Day 134 Tuesday November 1, 2022
Visitor Center Anchorage, Tenn-Tom Waterway MM412 to Canal Section Cutoff MM366.3
We called the lock at 5:45am and were directed to call again at 7:30. At that point he was opening the doors, "come right in". Lock protocol requires boaters to wait for a green light before moving into the lock. Boaters proceed into the lock, loop a line around a floating bollard (mid ship) and then call the lock master to tell him that the boat is secure. Once all boats are secure the doors will close. Lockmasters sound a siren to announce that they are starting to raise or lower the water. Boats float with the bollard. Once the water is at the correct level the doors will start to open. Boaters must wait for the siren to blow again for the all clear to exit the lock.
We traveled in some fog with Arion, Grand Wazoo, Encore, Patriot and Pelican . Our first lock was Whitten lock. As the boat was lowered in the lock we got a shower -- good thing we didn't have to stand on the bow of the boat, we would have been soaked! Lots of debris in the water today.
Can you see the Eagle? Soon we will see alligators and dolphins!
We did a whopping 6 locks in one day!! A total of 40.8 miles and 9 1/2 hours. We stopped at 5pm just 9 miles before the next lock. The days are getting shorter and sunset earlier so 5p was late enough, especially when you have a good, safe anchorage. With a little investigation of the anchorage by Al we were finally rafted together in 21 feet of water. We celebrated with steak on the grill.
Day 135 Wednesday November 2, 2022 HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!
Canal Section Cutoff MM366.3 to Columbus Marina Columbus, Mississippi MM335
Our night at anchor was very peaceful and calm but we couldn't help thinking that we heard banjos calling.
Short day planned -- only 31 miles. Underway at 7:10 the Aberdeen Lock was ready for us when we arrived. The lock master was very friendly -- every time I called. This was our only lock for the day. A nice switch from yesterday.
The shoreline has certainly changed.
First stop for everyone at Columbus Marina was the fuel dock and a pump out. We waited our turn sitting in the bay outside of the marina enjoying the pelicans.
Once in our slip we discovered an unwanted neighbor. The boat next door was infested with wasps! According to the dockmaster the boat hasn't moved in 13 years and it certainly looked it! We slid our boat to the other side of the slip and managed to avoid the bees.
We ended the day with Pappa John's Pizza (the only one that would deliver) with Laura, Arlene, Al and Joe, on Arion. We taught them how to play Pass the Pigs. Arlene showed Grand Wazoo how to play "7's".
Tomorrow another day at Columbus Marina.
1 comment:
Making good progress. Stay safe and have fun.
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