44 inches of snow in Dubuque so far this winter and still coming. Record cold. Even down here in the heart of Dixie it's expected to get down into the teens tonight. Thank God Al invented the internet so I can vent my frustrations with him!
Speaking of Dixie we finally cut the dock lines and left Columbus. We've gone though 3 locks so far getting to Demopolis, Al. The second lock near Pickensville, Al. is where we left Sandy Beach this past summer when we had mechanical problems. Pickensville is in the middle of nowhere just off the Ned Beaty memorial highway. They do have the USS Montgomery (www.montgomery.sam.usace.army.mil/) near the lock as well as a beautiful visitor center which resembles an old plantation. Too bad no one can find it. Have you ever heard of Pickensville? The water is above flood stage due to recent heavy rains. Makes going South a bit faster and easier on fuel. Just need to watch out for a few logs. We've been travelling the last two days with 2 other boats. The lockmasters are in touch with each other via computer and will hold the lock until all boats arrive no matter what speeds each are travelling. The river is narrow and it never fails that you meet a barge when you get to a ninety degree corner. Makes your heart flutter a little when all you see is steel and river bank coming at you. The barge captains are all friendly and will tell you to pass on the 1 or the 2 whistle side. That is if you can understand them ya'll.
For awhile today we thought we were approaching the White Cliffs of Dover. Turns out they were the White Cliffs of Epes. Still pretty cool! Oh yeah. We saw this little morsel on the deck of a houseboat 3 slips down the dock from us here in Demopolis. Not quite big enough for a meal!
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