2 long days on the river

 ~~Day 1~~

We got an early start, frost on the decks but once the anchor is pulled and we are on the way, we are cozy inside our Pilothouse      Lot’s of commercial traffic in this area. 

We only have one lock today and it is 30 miles (3 hours) away.

This is Bobby’s Fish camp, the only place to get fuel until Mobile.  We have a large fuel capacity but some of the smaller boats don’t and they need this fuel dock in order to make this long run.  They are located just north of the lock, so when we saw all the commercial traffic at the lock we asked if we could tie up to their dock for a few hours.

It ended up being a 4 hour wait and by that time there were 9 boats assembled to lock through.  Coffeeville lock is 34 feet down and is the last lock of the river system.  🥳

Autopilot is great, allows the captain to relax a little.

We had to go to plan B for our anchorage for the night as daylight was running out.  I also downloaded a Tides App as we are now in tidal waters…..something new to figure out.

~~~~~~

~~Day2~~

Left at daybreak on a second cloudy day, but no frost or fog this morning…..we have a long run and miles to make up

You can see Mobile Bay just south of us after today’s run.  We have an 8:30 hour day planned.

We are on the 👀 for gators, none yet. 

We came around the corner to spot Garden Gate had come aground on the shoaling. There were 2 small fire, water rescue boats on scene and one of them waved us over for assistance. They thought we could pull him out so we decided to try.

But after 2 attempts it was clear we were not equipped to save the day and decided to continue on our way. This job required professionals. 

Wait! Where are we? 😳

Big power plant. 

Awww…😡 the railway bridge is closed. 

40 minute wait and up she goes to let us through…..we are now racing the sunset to our plan B anchorage on Big Bayou Creek. 

We pulled in with just enough time to practice our two anchors set at bow and stern. 

Beautiful sunset after several cloudy days…perfect end to a long day.