NJ – Page 23 – Nancy and Rick Unplugged

Mobile Alabama

December 13, 2016 – Tuesday

We will leave Dog River Marina this morning and cross Mobile Bay into the protected waters of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW).

A few historical facts about Mobile

• Mobile Bay was the first body of water in the new world to be accurately charted. This was accomplished by the Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda in 1519.
• Mobile was founded as the capital of colonial French Louisiana in 1702 and remained a part of New France for over 60 years. The flags of six nations and republics have flown over the city since its founding: France, Spain, Great Britain, the Alabama Republic, the Confederate States of America and the United States.
• Mobile is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. The city held its first Carnival in 1703.
• During World War II the population of Mobile more than doubled in three years due to the influx of people coming to work in the shipyards.
• The Port of Mobile is the only deep-water port in Alabama and one of the Top 10 ports in the U.S. by tonnage.

Civil War History (April 12, 1861 – May 9, 1865)

On August 5, 1864, at the Battle of Mobile Bay, Union Admiral David Farragut, (1801-70), led his flotilla through the Confederate defenses to gain control over one of the last major Southern ports. During this battle, when the USS Brooklyn started backing up because of suspicious looking buoys, Admiral Farragut commanded, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” His flagship Hartford swept past the USS Brooklyn into the rows of torpedoes and the rest of the fleet followed.

David Glasgow Farragut, who entered the U.S. Navy at age 9, received his first command in 1824 during the War of 1812, serving on the USS Essex, he commanded the Union blockade of the western Gulf of Mexico. In 1863 he helped secure victory at the Battle of Vicksburg, the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River, bringing the Mississippi River under Union control. An interesting article about Farragut and Buchanan.

Serendipity: From 2000-2004, Rick and I worked at David Glasgow Farragut High School in Rota, Spain.

Three Rivers Lake to Mobile Bay Alabama

December 9, 2016 – Friday

At o-dark-thirty the narrow channel leading back to the river seemed rather challenging, however, the sunrise added a brighter perspective.

The navigation markers are not always where they should be. I’m pretty sure that red one should be anchored in the river.

The above deer, along with three of his friends crossed the river in front of Andiamo and ran like a bullet as they exited the water. We, also, exited the river today and entered Mobile Bay. Hopefully, the following pictures will give you a taste of the flora, fauna, and commerce of this section of the river.

T/V Miss Becky – Without barges, she is going 11 knots.

Miss Becky and Andiamo wait at the CSX Rail Road Swing Bridge as a train crosses the bridge. (5′)

With the bridge open, we continue down river.

Magnetic crane releasing scrap metal onto a barge.

More scrap metal…this time it is being dropped into a truck.

It was a rough crossing from the end on the BWTW to Dog River Marina where we docked for the night. The waves were short, the sun was blinding, and there was a fair amount of traffic.

On a humorous note, a larger M/V flew around us in the shipping channel adding an additional wake. When he made the sharp turn into the channel leading to Dog River he lost his bearings. In the end, he humbly followed us the rest of the way in.

Big step up. Now the wait for a good weather day to cross Mobile Bay to the Gulf Coast.

Bobby’s Fish Camp to Three Rivers Lake

December 8, 2016 – Thursday

Coffeeville Lock and Dam (34′) This is a final lock on the on the BWTW.

Several times we have seen items dumped at the river, washer, dryer, hot water heater, and furniture like this bed. I wonder how the people who dump these items believe that it is appropriate.

At the anchorage, Rick was happy with his crock-pot meal.

Bashi Creek to Bobby’s Fish Camp

December 7, 2016 – Wednesday

Wednesday morning we said goodbye to Paul and Jean and headed out of Bashi Creek. We started our day watching T/V Jackson III pass the creek on his way South.

Sandy Beach – Soon it will be a sandy beach with blue water. 🙂

T/V Jock made a u-turn in front of us and, in the picture, are in the process of picking up a mooring.

Bobby’s dock is only about 120 feet long. Grateful II, Serenity, Andiamo, and Veritas took up the entire dock, including the fueling section. When a boat came in for fuel, they had to raft to Veritas.

Enjoyed Irish coffee with Susan and David on S/V Veritas

Demopolis to Bashi Creek

December 6, 2016 – Tuesday

With a break in the weather, seven boats left the marina at day-break to continue their trip down the Black Warrior Tenn-Tombigbee Waterway. Rick and I followed Andiamo out of the marina, they went left to the fuel dock and we continued with the other boats to the Demopolis Lock and Dam.

M/V Andiamo – 80’ (Wonder how I can get an upgrade.)

Demopolis Locks (40’) – Egrets on the lock doors.

In 1979 the tugboat Cahaba, captained by one Jimmy Wilkerson, almost overturned and sank under the Rooster Bridge. The bridge is no longer there but you can see where it once crossed the river.

M/V Andiamo fueled up, went through the locks about 45 minutes after we did, and passed us fifteen miles downriver.

Views from the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway

Rentz Ferry Ox Bow – One of the many 180 degrees switchbacks on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway (BWTW)

Meridan and Bigbee Rail Road Lift Bridge. This bridge is 45’ closed and 55’ open, it is up unless a train is coming. In either case, not a problem for Andiamo.

In the afternoon, we tucked into Bashi Creek and rafted with M/V Bob Tale. We had a wonder evening sharing tall tales with her owners, Paul and Jean.

Last Day in Demopolis, Alabama

December 5, 2016 – Monday

Today was a full day of preparations. Welcomed by a heron guarding the fuel dock, we refueled at 7:30 am, filled the water tank, cleaned Andiamo, used the courtesy car to get groceries, and did laundry. p1010681 We plan to leave for Mobil, AL tomorrow. On the river, the distance from Demopolis to Mobil is 216.2 statute miles (187.9 nautical miles). On the highway that’s usually pretty straight forward, it is a little more complicated on the river. At an average of 6.5 knots per hour, we expect to be on the river for 3 nights. The challenges are that there are no marinas, at low water conditions no really good anchorages, and our daylight hours are much reduced from summer hours. The plan is to anchor on Tuesday night, stay at Bobby’s Fish Camp on Wednesday, anchor on Thursday night, and be in Mobil by Friday evening.

Bobby’s Fish Camp is not a true marina, but it is one of the oldest restaurants in southwest Alabama. The restaurant was built in 1956 by Bobby Dahlberg to service local river traffic, with the camp being built in 1960. The opening of the Tenn-Tom in 1985 resulted in an increase in yacht traffic, these yachts needed a place to refuel between Demopolis and Mobile. At the request of the Demopolis Yacht Basin Marina, Bobby installed a fueling station at his Fish Camp, thus becoming the smallest marina, with the least amenities, of the Tenn-Tom Marina Association. More on the Bobby’s after our visit.

Our last night in Demopolis.

Demopolis – Christmas on the River

December 2, 2016 – Friday

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Since 1972, the small town of Demopolis, has been celebrating “Christmas on the River” with a nighttime parade of boats decorated for Christmas and fireworks. This small festival is now a five-day event that averages about 40,000 people. In 2013, A&E television named Demopolis the #5 Ultimate Holiday Town in the USA. Our first stop, Gaineswood.

Christmas in the Canebrake – Three historical antebellum homes, featuring 19th-century-style-holiday decorations of fresh fruit and greenery gave candlelight tours and local talent filled the air with the sounds of the Christmas season.

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Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-off – After our Gaineswood tour, we stopped for a little BBQ from the Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-off. This event became part of “Christmas on the River” in 1989, Friday’s event was the party portion. For an entry fee of five dollars, you could eat all the BBQ, chili, & gumbo your heart desired, meet with family & friends and dance the night away. The competition cooking took place after the rest of us were snug in our beds and was judged on Saturday.

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There are over 40 competing teams, 48 judges, and many BBQ connoisseurs, including Rick and I.

Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-off Winners

Grand Champion: House of Q
Reserve Champion: Smokin’ Triggers

December 3, 2016 – Saturday

We walked into town, in the rain, checked out the goodies at the Fair on the Square (arts and crafts show) and the annual Christmas Parade.

Fair on the Square and Christmas Parade

p1010620 — Marshmallow Shooters for $5.00

p1010623 — In spite of the rain, all parking lots are full.

p1010628 — Motor Cycle Police Start the Parade

p1010632 — Would it be a parade without children getting “the goods?” In this case, candy and Mardi Gras beads

p1010633 — Demopolis HS Drill Team and Band

p1010636 — Nightmare before Christmas, a different take.

p1010650 — Next Generation of Queens & Princesses

p1010671b — Notice the saguaro cactus? I thought I was back in Arizona.

p1010675 — Forty minutes later, Santa ends the Parade.

Nautical Parade & Fireworks:

Saturday evening we braved the cold and rain to watch the Nautical Parade by the river. Between the dark, rain, and movement of the floats on the water, pictures were nearly impossible.

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p1010679 — Christmas on the Water, Demopolis, AL 2016

Demopolis Historical Walk

December 1, 2016 – Thursday

We played tourist today by walking into town, taking pictures, and conversing with the locals. One gentleman, Mr. Bird, suggested that we visit his father’s farm in Forkland, AL, about ten miles away. I don’t think we’ll be able to visit but I did look it up on the web, Hay Art in Forkland, definitely a different art form.

A little from Mother Nature on our way into town.

p1010518 — Nice day for a dip in the river.

p1010528 — Situated on historic White Bluff overlooking the Tombigbee River. Bluff Hall was built in 1832 by slaves of Allen Glover for his daughter, Sarah Serena, and her husband Francis Strother Lyon. Lawyer and planter, F.S. Lyon, served in both the Confederate and the United States congresses. Frequent war-time visitors in his house were General Leonidas Polk and General Zachary Deas. – Alabama Historical Marker

p1010529 — Part of Bluff Hall, currently a gift shop.

p1010523 — Cabin located behind Bluff Hall

p1010542 — Built during 1843-1861, Gaineswood evolved from a two-room “dogtrot” cabin into a Greek Revival style mansion. General Nathan Bryan Whitfield, the builder, was his own architect, though he had no formal training. The labor was done mostly by slaves, some of whom were extremely accomplished carpenters and plasterers. Three styles of Greek architecture are represented in the house: Doric-style outside, Ionic for the interior, and Corinthian in the drawing room. Gaineswood contains much of its original furnishings as well as several inventions of the builder. – Rural SW AL

p1010545 — This is one of the oldest buildings in Demopolis. It was built in 1843 by the Presbyterians of Demopolis using locally-made bricks. It served as their sanctuary until after the Civil War. During the reconstruction period, a garrison of Federal troops, stationed in Demopolis, moved the county seat from Linden, AL, and used this building for a courthouse. – Rural SW AL

p1010547 — The Laird Cottage is a restored 1870 residence with Greek Revival and Italianate style. The building now serves as the headquarters of the Marengo County Historical Society. It has a museum that contains exhibits and works of Geneva Mercer, national and international acclaimed sculptor and painter from the nearby community of Jefferson. – Rural SW AL

p1010535 — Who remembers Coca Cola for a nickel?

And on our way back to Andiamo, a little more from Mother Nature.

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Kingfisher Bay Marina, Demopolis, Alabama

November 30, 2016 – Wednesday

Out of respect for Mother Nature, Andiamo is at Kingfisher Bay Marina waiting out a southern storm and possible tornado. The storm has brought us a range of weather conditions. After the first front passed the temperature rose from 65 to 85 degrees. The next segment brought us about 14 hours of light to heavy rain followed by clear skies and sunshine. Rick and I took advantage of a two-hour break in the storm to get provisions for the boat. By the time we arrived back at the marina, the temperature had dropped and the winds were back, it sure is nice to have a cozy little boat and geese to come home to.

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The storm has passed but the yuletide festivity of Christmas on the River is calling us and we plan to engage in at a few of the activities before leaving Demopolis.

“Christmas on the River (COTR) is an annual event that is in its 45th year. It is a holiday celebration with several events over four days, main events are always the first weekend in December. We celebrate with a “Special child” and the announcement of our “St. Nick”. We have a reading of the Christmas Story and lighting of the park with a Santa visit, then on Friday and Saturday we have Christmas in the Canebrake, candlelit tours of historical homes, Canebrake children’s plays, the Alabama State BBQ Cook-Off, Fair in the Square arts and crafts show, a day parade and a nautical night parade with a fireworks show and semi-formal Gala on the Tombigbee.”

We won’t be attending the semi-formal Gala, somehow our semi-formal attire didn’t make it to the boat, but we do plan to visit the historical homes, attend the Alabama State BBQ Cook-Off, and perhaps stay for the nautical parade.

p1010512 — Sunset at Kingfisher Bay Marina

World War II History
At Pirate’s Marina Cove, I learned that we were only 10 miles from Aliceville, AL, site of the largest German prisoner of war camp in the United States. The camp was in operation from June 1943 through September 1945 and housed up to 6000 prisoners. After the war, the camp was dismantled and sold for scrap with only an old stone chimney to mark its location.

Chimney Remains from Aliceville POW Camp

Most World War II POW camps were located in the South because of the higher expense of heating the barracks in other areas. By the end of the war, every state except Alaska, Nevada, North Dakota, and Vermont had POW camps. These camps held 371,683 Germans, 50,273 Italians, and 3,915 Japanese POW.

Tenn-Tom Waterway: River Section

November 26, 2016 – Saturday

Today we continued down the River Section of the Tenn-Tom.

p1010276 — John C. Stennis Lock (30’) – Frist time we shared a lock with a fishing boat.

p1010279 — Do you think she is giving me “the evil eye?”

Views from the river.

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p1010322 — I think this might be the last fall for this tree.

p1010323 — Any interest in making a phone call?

Next up, Pirate’s Marina Cove, Pickensville, AL. Rick and I use an Internet site called “Active Captain” for advice on marinas and anchorages. Thus far, the lowest rated marina has been Pirate’s Marina Cove and it was not highly rated by our fellow Loopers. In spite of these “not so glowing” recommendations, and since Rick needed access to the Internet, we decided to check it out. It is a very old marina, needs a complete make-over, and is a bit creepy. Of course, the fog added to the ambiance.

p1010327 — This boat doesn’t look like it should float, but she has the holiday spirit.

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November 27, 2016 – Sunday

p1010336 — Spare parts for the Bevill Locks are stored in the cove.

The U.S. Snagboat Montgomery was the last steam-powered sternwheeler to ply the inland waterways of the south. For nearly six decades, the Montgomery labored to keep seven of the South’s major rivers navigable.

p1010343 — The Tom Bevill Lock and Dam Visitors Center is an authentic reproduction of a mid-nineteenth Century plantation house surrounded by extensive lawns with scattered rows of shade trees.

p1010344 — Tom Bevill Locks (27′) – Doors Closing

p1010347 — Today, instead of a Great Blue Heron we have a Great Egret in the locks with us.

Another good bird watching day.
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We ended the day anchored at Sumter Landing Recreation Area

p1010424 — End of another wonderful day on the river.

November 28, 2016 – Monday

We weighed anchor at sunrise and proceeded to Helfin Lock and Dam,” our last lock on the Tenn-Tom. (Note: “to weigh anchor” is the opposite of “to drop anchor,” as it means to raise the anchor)

p1010432 — Before seven we had the “Green Light” to enter Heflin Locks (32′)

Today has been unique in several ways. We were not just rolling down the river, we were Rock’n and a Roll’n. The wind was 20-25 knots with gust up to 40, creating wave action of 12 to 18 inches, a shower of leaves and, from time to time, a rolling boat.

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We saw several herons, an eagle catching a fish, and several other birds, however, I managed to get only one bird picture for the day. p1010437

Below are samples of the houses and play areas on this section of the river.

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We cruised by the White Cliffs of Epes, these cliffs are part of the Selma Chalk formations which were deposited at about the same time as England’s famous White Cliffs of Dover.

p1010454 — For a better view of the White Cliffs of Epes go to http://www.ruralswalabama.org/attraction/the-white-cliffs-of-epes-al/

Our only tow of the day was Big Eddie.

Today we finished the 149 mile River Section of the Tenn-Tom and entered the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway. This waterway will take us to Mobile Bay, AL.