10/11 - 18 /2020 Grand Rivers, KY to Demopolis, AL

After leaving Lighthouse Landing (Grand Rivers, KY), we repeated the waters we cruised in 2018. Ahh, the burden/convenience of a trailer-able boat.

Red Neck Sign Co

Sun, 10/11/20 - Lighthouse Landing to Pebble Isle Marina, New Johnsonville, TN (69 nm). We tied up to the transient dock with 1 other boat and felt comfortable that we had good protection for the evening.  It was pretty obvious that Covid-19 had taken its toll on this little marina, as it had few visitors, and the facilities were in need of some "attention" - it was very different than our stay in 2018. Big points for the complimentary hot cinnamon rolls in the morning though!

Our visit to check out the showers (which were deemed unusable) rewarded us with a 10-minute display by Woody Woodpecker hammering away on the base of the trees. Google tells us it was a Pileated Woodpecker - it was a sight to behold!

We also met Jim and Renee who were preparing for day 1 of their loop the next day.  Jim & Renee are looping on their 32' Eagle, named Seeker. We have had several more encounters with them over the past week and expect that will continue.

"MERICA"

10/12- Pebble Isle to Clifton, TN (62 nm).  After a long day pushing against a strong current, we took refuge at Clifton Marina.  Like Pebble Isle, we also stayed there during our 2018 trip.  Contrary to PI, Clifton had invested in the property by adding a beautiful outside bar to their small marina.  We took advantage of a hot shower and enjoyed the beef stew that had been slow cooking in the crock all day.  We helped Jim & Renee/Seeker tie up, as they arrived just after dark.  Oh, and I will let this photo speak for itself.

10/13 - Clifton to Pickwick Lake (55 nm).  Port-A-Gee and Seeker ventured out in the morning, and after locking through Pickwick Lock and Dam (1 of 12 on this leg), we followed Seeker into, Dry Creek, a beautiful anchorage for a quiet, moonless night on the hook.

Dry Creek

10/14 - Pickwick to Aqua Yacht Harbor, Iuka, MS (4 nm). Seeker got an early start to continue up the Tombigbee, but the crew of Port-A-Gee chose to relax and take in the scenery of Dry Creek until late afternoon before scooting over to Aqua for fuel, pump out and a stretch. Our Captain dutifully gave Port-A-Gee a bath and the First Mate checked out the area on a 3-mile run up many hills!  Aqua is huge and full of amenities. Covid closed the pool, but it was the clean, warm showers that had our attention anyhow.

10/15 - Aqua to Midway, Fulton, MS (54 nm).  FINALLY ON NEW WATER - Port-A-Gee dipped her bow into the Tombigbee Waterway on Thursday morning.  We had lofty goals for the day, but they were quickly dashed when we arrived at our first lock (Whitten), and the Lockmaster radioed that they were shut down for a couple of hours for maintenance.  We joined Son of a Son and Spektacular at anchor and took in the sunshine and beautiful scenery.  The 3 anchor-mates continued together through 2 more locks (Montgomery & Rankin) before turning into Midway Marina, Fulton, MS.  We were pleased to see their restaurant was open, so we refrigerated out thawing hamburgers and took advantage of "dinner out".  When we returned to Port-A-Gee to discover that the winds had really kicked up.  We were really hoping the lines were going to hold!

Trophy Cabin

Brother, can you spare a Dime?

10/16 - Midway to Columbus, MS (57 nm).  We got an early start to join Son of a Son and Spektacular at the Fulton Lock followed by Wilkins, Armory and Aberdeen.  We rejoined Seeker, who was tied up in Armory when we arrived, and we agreed to meet up at Columbus Marina for the night.  We're officially on gator watch (along with many other river critters).  We encountered a very large snake, serpentining its way across the channel, but didn't have time to grab the camera. There was a flock of white pelicans at the entrance to Columbus Marina.

Our approach to the Columbus Marina fuel dock was challenged by high winds, but Captain eased her in without incident.  The dock hand was exceptional, and he assisted us with all our needs.  WiFi - No password; laundry is $1.00/load - on honor system; courtesy car in the lot with the keys it in!  If only life could always be this hospitable & trusting. We used the courtesy car to run to Walmart.  Our stop in Columbus was very productive - replenishing fuel & provisions; laundry; defrost freezer.

Note: Columbus was the most Covid-compliant city we've visited, including back home in Chicago.  It was really refreshing to see how a community cares for each other.

Sumter Landing

10/17 - Columbus to Sumter Landing, Tuscaloosa, AL (63 nm).  Seeker got an early start and contacted the Stennis Lockmaster to secure us a spot on the next ride down.  Afterwards, had to put the throttle down and leave Seeker behind so we could make Demopolis by Sunday 10/18. After another 27 miles, we entered Bevill Lock for a 27' descent.

We enjoyed a lovely evening on the hook at Sumpter landing.  The anchorage has lots of favorable reviews, but we were a little disappointed with its size - good thing there weren't others staying.  It was also surrounded by a campground - mostly hunters.  They didn't bother us, but the magic of an anchorage is its solitude.

Mother Nature is putting on a show with the natural wonder of the chalky cliffs of Epes, Fall colors and wildlife:

10/18 - Sumter Landing to Kingfisher, Demopolis, AL (50 nm).  Only 4 miles to Heflin lock for a 36' drop.  We achieved our goal of 120 miles in 2 days to arrive in Demopolis, AL right about the time the Bears beat the Panthers 23-16 (improving their record to 5 & 1).  This trip rewarded us with some cool gator sightings.  Seriously, shouldn't there be "No Swimming" signs everywhere?!

Despite Cap's Covid-do, we will not be crossing the Delaware anytime soon! The First Mate needs to get some rest in between locks!

LEG STATS:

414 nautical miles

4 States:     KY, TN, AL, MS

10 Locks:    Whitten, Montgomery, Rankin, Fulton, Wilkins, Amory, Aberdeen, Stennis, Bevil, Heflin

6 Marinas:     Pebble Isle, Clifton, Aqua, Midway, Columbus, Kingfisher

2 nights on anchor:    Dry Creek, Sumter Landing

182 gals. of fuel (2.27 miles per gal/average)

Gorgeous weather 95% sun, 0 rain!