Out of Florida and Up the River

Finally after a 4 night stay in Pensacola we got the lines untied and continued our Westward journey. Down Pensacola Bay to the GICW, past Ft. Pickens and the inlet leading out into the Gulf. We stayed inside and followed the channel to Ingram Bayou where we stopped early and anchored for the night. Somewhere during the day we slipped out of Florida and into Alabama.

Fort Pickens

Island in the Stream

Ingram Bayou Anchorage

Not out of the rain yet!

After a peaceful night in Ingram Bayou we awoke to a beautiful sunrise.

We got going after rinsing the mud off the anchor chain and had a nice ride across the GICW past Orange Beach, Al. Past LuLu Buffet's restaurant (Jimmy's sister) and into Mobile Bay where we turned North and made our way to Grand Mariner Marina at Dog River just below Mobile.

We were harassed by these gulls shortly after we got underway this morning.

Just past Orange Beach we came across this commercial area.

It doesn't get much smoother than this.

LuLu's.

Mobile Bay.

Our timing allowed us to get in and take on fuel. Give Tourist a much needed bath even though you'd think all of the rain we've had would have provided a good cleaning. And watch the Kentucky Derby before dining at the marina restaurant. After dinner we felt it only appropriate that we watch the movie Secretariat.

A good flick before bedtime.

The next day we borrowed the loaner car and did some re-provisioning. The effects of the recent storm were still being felt here too as we had to detour from the normal route due to the road being washed out. While we were out we took advantage of our time away from the boat and had lunch at Ruby Tuesday's.

Thinking of you Bill & Mary!

The rest of the day we watched boaters attempt to pull into the fuel dock at the marina. Unbelievable how so many could screw up a relatively easy task in the calm conditions.

The view across the river of Dog River Marina.

If you pass this way you owe it to yourself to make a stop at Grand Mariner. Certainly nothing fancy but a down home attitude that you find in the South prevails. More than just a marina it's a daily gathering spot for the storytellers and a residence for more than one stray cat.

One of the cats that keeps an eye on the place.

Tourist front & center at Grand Mariner.

Our view of Grand Mariner as we left.

The weather was great as we pulled into Mobile Bay and turned North. Just below we passed the dredge Columbia working on the side of the channel.

Dredge Columbia.

Traffic was light as we made our way through Mobile and into the Mobile River although we could start to feel the effects of the recent rains in an increase in the current speed working against us and the debris floating past us.

Mobile.

Preview of things to come.

On we travelled up the swollen  river past the 14 mile bridge and under what the locals call the Dolly Parton bridges of I-65.

14 mile bridge.

Dolly Parton bridges in the distance.

Some 60 miles later we pulled into Bates Lake and dropped anchor for the night. It was then Pam and I looked at each other and realized it was May 5. Cinco de Mayo! What else could we do but celebrate with chips & salsa to go with our margaritas!

Bates Lake anchorage. Out of the current and peaceful.

Cinco de Mayo! Cheers!

After a calm night we hit the trail at the crack of dawn. Back into the current which at times I'd estimate was running 3mph against us along with the usual debris that comes with a flood.

Our trail took us past Jackson, Al. and through Coffeeville Lock, our first lock on the Tenn-Tom. Coffeeville lock is always a treat due to the heavy Southern drawl of the lockmaster. For a Northern boy like me it's just a guess as to what he's telling me or requesting from me! Somehow we managed to get through and move on past Bobby's Fish Camp and into Okatuppa Creek for our overnight anchorage.

There's a green buoy under that turbulence in the water.

Still room for more water but not much.

Just a river scene.

Jackson, Al. industry.

Coming into Coffeeville Lock.

Pam likes floating bollards!

Okatuppa anchorage.

View from the stern of Tourist at Okatuppa.

Early mornings become a way of life when travelling and while it's sometimes a struggle to get out of bed you get rewarded with beautiful sunrises and scenery that so many never see.

Our reward for getting up early.

Our travel today took us to Demopolis, Al. and the Demopolis Yacht Basin where we took on fuel and spent the night in their new marina, Kingfisher Bay. Pam took the opportunity to use their laundry facility which made her a happy camper.

One mans castle along the river.

Debris from past floods.

Just below Demopolis the bank slid into the river narrowing the channel.

Demopolis Yacht Basin.

Debris at the Demopolis fuel dock.

One thing about fueling at Demopolis is that you know the fuel will be fresh because they fuel the towboats that travel the Tombigbee.

The next day the weather was still good as we made our way upriver. Fortunately by now the current was almost back to normal and minimal debris littered the water. We travelled to an oxbow in the river called Upper Cook Cutoff and anchored early for the day in about 18 feet of water. Another peaceful night followed by another early morning. This time however morning dawned with moisture in the air. At times during our day the rain came down hard but without lightning. We had 2 locks to pass through causing Pam to get her full rain gear on to handle the locking chores.

Pamster in full rain wardrobe. What. No heels?

One of the things I do since we have isinglass and no wipers is to use Collinite's  insulator wax on the isinglass which acts like Rain X.

Insulator wax on the center section and not on the sides. What was I thinking?

Our last lock before pulling into Columbus Marina in Columbus, Ms. was the John Stennis lock. By now the wind was blowing and the rain was falling. Our timing was perfect. We arrived just as a tow was approaching the lock which meant we had to wait. Once we entered the chamber and started raising our day was nearing completion. Columbus Marina is just around the corner.

Water churning in John Stennis Lock.