10/22/19
1 Captain
2 Locks
Numerous bridges
235 miles
Fresh water to salt water
Everyone we told that we were going to Fairhope YC said – – “can’t be done”. Everyone! They said there will be a lot of traffic – commercial tugs and fishing boats. They said it’s more than 235 miles because of the twists and turns that make up the river. Now you know that’s the only challenge we needed to hear!!!
Nick got up early and called the lockmaster on his cell phone. The two talked and Nick told him of his goal to get to Fairhope. This lockmaster was impressed and said he’d support him by getting him through before 7am if he could get inside the lock and secured by 6:30am. We had no problem doing that. Saying goodbye to our new friends Mimi & Me was hard but we will see them again soon!
Then we got to the lock and noticed there was a tug with cargo barges waiting! The fog was not bad near the lock but the dam seemed to produce fog – did not effect us tho.
Then our friends ‘Hoot Owl’ hailed the lockmaster. Ironically the lockmaster said they were 10 minutes too late because he had an agreement with Aquasition. But Captain Nick and the Tug said they could wait for them to join Aquasition for the “pleasure craft lock through”. So we had 6 other Loopers in the first lock with us and that held up our schedule about 45 minutes. At the time, we were thinking this might mean some night time boating on Mobile Bay!
Demopolis Lock
Drop of 40 foot drop
Early morning locking.
The pin was not noisy at all!
We had the added entertainment of watching an Egret fish for his breakfast. He even defended his fishing hole from two other Egrets!
Once we were completely down and the doors started to open the morning sun joined us outside the lock!
Good bye lock one and so long Looper friends – see you soon!
Fog off the dam was crazy! Luckily it didn’t effect us.
This was a back to nature kinda ride! A large portion of this ride will be uninhabited!
Second lock
Coffeeville Lock
33 foot drop
No waiting! Easy lock and super nice guys! They liked our boat! On the VHF he was complementary to Captain Nick! He said we had a chance to make it during daylight hours. We weren’t convinced yet.
These people in Alabama are the definition of the Southern Hospitality!
Then another Egret came to say hello! It’s almost like he was telling us – “hey I understand you enjoyed watching my cousin at Demopolis lock so I thought I’d come and give you more to talk about”‘.
This bollard pin was clean and not squeaky at all!
Captain Nick tried his hand at his first time lapse video.
The next few miles were quiet and relaxing. Did not see a soul!
Alabama river beaches exist!!!
And more Bridges!
Pretty soon we met up with the 5 foot clearance CSX bridge. We had to contact the bridge master to have him lift the bridge. This happened while it was my shift at the helm. So Nick thinks he opened immediately because a woman asked for it but I think it’s just their Southern Hospitality!
It is hard to believe some of the twists and turns of this Tombigbee River! Check out Captain Nicks Garmin.
Yes we travelled the slinky turns and more! Disney could not have thought up the design of this river! Then we saw it! We kinda said if we can make it to I 65 bridge at a decent time we would for sure make it!
This was our entry towards the Mobile area and the Mobile bay.
Not sure what these vessels are used for, but this is where they are built! Military?
This one is made for the booze cruise! Looks fun!
The city of Mobile had a small but beautiful skyline!
Once we got through the commercial area of Mobile we were inside Mobile Bay. The sunset. Seemed to greet us with the beauty of orange, yellow and brown colors!
Arrival al the Yacht Club was perfect timing! We watched the sunset with the hundreds of sailboats docked here. Wherever sail boats are docked – – you KNOW THE WATER WON’T BE TOO SKINNY!!!!!
It’s Millertime – but by Miller we mean whiskey. 
This sweet southern woman was our bartender at the Fairhope Yacht Club! After she heard our story she poured them heavy! Sue the bartender was so much fun and full of information about the area! 
Great night! Thank you to the lockmasters and the tug Captains that helped in our quest!
Quote of the day: How far are you going today?
Song of the day: My Homes In Alabama by the group Alabama
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