We left Columbus early Tuesday morning, proceeding with 6 other boats to the Stennis Lock and Dam, which is next to the marina. Even though the lock master had assured us that the lock was ready; there was a half hour wait before we were allowed into the lock. Once in the lock, the lock master questioned each captain for Registration, home port and destination. Conjecture is that the recent thwarted terrorist missions had increased security levels. Home Land Security has tightened restrictions around these lock and dams in general. Any form of attack would be costly on many levels.
Tuesday’s goal was an anchorage half way between Columbus and Demopolis. Out of the Lock, the faster boats pushed ahead. Sleeping Bear and a Mainship 400, “Seamoore” brought up the rear. This was Kerri’s first travel day and Sleeping Bear’s first rainy travel day since Peoria. The fly bridge enclosure has been appreciated in all types of weather, but is especially nice when it is rainy and cold. While there was a marina across the river from the anchorage, the anchorage was chosen because it was an ideal spot. It is adjacent to a recreational area that was built by the Corps of Engineers. The entrance to the anchorage, while shallow at 6 feet was well marked. Inside, the water was about 10 feet, perfect for anchoring. Three boats had rafted together on one side of the anchorage, while a 4th; “Elegant lady” was anchored alone on the other side. This left plenty of room in between, directly in front of a boat launch and small dock. This was all very easy for Kona and me. There were a few rain showers overnight with some variable winds. Sleeping Bear swung happily around her anchor all night long.
On Wednesday morning, after starting the generator to activate the coffee pot, Kona and I slipped to shore for morning business. We had returned and packed up the dinghy before Al came up on deck. After a brief conversation with the lock master, we attempted to call each of the other 4 boats to let them know that the lock was currently open. However, a down-bound tow was a little north of our location. Waiting at the anchorage for too long would put the Tug in front of the pleasure boats, causing an hour delay in getting thru the lock. Elegant Lady was the only boat who responded. They started their engines when we did and began to raise their anchor when we did. Our anchor and chain was muddy from sitting on the bottom. Rinsing it is easy using the deck was pump, but can be a slow process.
Just as our Anchor was about to come onto the boat, Elegant Lady radioed to Sleeping Bear. Their anchor was snagged. They did not have a dinghy and needed assistance. Without hesitation or much conversation, Al dropped the anchor as I began to work on getting the dinghy off of the davits. We put the motor back on the inflatable boat and went over to assist. The chain had wrapped around the anchor. Tthru trail and error we determined that best way to free it was to lower the muddy mess into the dinghy, taking pressure off of the chain. After this was completed, we threw the anchor overboard and returned to Sleeping Bear. The Captain and First mate aboard Elegant Lady, thanked us. As we were tethering the dinghy and preparing to remove the outboard motor, the crew on Elegant Lady was yelling over to us. Thanking us, again? No, the anchor was fouled again. This required a second trip to their assistance.
By the time we got back to Sleeping Bear, put the dinghy away, and raised the anchor, Elegant Lady as well as Seamoore had left the anchorage. In the river, Seamoore radioed that there was a tow behind him. I could see Seamoore to starboard as we approached the river and called to Seamoore to learn the location of the tug and barges. Before he could respond, I saw the tow lumbering down the Tenn- Tom, about 300 yards above the entrance heading toward our port bow. Pushing the throttles forward, Sleeping Bear responded quickly. Soon we were a much safer distance in front of the tow. I recalled while studying for my Captain’s License that it can take these tugs and tow several miles to stop. Always stay clear of the tows, Boss!
Wednesday was another rainy day and we ran the boat a little faster than we had been during nicer weather. We took advantage of the weather to see how she performed at Hull speed, the speed at which she will run across the Gulf. In Demopolis, the yacht basin is full. Fellow boaters where rafted off of the fuel dock last night. We are rafted on a working boat. Several other larger boats have been turned away as more and more boats are beginning the dash to Mobile.
Thursday’s weather is cooler, but sunny with the welcome return of clear skies. The plan is to rest here today, starting early tomorrow on the 4 day, 210 mile run to Mobile. Only two more locks to go, but only one place to tie up between here and Mobile. We have run more than 300 miles since fueling at Joe Wheeler. The fuel gages both still register well above half way. Calculations based on past usage indicate that we should have enough fuel to make it to Mobile…………………
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