Great Loop Day 082 Nov 18, 2016, Tensaw Cut Off Big Briar Creek to Dog River Marina, Mobile, Alabama

Tensaw Cut Off Big Briar Creek to Dog River Marina, Mobile, Alabama

Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey. -Pat Conroy

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Day 82 Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Tensas Cut Off Big Briar Creek to Dog River Marina, Mobile Bay, Alabama. 25.0 miles. 3rd night with tides.

Slept well last night. No other strange noises. Anchors held. The water rose up close to 2 feet from when I anchored yesterday afternoon.

First, the current comes in then it goes out. Cycles about every six hours. Checking the chart and Big Briar Creek is a designated hurricane hole. Boaters in this area who are unable to get their boats out before a hurricane hits head for these hurricane holes that offer protection from the fierce winds and storm surges. One local said the last hurricane that hit the creek was packed with boats. I can only imagine hundreds of boats anchored, stripped of everything that can fly off. Hatches and port holes are tightly closed. Lines tied to other boats and fenders all around the hull. Anchors in every direction.

Got underway at 6:30 am. Caught up to Henry and Kim aboard the Kakku who led the way with her radar and AIS.

Still in Mobile River and the skyline of Mobile is on the horizon.

Today is the big day we arrive in Mobile, Alabama!

We finally leave the wilderness and start to see an industrialized shoreline. Didn't see any ocean-going vessels but the docks are heavily mechanized to handle container ships. Not much water traffic. We pass through the heart of Mobile and out into the bay. A few more miles and we will be at Dog River Marina. The sailing vessel Kakku is going to continue on to Fairhope on the other side of the bay. I thanked them for leading the way and getting us through safely. Calls were placed to the Dog River Marina and they have a spot for me.

Swing railroad bridge to Chickasaw Creek.

Going under the Cockrane Africatown Bridge.

Digging a little deeper I found a fascinating story behind Africatown. The last surviving captives of the slave ship Clotilda were illegally brought over from Africa in July 1860 to be sold in Mobile. A few years later after the Civil War, the remaining slaves were set free and unable to purchase their transport back to Africa bought land, and established Africatown which still stands. This 2019 video describes the search for the ship and the history of the people:

A National Geographic video presentation of the history and the discovery of the Clotilda. Clotilda, 'last American slave ship,' discovered in Alabama (nationalgeographic.com)

Africantown builds a museum for the slave ship Clotilda | Alabama Public Radio (apr.org)

Our first palm trees in front of the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum

Cargo container cranes standing ready for the next ship.

Cargo containers line the western waterfront.

Saying goodbye to the S/V Kakku and her Skipper, Henry, and First Mate, Kim as they make their way to the city of Fairhope on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay.

Thanks for leading the way and keeping us safe.

Ocean-going ships are ladened with cargo.

A military vessel under repair.

A new boat comes into view.

From Tows, Barges, and Tugs to Shrimp Boats.

Greeted by dozens of seagulls happy to see us arrive.

Mickey was so glad to be off the boat he was kissing the dock. Really Mickey?

MAP

Mobile, Alabama is going to be my home for a while till I figure out what plans I must make. Until then… Fair winds and gentle seas.

Comments from 2016:

• Jeff Cochran What a change of scenery

• David Myers Looks like the Gulf of Mexico

  • Henry Krzemien RN Mobile Bay. The Gulf of Mexico is about 40m away.

    • David Myers, You're as good as there

    • Henry Krzemien RN Yes indeed!

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