meet up with Simpatico.  The ride across was smooth and straight.  After settling in and saying hi to friends, we unloaded the bikes and decided to head into town. It was about 3 ½ miles away and as we discovered, 3 large hills also.  One of these hills was so steep; we ended up pushing the bikes the end of the way up.  Town is a nice place, with a large library, many shops and a good stop for ice cream.  No matter how cool it is, there is always room for ice cream.  The ride back was much easier even though there were once again three hills.  I do not know how that happens.  The evening was very relaxing with soup for dinner, reading and computer work in the comfort of our floating home.

Sunset over Fairhope Yacht Club

Thursday November 13, Friday November 14, Dog River Marina

These two days were focused on getting the injectors back, replaced in the boat, having a sea trial and hopefully having everything working.  On Thursday, we used the courtesy car and headed in to  the town of Theodore as we anticipated the mechanic not coming until Friday.  We found the local library which was located in a store front strip mall and then the local Wal-Mart.  You would have thought the store was giving things away because it was packed and constantly bustling.  We got our provisions and headed back only to discover that Ray the mechanic had picked up the reworked injectors and was on board in the engine room working away.  It was a surprise that he was here.  Something like that would never happen in the marina at Oselkas in New Buffalo.  Ray worked until 1700 under the watchful eye of Tom. The two were exchanging engine maintenance experience and learning from each other.  In the evening we went with the Wolfs over to the Mobile Yacht club for dinner.  It is a nice club and dinner was good.  We even were entertained with Trivial Pursuit night. 

Ray was back bright and early at 0815 on Friday and worked all day on the boat.  They found the injectors had a lot of carbon on them and the pressure was low.  With them rebuilt and installed, the starboard engine would not start.  That necessitated bleeding the fuel lines twice to remove all the air.  We took the boat out for a sea trail and everything worked well.  Ray was done.  Thank you, Ray.  Tom quickly changed the oil and we went to celebrate.  The Mobile yacht club was having a beer tasting of a local brewery in Fairhope with free beer.  Tom took full advantage of the opportunity.  We chatted with other “Loopers” and enjoyed fried pickles and IPAs.  By 2100, one of us was done, needed a fresh air walk home and a good night sleep.

Wednesday November 12, Tensas Cutoff mm12.2 to Dog River Marina off Mobile Bay

In the morning we discovered that the boat rotated 180 degrees due to the current shift.  Anchor up at 0755. The anchor was covered in black mud which necessitated an anchor bath and we were off.  Warm this morning, in shorts and t-shirt for the first time in a week.  The north end of the Mobile River is very commercial and very busy with tows and ships.  We wove our way thru that area keeping our eyes open and scanning the area.  At daymark 72, Simpatico headlined east to Fairhope following Easy Waters, a Krogen express cruiser from Fairbanks Alaska.  We continued on the Marker 63 where we turned west and followed the channel markers very carefully to Dog River and finally to the marina. In at 1100, gassed up with 180 gallons at $3.44and got a slip.  Immediately went to office to schedule a mechanic to come and work on the injectors.  Surprise, surprise, he was here by 1500.  We picked up the floor boards, stacked the chairs and let the work begin.  Ray, the mechanic, worked until 1800 to get the injectors out and sent out to be rebuilt.  A nice way for us to end the evening was with cocktails and appetizers on the Blue Heron with Ron and Sharon Wolf.   Very interesting couple who have completed the loop twice on a 57 Marlo – a beautiful boat. 

As we enter Mobile harbor you can see all the red triangles that are possible dangerous targets according to our AIS receiver. It was a little hectic avoiding them.

Mobile harbor is a major shipping area with serious equipment

 

 

Tuesday November 11, Sunflower Bend mm78.9 to Tensas Cutoff mm 12.2

At 0742 we are ready to leave but are waiting for a northbound tow, Rosinton, to pass us first as we are anchored in a narrow part of the river with many bends.  Anchor up at 0820 and depart. Travel is uneventful, passing 5 tows.  Anchor was down at 1624 in Big Briar Creek off the Tensas Cutoff.   Immediately dropped the dingy and Tom rowed us over to Simpatico for cocktails. Bill and Connie were heading to the Eastern Shore Marina tomorrow and we were headed to Dog River so we decided to share drinks and dinner.  Bill grilled brats and we enjoyed beers and conversation.  As we headed back to Greeks Folly, the night was black, no light from the moon or the stars, and the noises of nature are everywhere.  As we safely make it back, and are on board, we decide to check for alligators in the marsh.  If you shine a spotlight on an alligators’ eyes they are shiny and look like reflectors.  We found 4 gators and they all seemed to be looking right back at us. Great night!

Pulling up anchor in the morning

 

 

Monday, November 10^th, Bashi Creek mm145 to Sunflower Bend mm78.9

Some fog this morning but still pulled up anchor at 0745.   Talked to the other 3 boats from yesterday who were anchored at mm149 and waiting for the fog to clear.  It was clear by us so they headed out too.  There were 2 boats anchored in Bashi Creek, Annie’s Song and Odyssey, so the convoy now consists of 7 boats.  We arrived at the Coffeeville Lock at 1125, went in at 2 at a time, one on port and one on starboard on 7 bollard pins.  Exited at 1143.  This was the last of the Tenn-Tom waterways locks, which are nicknames the “Dirty Dozen”; which brings the lock total to 33 from Lake Michigan.  At mm 108 we saw our first alligator.  Arrived at anchorage of Sunflower Bend at 1630 and anchored behind the green markers, out of the channel on the river.  Waited up at night for 2 tows to go by in the dark at 2200 – a little scary. 

Sunday November 9, Demopolis to Bashi Creek

Departed at 0 dark thirty (0545).  The lock 3 miles downriver prefers everyone to lock thru together.  There was a group of 4 other boats who left together with us and headed for the lock.  The boats were Twelve Stones, Endeavor, Simpatico, Miss Hadley, Sea Fever and Greeks Folly.  A tow just exited the lock so the lock was waiting for us; we were locked thru by 0646.  At 0948, we passed a southbound tow Heloise at mm189.  The river is very twisty from here on south, so the tow slowed down to allow us to get around him.  The ride was uneventful, scenic and a beautiful trip.  Both the captain and first mate each took a nap – but at different times.  A lot of turtles in this part of the river, the high count are nine on a log. (I lead an exciting life)  Arrived at our anchorage at 1500 at Bashi Creek overflow and anchored on the river.  Put out a bow and stern anchor for good holding.  At 1720, the tow Heloise caught up with us and passed us so we can anticipate seeing him on down the river. 

Anchored o

Anchored out of the channel at Bashi Creek Overflow. The next morning a little fog. So we wait until it burns off.

Saturday November 8, Demopolis Yacht Basin

Slept good in the harbor.  It has been a long time since the boat was in a covered slip.  Borrowed the courtesy car and Connie and Bill  from Simpatico went with us to Walmart to get provisions as this is the last place to purchase supplies for the next 200+ miles.  We helped the economy of Demopolis!  Spent over an hour buying groceries, wine and beer.  Our biggest grocery bill yet, not that we bought so much, just that alcohol is expensive here in the south.  The rest of the day was relaxing and with no commitments.  Tom and I went for walk around the property looking at the river, checking out the boats on the hard, and looking at the facilities.  Had Bill and Connie over for a lake perch dinner.  We finished the perch we had left over from the LMYC perch fry.  Still as good as ever.  Tom is a great cook.  The perch were lightly breaded (not naked as Jim likes them).  The captains made plans for traveling in the morning.

Early morning start with our friends, Bill and Connie on Simpatico

Bill and I taking the golf cart at Kingfisher Marina in Demopolis to get the courtesy car

Friday November 7, Windham Landing cutoff mm286 to Demopolis Yacht Basin mm217

Departed the anchorage at 0630 in with 15 ft. of water.  Arrived at Heflin Lock mm266 at 0858.  Lockmaster saw us on AIS and said he would hold the lock, but we should hurry as another pleasure boat, Pour House, was already in the lock.  Harry and Caroline House, from Ft. Lauderdale, owner the boat.  They said they had some mechanical issues so we kept in contact with them to be sure they were OK.  At mm 248.8 we passed the famous White cliffs of Epes of Alabama, which is a similar chalk deposit as the cliffs of Dover in England.

Part of the White Cliffs of Epes, Alabama

 

At 1459, we reached the end of the Tenn-Tom waterway.  We are now traveling on Black Warrior/Tombigbee waterway.   We arranged for a slip at Demopolis Yacht basin and arrived at 1505, used self-service gas and pump out, then proceeded to our covered slip.  Cheapest diesel at $3.49 a gallon and most expensive slip at $1.35 a foot.    The facilities included the nicest bathrooms so far and television and meeting room. 

Thursday, Nov 6 – Aberdeen Marina mm358.2 to Windham Landing Cutoff mm 286

Up at sunrise, called the lock to be informed that there would be a 45 minute wait.  Colletta decided to take a quick shower.  She just lathered up when she heard a pound on the door – luckily it was Tom.  The lockmaster called and said to come now and he would squeeze us in between 2 tows.  With engines warming up, Colletta’s hair in a towel, we departed the dock.  We snaked our way out of the marina in perfect timing to see a northbound tow exit the lock, and were told to “Come on in”.  We were lucky.  A southbound tow was about 3 miles upriver from us, and a northbound tow was already waiting for us to be lowered and exit.  Had we not made this timing just right, we would have been there for at least another 2-3 hours.  Another beautiful day, sunshine and warm – 70 degrees.  At 1315, we entered Alabama for good after snaking thru both Mississippi and Alabama. This was another 3 lock day – Aberdeen lock, Stennis lock and the Bevil Lock.   Arrived at anchorage at 1615 only to see 3 steers (like in cows) on the river front staring at us.  They were wondering what we were doing there and we enjoyed seeing some “new meat”.   The anchorage was as describing in Active Captain, 15 ft. of water all the way in, good holding, mud bottom and no trip line.  Dinner was great, finished the chocolate so we need to provision. 

Our neighbors for the evening

Wednesday, November 5^th – Midway Marina mm393.5 to Aberdeen Marina mm358.2

Departed at 0755 with the Fulton lock 3 miles downstream.  We called prior to leaving and they gave us 45 minutes wait time.  Arrived at Fulton lock 0826 which was ready and open for us and exited at 0843 to start our day.  There were three locks again today:  Fulton lock, Wilkins lock, and Amory lock.  At the Wilkins lock, we caught a tow with 2 barges. The lockmaster and the captain of the tow said we could lock thru with the tow which necessitated a speedy change of fenders to the port side.  The first mate performed her duties flawlessly in moving those 5 fenders.  At the Amory lock, the tow once again graciously agreed to let us lock thru with him; however this time he switched sides in the lock to take on a new crew member.  This required the first mate to once again switch sides of the fenders, this time to the starboard side.  Once again this was done efficiently and professionally.  While waiting in the lock, the trimarran once again joined us.  The locking process then went smoothly.  We arrived at Aberdeen marina at mm358.2 at 0250.  This became our destination because the cruising guide said the upcoming anchorages were unsuitable.   The marina was definitely Mississippi.  It was a convenience store/ liquor store/bait store and gas station.  The place was jumping all night long. We were the only transient boat there. We were safe and comfortable which was good cause it rained hard during the night. 

I don't have any pictures because I think that if you are in the witness protection program this is where you hide out and I didn't want to compromise anybody's identity.

Tuesday Nov. 4, 2014 Aqua Yacht Harbor to Midway Marina MM 393.8

We departed Aqua Marina at 0710 hours this morning clear and fog free. We entered the Tenn- Tom  Waterway at mm 448.2 we will be traveling this manmade canal/ river system for the next 230 miles or so. It was a beautiful day to be on the water. We passed a few tows with barges, some in fairly narrow channels. With communication to them and their desired passing side, things went smoothly.  At 1014 at mm427.5, there is an orange and white sore marker that indicates the former location of the town, Holcut which was the only town which had to be moved for the building of the Tenn-Tom waterway

We went thru 3 locks today the Whitten Lock mm 412 (84 foot drop), the Montgomery Lock mm 406.7 (33 foot drop), and the Rankin Lock mm 398.4(31 foot drop). These locks are all pretty close to each other so you usually lock thru with the same group of boats. We locked thru with a couple from Wisconsin on a 27 foot tri-marran who were going to Venice, Florida. I admire their perseverance in such a small boat with minimal amenities.

John Nelson and his wife from Wisconsin

 

We exited the Rankin Lock at 1535 hours and then headed to Midway Marina at mm 393.8 for the night.  As we approached the dock we were greeted by 3 dockhands to catch our lines and help us dock and get situated.  It is a service, and we like it.  We would like every marina to be as welcoming. We have noticed that the water levels are still low so finding a suitable anchorage is becoming more difficult. That is why we pulled into the marina at a little after 4 pm because with daylight savings time sunset is at 5:00 pm and it gets dark quick on the river.

Some of the finer craft at the marina

entrance to Midway Marina

There was also a house boat here call All Grown, just a petit craft of 121 feet long, 21 feet wide with 5 bedrooms, 6 baths and 2 stories so he had approx. 5000 square feet of livable space. Not to shabby. unfortunately I didn't get a picture of him.

Saturday Nov. 1- Nov. 3, 2014 Waterfall Cove to Aqua Yacht Harbor

 

Saturday:

Come morning the wind was still blowing but I decided the romance was gone so we pulled up all three anchors and headed into Aqua Yacht Harbor marina. It was only about 4 miles around the bend so even with the waves it wasn’t a bad ride especially when we turned so there wasn’t so much fetch that the waves could really build.

The rest of the morning was spent cleaning the boat and doing routine maintenance on the engines. About midafternoon we borrowed one of the courtesy cars and headed to the Super Wal-Mart in Corinth, Alabama. It was on our way there that we stumbled upon our first Dairy Queen since we began our adventure. We are in heaven. After partaking of DQ’s heavenly delights we proceeded to Wal-Mart.

On our way back to the boat we found a Lutheran church so we will be back tomorrow morning for church. Finding a Baptist church in Alabama, Mississippi or Tennessee no problem, Lutheran not so easy.

Upon our return to the boat who should be parked behind our boat but our friends, Connie and Bill on Simpatico. Great seeing them again.

Had a low key evening on the boat and called it a day.

Sunrise at Aqua Yacht Harbor with two ducks.

 

 

Sunday:

Borrowed the courtesy pickup truck again and headed back to Corinth (20 miles) from the marina to church. It was a small church but very friendly people. One of the members recommended we take a quick trip thru old downtown Corinth to see what an old time Southern town looked like. We did a quick tour but most of the businesses were closed but we did find one local restaurant that piqued our interest, a place called Cindy’s. It offered all sorts of homemade specialties and was named after my favorite sister-in-law. Great food, great local color and ambiance, plus priced very reasonable.

This is the place to eat in Downtown Corinth, Alabama. We had 2 plates for $ 8.50 each and 2 drinks for .50 each no tax $ 18.00 total bill. Priceless!

 

We returned to the boat did some more maintenance on the boat and laundry. Connie from Simpatico stopped by and we made plans to have dinner together this evening.  Took a nice walk around the marina looking at boats and the surrounding areas.

Had a kind of progressive dinner with Bill and Connie, drinks and apps on their boat, dinner on ours. It is great getting together with them. They are leaving in the morning so we will catch them down the river somewhere.

 

Monday:

Borrowed the courtesy van again, (we are the only transient boat here so that is why we can get the car every day), to visit the Shiloh National Cemetery and Park. We started with a 45 minute film about the battle narrated by Peter Coyote. It was very moving and sad to watch the carnage that was inflicted on both sides during this Civil War. There was no winner, in my opinion, there were no bad guys killed, just too many Americans killed and wounded. There were over 20,000 casualties in the two days of fighting. The park is not to be missed if you have a chance to stop there. The Park Service does a great job of presenting the battle and maintaining the park. The drive-yourself tour is also excellent. As you stand there overlooking the fields where the battle was fought it is very eerie, just remembering that this was only 151 years ago.  Battles like this are what made our country today.

All Americans. What a shame.

 

On the way back to the boat we checked out Grand Harbor Marina another local marina that is very nice but I prefer Aqua. When we got back to the marina we found we were no longer the only transient boats there, 3 other “Looper boats” and a sailboat had docked and things were filling up.

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Oct 31, 2014 Florence, Al. MM 256 to Waterfall Cove MM 217

It was 48 degrees and partly cloudy when we departed Florence Harbor Marina at 0745 hours. We were done with locks for the time being so it was a nice run the 39 miles down to Waterfall Cove where I planned to anchor for the night. This cove is where my sons, Jason and Peter and I anchored 3 years ago when we were bringing the boat up north from Texas. We had a great time there and I wanted Colletta to experience the same. Well, let me tell you that the ambiance of the cove was entirely different between when the boys and I were there in June and being there on Halloween. The major problem was the cold and 35 mph winds. The winds created a 2-3 foot wave with white caps, now for Lake Michigan boaters this is not a big thing but let me tell you it pretty much stops all local boat traffic except for, the bass fishermen. We got into the cove and it seemed a little smaller then I remembered. It was probably because they have dropped the lake level 5 feet to prepare for the snow and rain during the winter. We got the bow anchor down and set but with the wind we were moving all over the cove and although it is pretty deep I wanted to put out a stern anchor also. Tried 2 different anchors without success, so I decided that we would anchor like I did when I was here with the boys; that is run the bow of the boat up on the beach, drop the bow anchor, pulling it up on the sand and setting it by hand.

The wind was so strong it was pushing the boat back off the beach so I pulled out the two anchors used earlier and took the dinghy and rowed to shore and placed them strategically in the sand and put big honking rocks on top of them. Well, let me tell you that held them in place but the boat still danced back and forth all night but we didn’t move off the beach.

This is the waterfall in the cove. It just seemed bigger when there was a lot of people around having a good time

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday Oct. 30, 2014 Decatur, Al MM 305 to Florence, Al. MM 256

Prepared to depart Riverwalk Marina and get on our way. Immediately upon exiting the marina we had to go under a railroad bridge that only had 9.8 ft. of clearance when he was down so we needed him to lift the bridge. Unfortunately there was a rather long train going over the bridge as I could watch it from the flybridge of our boat in the marina. I called the bridge tender and asked him if it would be possible to get a lift after this train. He said I would check and then called me back on the radio and said as soon as this current train was gone he would lift the bridge for us. A quick exit from the marina was made at 0837 to go under the lifted bridge.  There was a little less current to push us along today as we were going 7.4 kts (8.9 mph) @ 1500 rpm. It was sunny but cool at 50 degrees.

We had 2 locks we hoped to get thru today. The first was the Wheeler Lock mm 275 and I was concerned because the main chamber was being repaired and we would use the auxiliary chamber which is smaller. It doesn’t make any difference which chamber we use but if there is a tow with barges at the lock, he has to break apart his barges in order to get thru the lock and that can take hours. As luck would have it there was no one waiting to get thru the lock so on we went. The lock master had the doors open for us as we arrived and we pulled in at 1207 hours and were out at 1229 hours, a smooth 48 foot drop.

We proceeded to the Wilson Lock mm 259 and once again there was a minimal wait. I love when things work out that way. We were in the lock at 1412 hours and exited 1442 hours a very smooth drop of 93 feet. Colletta has decided she likes going down in the locks much better then riding them up, it is a lot less stress and work. This will be our last lock until the Tombigbee.

 

We called Florence Harbor Marina in Florence, Al. about a slip for the night and after 2 calls and leaving messages with no replies we figured they must be busy, so we would pull into the gas dock. We got to the marina at 1500 hours and there was not soul in sight. I checked the marina office and it was locked up. The hours on the office said 8-5pm but no one home. We tied up to a floating dock with power and there we stayed waiting for someone to stop by. We never saw or heard from anyone in regards to our phone calls while we were there. I guess Thursday is free dockage in Florence, Al.  We got our bikes off the boat and cruised into downtown Florence just to check it out and then returned to the boat. We had dinner on the boat as we had eaten at restaurants the previous 2 nights; we have a cruising budget we try to adhere to, sometimes.

The Free on Thursdays Florence Marina