Day 132 &133 October 30 - 31, 2022

Day 132 Sunday October 30, 2022

Florence Harbor Marina MM256 to Zippy Cove Anchorage MM215

Quick and fun overnight stop in Florence, now we are headed to start the Tenn-Tom Waterway.  Our anchorage at Zippy Cove is right at its start and right next to Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht Marina.  

 Fuel dock at Florence Harbor

We traveled in a very grey day with rain starting at about 11:30.  I was still trying to dry laundry so the weather didn't help the situation.  Phil-N-Wild would be splitting off from us at the marina to have some planned maintenance done.  

Not long after we got going Grand Wazoo advised us that he had water coming in the front bilge.  The bilge pump was running every hour.  They contacted the harbor host and he arranged for a slip at the marina and a mechanic.  Susan and Danny were going to have company.  

Arion and Eric's Inheritance continued on to our planned anchorage in Zippy Cove.  It is actually just a mile from Aqua Yacht Marina.  Rafted together, we lamented the situation and what we should do.  We were hoping for the best and that Joe and Laura would have a quick fix.  We first met them on June 24th in Waterford, only 4 days into our trip. We met again in Byng Inlet, Ontario on August 2nd.  We've been traveling together ever since.  Everyone wanted to stay together.

We decided that we would hang around in the morning to hear The Grand Wazoo's diagnosis.  Our travel plan was for a relatively short day (5 hours) to an anchorage at Whitten Lock MM412

Day 133 Monday October 31, 2022

Zippy Cove MM215 to Visitor Center Anchorage at Whitten Lock MM412

Good news -- Grand Wazoo had no water leaks over night.  The mechanic checked out the boat and couldn't find where the water might be coming in.  They made the decision to keep going.  It could take a technician days to find the source and then longer to fix it.  The pumps were handling the water so there was no danger.  

 Al getting ready to pull anchor

It was a nice reunion of boats at the beginning of the Tenn-Tom MM450.  We traveled a very gray but mostly calm day.  

Water Levels are low on the Tenn-Tom 

Finally at our anchorage Arion, The Grand Wazoo and Eric's Inheritance rafted together and celebrated our continued travel with an apple tart made by Arlene.  As Laura put it, "we have to cross the Gulf together".  

Can't forget that it was Halloween!  We were visited at dusk by an unknown couple in their dinghy.  He was trying to make scary noises, definitely trick or treating under the influence!  He managed a beer from Al and declined our offer of candy.  

6:30am call to the lock tomorrow to ask the best time to leave.

So happy we are all together....