Great Loop Day 072 Nov 8, 2016, Columbus Marina to Pirate's Marina Cove
“There is in my nature, methinks, a singular yearning toward all wildness.”
― Henry David Thoreau, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers
<Day 71 Previous Post | First Post | Next Post Day 73>
(Note: If this post is truncated in an email, readers can click on "View entire message" and they'll be able to view the entire post in their email app.)
DAY 72 Tuesday, Nov 8, 2016. Leaving Columbus Marina to Pirates Marina Cove. 29.3 miles. Last Marina until Demopolis. Sure is nice going with the current on the Tombigbee River. Once in Demopolis, the river changes its name to the Black Warrior River. Topped off main gas tank at 2.7 gallons. Doing about 10 miles per gallon. Totaled mileage and a little over 1800 miles cruised since leaving Cedar Point Marina on Lake Erie back on Aug 29.
I noticed Ocean Commotion II in a couple of locks before docking in Columbus Marina. I docked just in front of them at the marina and met the occupants later that day. They are from Mystic CT doing the loop.
Boat Card:
Time change back to Eastern Standard time. Not good. It’s getting dark at 5 pm and by 5:30 it is completely black. Resetting my wake-up alarm clock to 4:30 am cast off by 6 am. There are only 2 more marinas after Pirates Marina Cove, Demopolis (mile 216.2), and Bobby's Fish Camp (mile 118.9) before Mobile, Alabama, and 3 more locks. Will be anchoring more often and cellphone service will be unreliable if there is a signal at all.
Saying goodbye to Columbus (MS) Marina.
The river shoreline was more interesting than the Divide Cut and the Canal Section. I hear I'm in alligator country. However, the cooler nights are making them dormant. Still, I'm checking the shore for lumpy logs with sharp teeth. Only two cruisers passed me, Irish Lady Too, from Baltimore, MD. and another flying the Great Loop burgee but I didn’t get the name of the vessel.
Unkown cruiser flying a Looper burger.
The heat of the day was taking its toll on me. It was cloudy this morning but cleared later. The solar glare off the water at first isn't noticeable but later in the day and early evening, I can feel the burn, mostly on my face. This has been going on for the past 2 weeks. Thankfully, it's not humid and when the sun goes down the air gets chilly. Temps are down to the low 50s by morning. This pattern will be with us for the next week.
The drops in the locks are not so dramatic and the tow traffic is minimal. All the trawlers pass me and sometimes we meet up at the next lock. I’m just taking my good old time enjoying the scenery while cruising down the river.
Can’t figure out what was being loaded in the barge.
No doubt for those people who don’t have cell phones.
Oh! To have your own private boat ramp…
…in case the neighbors drop by.
A railroad bridge sneaks into view around the bend.
I can see what is in their open-air garage.
A closeup and a couple of industrial fans show up.
…and next door. Note the brown stain on the pillars. That’s the high water mark. Those fans will come in handy.
.
Oh! To be a kid playing in this backyard!
An American version of Doctor Who and the Tardis.
Master of his domain.
Taking a break between fish snacks.
“When you get to be my age, little one, you can take my spot!”
Called Pirate's Marina Cove and talked with Jeanie to make arrangements for the night. Two signs for the marina at the river entrance make identification easy. Pulled up to the fuel dock and I know I'm in the deep South. Joe was whistling 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home' and rather well. Gassed up and floated to my dock, tied off my usual pattern, bow line, stern line, and 2 spring lines fore and aft on my starboard side. Mickey couldn't wait to get on the old wooden dock and work his claws.
Red Right Returning. Got that right.
Nestled in a quiet little cove.
The marina office was decorated with lots of odd boating artifacts. Mostly rescued from the river. Ed the owner was working in his office and Jeanie got me checked in. Got my picture taken with their larger-than-life pirate patron. His face had quite the chiseled features, could it be because he was chiseled out of wood? Watch out for the hooked hand. Picked up a bag of ice and made it fit in the cooler. The pirate did ask me if I needed a hand.
Mickey has been outside most of the evening making cat talk with the marinas cat, Oscar, who sounds off growling letting Mickey know this is his territory. Mickey just wants to play but is still on his leash. It's time to bring him in for the night. And time for me to say goodnight as well. Fair Winds and Gentle Seas...
Comments from 2016:
Ryan Shepard Congrats on the journey so far Henry! It's been inspiring to watch. Look forward to catching up with you in December.
Good to know I'm in the right place.