Week 3 Midway Marina to Demopolis AL

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 Saturday November 5, 2022

Rainy day in Fulton Marina, Columbus MS.  I enjoyed the time today on the boat cleaning, and reading.  There are 11+ Loopers here all talking about taking the 4 locks tomorrow in a coordinated effort.  The lead boat contacts the lock master to let them know how many boats approximately would like to lock through.  The last thing we heard was to be on your VHF radio at 5:30 am with information about the availability of the lock. Daily light savings begins tonight.


Sunday November 6, 2022

It was hard to sleep knowing that we would most likely begin our journey in the dark.  When the call came in the instructions were to be queued up for the Fulton Lock by 6:30.  Sun had started to rise so we were able to see all 11 boats lined up and ready for the lock. The first lock had 10 pins so one boat would have to raft up, and because we were the smallest vessel, it made the most sense for us to raft up.  Our good friends from Moon Dance were at the front of the pack and tied starboard so was fairly easy to come up alongside them and side-tie. I was a little nervous but Scott eased Little Bit More up alongside MoonDance IV with no problem.

This canal is narrow in spots and with 11 boats trying to manage their optimal speed and avoid being waked it was a challenging ride.  The weather was also dreary, overcast, and cold.  We approached the next lock Glover Wilkins Lock and were able to begin entry as soon as we arrived.  We allowed all 10 boats to enter the lock and we entered last and rafted up again to MoonDance IV.

All 11 boats pretty much stayed in line but sometimes a captain just needed to pass, so we would get waked, which causes your boat getting tossed about.

Lock #3 Amory Lock and they were ready for us.  Same drill 10 boats in, Little Bit More bringing up the rear and rafting up to MoonDance IV.

Last lock of the day, Aberdeen.  We had a little bit of a delay while a barge locked through.  With sunset at 4:57 pm everyone was getting a little edge about making it to the Columbus Marina.  The lock mistress was a woman and so nice.  About half of the flotilla broke off to anchor and 5 boats came into the marina for the night.  Columbus is a very nice marina, not fancy but the staff makes up for that.  Steve was so nice and made sure we were all settled in our slips even though the marina was technically closed.

After a busy day like today, we decided that tomorrow would be an easy day. 


Monday, November 7, 2022 – Happy Birthday to my brother Mark!

We woke up to a warm and sunny and very warm day.  The crews from Surface Interval III, MoonDance IV and Little Bit More provisioned, cleaned, and took our time getting our boats ready for our cruise downriver.  First up, get through the John C. Stennis lock.  After a barge locked up the three of us entered the lock chamber and were on our way by 1:00.  I cannot emphasize what a difference today was, sun, sun, sun!!  Very easy cruise to our anchorage and we dropped the hook at 4:00 pm in Pickensville MS Anchorage #2.


Tuesday, November November 8, 2022 – Happy Birthday to my sister Debbie

We were moving early and locked through Tom Bevill Lock by 9:30.  A full day of cruising and more sun!  We approached the last lock on the TennTom, Howell Heflin Lock, after lunch.  A barge that filled the chamber edge to edge took over 90 minutes to lock up river.  We enjoyed the weather and floated deep anchorage near the Gainesville Access Area with several Looper boats.  After some dinghy fun, we settled in for a very quiet night on anchor.

  

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 – Cruise from Heflin Lock Anchorage to Rattlesnake Anchorage

There are three anchorages Rattlesnake 1, 2, and 3.  We were able to anchor in a very shallow area given our 2’ draft.  Quiet evening and beautiful sunset.

 

 

  

 

Thursday, November 10, 2022 – Rattlesnake Anchorage to Kingfisher Marina, Demopolis AL

Before we pulled anchor Scott took the dinghy for a little ride.  Turns out it is relatively easy to use the crane to get it in the water.

 

 

 




Friday, November 11, 2022 – Kingfisher Marina Demopolis Alabama

The weather turned cold again so we decided to rent a car early and head to Texas for some time with family and friends.  LBM is secured and we’re on our way!

Spending time cruising in our Rosborough 246 on America's Great Loop.

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