Based on the extremely high cost of a flight from Fort Walton Beach to Detroit ($600 one way), I decided to take the Greyhound Bus and save $500. Called a cab at 6AM for the short trip from the Marina to the Bus station. The cab driver did not show at 6:15 as promised. I needed to come up with a plan “B” to get to the bus station. Noticed a strip mall across the street from the marina. A work van had just pulled into the parking lot. I crossed Miracle Parkway and approached the stranger. As soon as he opened the van door, I explained my situation. He told me that he was an electrician heading into the office. I asked him if he would be kind enough to give me a ride to the bust station as the bus was leaving at 7AM and I had a nonrefundable Internet ticket and more luggage than I could carry. He told me that his name was Mike and he would be happy to help. I was at the bus station at 6:45AM.
Had the reference number that Sandy had given me confirming the bus trip home so once the computer booted up they were able to print my multipart ticked to Detroit. There was a active duty Air Force guy ahead of me making travel arrangements for his 17 year old son to travel to Jacksonville FL. The son was going to live with his grandmother. Seems that the father and son can no longer see eye to eye. The prodigal son had an extra bag. The cost for carrying an extra bag was $10. The dad did not have the money as he paid for the bus fare with a credit card. He told the clerk to put the charge for the extra bag on the card. He was told that he had to pay cash for the extra bag. I fronted the dad the $10 to pay for the extra bag. He said that he would send me the money when he returned to the base.
At 7AM the bus arrived at the Fort Walton Beach Bus Station. We were watched as our bags were loaded and boarded for Panama City, Mariana, Montgomery, Birmingham, Nashville, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo and finally Detroit.
Traveling by bus has been a lot of fun. It takes so long to get to your destination, you have a lot of time to think, observe and talk with a broad spectrum of individuals. Based on the fact that the travel times are greatly extended, folks traveling in the same direction seem to form ad hoc groups. On this trip 6 of bus travelers heading north were dropped off in Mariana FL. We had to transfer buses. We had a 2 hour layover. Since there was no bus terminal in Mariana, FL. We were dropped off in a parking lot under a huge Pilot gas station sign. Was glad that it was not raining or we would have gotten wet. However, I am sure that Greyhound has made arrangements to keep customers dry on rainy days. Or at least I hope they have.
Since we had so much time to kill I opened my guitar case, tuned the old Gibson and started playing Walleye Willie. No one had ever heard that song. One of the guys in our group did know the second song called The Perfect Women. In fact he had a recording of the song on his iPod. Same Pat Dailey song different by a different performer. Suddenly a guy named Andy showed up with his guitar. We tuned it to mine played an unrehearsed gig for the bus transferees. Had good fun in the parking lot as we attracted a crowd. They layover went by quickly and shortly after 12 noon our bus arrived.
This second bus had smaller seats than the first and was more crowded. The bus rattled and it sounded like the drive shaft was going to fall out on the highway. It was and old bus and this had to be one of its last trips.
The ad hoc group that formed under the Pilot Gas sign in Mariana FL was composed of 5 people. Sonny, Liz, Weylon, and Bill.
Sonny was originally from Pittsburgh and was returning to Pittsburgh to bail his 19 year old daughter out of jail. Seems that she had been arrested on possession of illegal drugs. She has a 3 year old and his plan is to care for the child so that his grandchild would not be placed a foster home.
Liz was active military. She was heading to Columbus OH to visit with friends on her furlough. Her specialty is food preparation.
After stopping at 8 bus stations and making 4 courtesy stops, the bus finally arrived in Detroit at 1PM.
The second leg of this trip is now in the planning stages. More information will be added once the second leg begins.
Thank you for following this first part of my journey.
Monday, November 16, 2009
November 11, 2009
Winds still very strong and have shifted so that they are coming out of the North East. It is clear the winds are loosing strength. Pulled up the carpet and put everything in the cockpit. I started drying out the boat as everything in it was wet and soggy. Hopefully by drying everything out, mold will not take hold of the boat while I am away. I did a load of laundry. This time I did not have to call Sandy for directions. Stayed at he marina all day and worked on the boat.
November 10, 2009
Woke up again and it was still dark. The wind was blowing and the boat was rocking but everything seemed to have weathered the eye of the storm as IDA made landfall between midnight and 1AM. I was pleased that the dock lines had held and there was no damage to the boat.
When the sun came up I noticed that the water was at the same level as the dock and the winds was driving the waves over the dock. Took several photos. This must be the surge that everyone was worried about. I tied the lines high on the pilings and the boat rose with the rising water. 7.5 feet at the dock when I arrived over 12 feet this morning. A pretty good rise in the water.
Later in the morning phoned Bill Reaves. He took me to Walmart so that I could buy a tarp to cover the companionway. The purpose of this new tarp was to keep the cabin dry during rains that came while I stored the boat in the wet slip. After shopping Bill took me on a quick tour of the area. We stopped at his favorite Greek restaurant for lunch. Bill has and advanced degree in Physics from Auburn and was very interesting guy to talk with. His specialty is infra red imaging. Most of his work was been with defense contractors. He was laid off and is currently looking for work so he had time to show me around.
When the sun came up I noticed that the water was at the same level as the dock and the winds was driving the waves over the dock. Took several photos. This must be the surge that everyone was worried about. I tied the lines high on the pilings and the boat rose with the rising water. 7.5 feet at the dock when I arrived over 12 feet this morning. A pretty good rise in the water.
Later in the morning phoned Bill Reaves. He took me to Walmart so that I could buy a tarp to cover the companionway. The purpose of this new tarp was to keep the cabin dry during rains that came while I stored the boat in the wet slip. After shopping Bill took me on a quick tour of the area. We stopped at his favorite Greek restaurant for lunch. Bill has and advanced degree in Physics from Auburn and was very interesting guy to talk with. His specialty is infra red imaging. Most of his work was been with defense contractors. He was laid off and is currently looking for work so he had time to show me around.
November 9, 2009
Extended Layover: The Boat Marina, Fort Walton FL
Woke up early again this morning at 5:00AM. Listened to the weather forecast for the area most of the day. Updates on the progress of the storm were hourly.. Seems that the Hurricane IDA is headed this way and expected to hit about midnight. According to NOAA weather radio the waves 10 miles off shore in the Gulf are now 7 to 10 feet building to 14 to 20 feet. Winds are 25 to 35 with gusts up to 40.
As soon as the sun came up at 6:00AM the Marina was alive with activity. Boat owners were nervously checking their dock lines and securing their boats and adding more dock lines. Marina employees were busy with the “hurricane haul-outs“. At the beginning of each boating season boat owners have the ability to purchase the hurricane haul-out option for an additional $500. This option can be called when hurricanes are forecast and approaching the marina in Fort Walton Beach. Boats electing option are pulled out of the water with the travel lift and placed in the parking lot of the marina. When the storm passes, the boats are then put back into the water. The boats that I saw being placed on the hard were large expensive motor vessels, many with fly bridges and part of the charter fishing fleet..
Met with Joyce the manager of the marina about 9:00AM. She told me that if I would like to stay, the charge for keeping my boat here would be $100.00 per month. This is a discount of 20% from the average monthly fee offered by other marinas. Seemed like a fair price to pay to have a temporary slip in FL. Joyce told me that I could borrow the old marina work truck and make a run to the store for provisions. I needed beer and ice. Also wanted to make a trip to the Library to use the internet to check the progress of IDA and the prices to travel home.
Returned to the boat and added aft spring lines. Hopefully they will keep the boat from being pushed into the dock and damaging the motor during the Hurricane. Water Mark is backed into the slip.
Took off the mainsail and stored it in the “V” birth. Cooked a ham and cheese omelet with Texas toast for breakfast. Called Sandy with a hurricane update. Sandy said that the storm is making the news up north and she strongly advised me to get off the boat and get a motel room. At least until the storm passed. I told her that I would think about it. However, after thinking about it, I have no intention of leaving the Water Mark alone in her first tropical storm. Winds are now coming out of the east southeast at 24 miles per hour. Waves hit the hull from the stern and shake the boat. And the worst is yet to come.
After lunch, I sat down in the cabin of the boat and decided to update the log and wait out the storm as I monitored the NOAA weather radio.
At 8PM The boat is rocking and rolling from the current and shuddering from the strong wind produced by IDA. The storm is moving toward us at 18 to 19 MPH. IDA should make a landfall by midnight as forecast. IDA should produce between 3 and 6 inches of rain and increase the tides by 2 to 3 feet. Was told this would happen and to tie the dock lines high on the pilings so the boat would rise with the tides and expected surge. Winds are so strong that he rigging is vibrating like a guitar string. IDA made land fall about midnight as I sat drinking my third Fosters Lager. The boat rock and rolled, shuttered and vibrated as the winds reached 55 mph and rain poured into the cabin from the companion way from the gusts. Tried to mop up the excess water but new water would quickly replace the mopped up water. The carpet in front of the galley was soaked. The aft sleeping quarters was soaked. The starboard birth in the Cabin was soaked. I set out all of the pot and pans as well a extra cups to catch the stray water. I just keep coming. I must have rained 3 inches in the boat. By 2AM I was exhausted and crawled into the sleeping bag that was up in the “V” berth. This was the only dry spot on the boat. Must admit that I did not get a very good nights sleep. About 5AM I wished that I had listened to Sandy and gotten a motel room.
Woke up early again this morning at 5:00AM. Listened to the weather forecast for the area most of the day. Updates on the progress of the storm were hourly.. Seems that the Hurricane IDA is headed this way and expected to hit about midnight. According to NOAA weather radio the waves 10 miles off shore in the Gulf are now 7 to 10 feet building to 14 to 20 feet. Winds are 25 to 35 with gusts up to 40.
As soon as the sun came up at 6:00AM the Marina was alive with activity. Boat owners were nervously checking their dock lines and securing their boats and adding more dock lines. Marina employees were busy with the “hurricane haul-outs“. At the beginning of each boating season boat owners have the ability to purchase the hurricane haul-out option for an additional $500. This option can be called when hurricanes are forecast and approaching the marina in Fort Walton Beach. Boats electing option are pulled out of the water with the travel lift and placed in the parking lot of the marina. When the storm passes, the boats are then put back into the water. The boats that I saw being placed on the hard were large expensive motor vessels, many with fly bridges and part of the charter fishing fleet..
Met with Joyce the manager of the marina about 9:00AM. She told me that if I would like to stay, the charge for keeping my boat here would be $100.00 per month. This is a discount of 20% from the average monthly fee offered by other marinas. Seemed like a fair price to pay to have a temporary slip in FL. Joyce told me that I could borrow the old marina work truck and make a run to the store for provisions. I needed beer and ice. Also wanted to make a trip to the Library to use the internet to check the progress of IDA and the prices to travel home.
Returned to the boat and added aft spring lines. Hopefully they will keep the boat from being pushed into the dock and damaging the motor during the Hurricane. Water Mark is backed into the slip.
Took off the mainsail and stored it in the “V” birth. Cooked a ham and cheese omelet with Texas toast for breakfast. Called Sandy with a hurricane update. Sandy said that the storm is making the news up north and she strongly advised me to get off the boat and get a motel room. At least until the storm passed. I told her that I would think about it. However, after thinking about it, I have no intention of leaving the Water Mark alone in her first tropical storm. Winds are now coming out of the east southeast at 24 miles per hour. Waves hit the hull from the stern and shake the boat. And the worst is yet to come.
After lunch, I sat down in the cabin of the boat and decided to update the log and wait out the storm as I monitored the NOAA weather radio.
At 8PM The boat is rocking and rolling from the current and shuddering from the strong wind produced by IDA. The storm is moving toward us at 18 to 19 MPH. IDA should make a landfall by midnight as forecast. IDA should produce between 3 and 6 inches of rain and increase the tides by 2 to 3 feet. Was told this would happen and to tie the dock lines high on the pilings so the boat would rise with the tides and expected surge. Winds are so strong that he rigging is vibrating like a guitar string. IDA made land fall about midnight as I sat drinking my third Fosters Lager. The boat rock and rolled, shuttered and vibrated as the winds reached 55 mph and rain poured into the cabin from the companion way from the gusts. Tried to mop up the excess water but new water would quickly replace the mopped up water. The carpet in front of the galley was soaked. The aft sleeping quarters was soaked. The starboard birth in the Cabin was soaked. I set out all of the pot and pans as well a extra cups to catch the stray water. I just keep coming. I must have rained 3 inches in the boat. By 2AM I was exhausted and crawled into the sleeping bag that was up in the “V” berth. This was the only dry spot on the boat. Must admit that I did not get a very good nights sleep. About 5AM I wished that I had listened to Sandy and gotten a motel room.
November 8, 2009
Layover: The Boat Marina, Fort Walton FL
While attending Mass on Saturday evening I learned that the Knights of Columbus were sponsoring a breakfast after the 7:30 and 9AM Masses. Decided to offer a hand. Showed up at 7:30 AM and told the person in charge that I was a member in Brighton, MI. They put me to work cooking pancakes. Had lots of fun. Talking to the other workers in the kitchen and hearing their fishing and boating stories. One the volunteers was Bill Reaves. We became friends washing dishes. Bill has an advanced degree in physics from Auburn. He said that he was laid off with lots of extra time. If I needed anything I was instructed to give him a call.
Returned to the boat. Hurricane IDA was still heading in my direction. IDA caused me to hold up in Fort Walton Beach as she was preparing to make landfall later that night. IDA is making her way up the Gulf and my next passage in Water Mark is an offshore open Gulf passage. Am thinking that it might be smart to have a crew for the next leg. Learned from the office manager of the marina that it cost $21.50 per night or with a contract only $100 per month to stay at The Boat Marina. Have decided to base the boat here for the next month or so. This will give the weather a chance to improve and me a chance to recruit. Waves in the Gulf are now 15 to 17 feet and building to an expected 23 to 25 foot height. Glad that I am tied up to a dock. Small craft warnings have been posted up and down the Emerald Coast from Mobile to Panama City. Emerald Coast is the name that has been given by marketers to the northern coat and panhandle of FL. Water temperature is now 74 degrees. Changed the oil in the Honda as it has about 80 hours and is getting dark.
Got off the boat for awhile and went to the local Fort Walton Beach movie theatre. “The Time Travelers Wife” is playing. A timely theme as I miss Sandy. The film was hard to follow at first because the story jumps around and is not a linear story line. However with great concentration I was able to follow the plot. Cost to attend the movie here was $3.00. The theater was set up like a restaurant. There were tables and chairs and they served food and beer. Ate a shrimp dinner from Captain D’s on the way home from the movie.
Winds are getting stronger somewhere between 20 and 30. I guess this storm is the real deal. Crawled up into the V birth and fell asleep to the rocking and rolling motion of the boat.
While attending Mass on Saturday evening I learned that the Knights of Columbus were sponsoring a breakfast after the 7:30 and 9AM Masses. Decided to offer a hand. Showed up at 7:30 AM and told the person in charge that I was a member in Brighton, MI. They put me to work cooking pancakes. Had lots of fun. Talking to the other workers in the kitchen and hearing their fishing and boating stories. One the volunteers was Bill Reaves. We became friends washing dishes. Bill has an advanced degree in physics from Auburn. He said that he was laid off with lots of extra time. If I needed anything I was instructed to give him a call.
Returned to the boat. Hurricane IDA was still heading in my direction. IDA caused me to hold up in Fort Walton Beach as she was preparing to make landfall later that night. IDA is making her way up the Gulf and my next passage in Water Mark is an offshore open Gulf passage. Am thinking that it might be smart to have a crew for the next leg. Learned from the office manager of the marina that it cost $21.50 per night or with a contract only $100 per month to stay at The Boat Marina. Have decided to base the boat here for the next month or so. This will give the weather a chance to improve and me a chance to recruit. Waves in the Gulf are now 15 to 17 feet and building to an expected 23 to 25 foot height. Glad that I am tied up to a dock. Small craft warnings have been posted up and down the Emerald Coast from Mobile to Panama City. Emerald Coast is the name that has been given by marketers to the northern coat and panhandle of FL. Water temperature is now 74 degrees. Changed the oil in the Honda as it has about 80 hours and is getting dark.
Got off the boat for awhile and went to the local Fort Walton Beach movie theatre. “The Time Travelers Wife” is playing. A timely theme as I miss Sandy. The film was hard to follow at first because the story jumps around and is not a linear story line. However with great concentration I was able to follow the plot. Cost to attend the movie here was $3.00. The theater was set up like a restaurant. There were tables and chairs and they served food and beer. Ate a shrimp dinner from Captain D’s on the way home from the movie.
Winds are getting stronger somewhere between 20 and 30. I guess this storm is the real deal. Crawled up into the V birth and fell asleep to the rocking and rolling motion of the boat.
November 7, 2009
Port Departed: Harbor Marina, Pensacola FL
Port Arrived: The Boat Marina, Fort Walton FL
Miles Traveled Today: 51.6 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 1112.6
Hours Traveled Today: 9
Total Hours Traveled: 183
Departed the Harbor Marina and crossed the Pensacola Bay. I thought that Mobile Bay was a rough crossing. Well Pensacola Bay was a choppy rough crossing with salt spray was in my face. The island of Santa Rosa acted as a barrier between me and the Gulf for about 4 hours. Then I crossed the opening that leads into the Gulf. The tide was going out. My speed over ground instantly dropped from 6.2 knots to 2.8 knots as we motored across the open channel. 4 to 5 foot waves and a 2 plus knot current made this an interesting passage. Thought for a moment that I might be swept out into the Gulf with the tide. The 10 horse Honda was at full speed. When I looked behind me, I noticed a Coast Guard vessel following me. This was nice to see. They followed me for about an hour and when it was clear that I was not going to get swept out to sea they turned and headed back to their Pensacola station.
There are beautiful sand dunes that separate the Gulf ICW from the Gulf. The sand is as white as sugar. Several Islands are included as National Seashore.
Arrived at The Boat Marina about 3:30PM. Headed to church for Mass. Arrived an hour early so I returned to the Marina and took a shower and changed my clothes.
Port Arrived: The Boat Marina, Fort Walton FL
Miles Traveled Today: 51.6 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 1112.6
Hours Traveled Today: 9
Total Hours Traveled: 183
Departed the Harbor Marina and crossed the Pensacola Bay. I thought that Mobile Bay was a rough crossing. Well Pensacola Bay was a choppy rough crossing with salt spray was in my face. The island of Santa Rosa acted as a barrier between me and the Gulf for about 4 hours. Then I crossed the opening that leads into the Gulf. The tide was going out. My speed over ground instantly dropped from 6.2 knots to 2.8 knots as we motored across the open channel. 4 to 5 foot waves and a 2 plus knot current made this an interesting passage. Thought for a moment that I might be swept out into the Gulf with the tide. The 10 horse Honda was at full speed. When I looked behind me, I noticed a Coast Guard vessel following me. This was nice to see. They followed me for about an hour and when it was clear that I was not going to get swept out to sea they turned and headed back to their Pensacola station.
There are beautiful sand dunes that separate the Gulf ICW from the Gulf. The sand is as white as sugar. Several Islands are included as National Seashore.
Arrived at The Boat Marina about 3:30PM. Headed to church for Mass. Arrived an hour early so I returned to the Marina and took a shower and changed my clothes.
November 6, 2009 (Shane's Birthday)
Port Departed: Turner Marina, Dog River Mobile AL
Port Arrived: Holiday Harbor Marina, Pensacola FL
Miles Traveled Today: 51 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 1061
Hours Traveled Today: 8.5
Total Hours Traveled: 174
Talk in the showers this morning was about Hurricane IDA brewing in the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico. Several of the “Loopers” said they were going to hold up until the Hurricane decided which way it was going to travel across the Gulf. The sky was blue. IDA had yet to make her presence know in the northern part of the Gulf. Tossed off the dock lines at 6:30AM and headed across Mobile Bay. Thought that I would make coffee after getting under way. Good idea but not possible. Mobile Bay was a very rough crossing. Lots of waves and wind in my face. In fact it was salt water spray. I could taste the salt on my lips. I drank at least a half gallon of fresh water as the salt made me thirsty. I cut diagonally across the bay. The shipping channel is 40 feet. The rest of the bay is a shallow 8 feet. Wes the salesman that hooked me up with the Garmin GPS told me that there was enough water to take the short cut as he had done many times. Based on the waves and the wind I was glad to save time on this passage. It took 4 hours to cross the bay. Once I reached the Inter Coastal Waterway, I was greeted by two dolphins. They swam next to the boat for several minutes. I tried to take a photo of them, but the camera was took slow in reacting as it has to automatically focus before releasing the shutter.
I noticed that once I reached the ICW there was a coating of salt all over the boat. It was everywhere. Welcome to the ocean!
I crossed into FL and headed to Holiday Harbor Marina. A huge storm was brewing in the south part of the Gulf of Mexico and I thought that it would be safer to tie up at a Marina than to anchor out.
The manager of the Marina asked me if I needed any supplies. Told him yes and he drove me to the Winn Dixie for provisions.
Port Arrived: Holiday Harbor Marina, Pensacola FL
Miles Traveled Today: 51 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 1061
Hours Traveled Today: 8.5
Total Hours Traveled: 174
Talk in the showers this morning was about Hurricane IDA brewing in the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico. Several of the “Loopers” said they were going to hold up until the Hurricane decided which way it was going to travel across the Gulf. The sky was blue. IDA had yet to make her presence know in the northern part of the Gulf. Tossed off the dock lines at 6:30AM and headed across Mobile Bay. Thought that I would make coffee after getting under way. Good idea but not possible. Mobile Bay was a very rough crossing. Lots of waves and wind in my face. In fact it was salt water spray. I could taste the salt on my lips. I drank at least a half gallon of fresh water as the salt made me thirsty. I cut diagonally across the bay. The shipping channel is 40 feet. The rest of the bay is a shallow 8 feet. Wes the salesman that hooked me up with the Garmin GPS told me that there was enough water to take the short cut as he had done many times. Based on the waves and the wind I was glad to save time on this passage. It took 4 hours to cross the bay. Once I reached the Inter Coastal Waterway, I was greeted by two dolphins. They swam next to the boat for several minutes. I tried to take a photo of them, but the camera was took slow in reacting as it has to automatically focus before releasing the shutter.
I noticed that once I reached the ICW there was a coating of salt all over the boat. It was everywhere. Welcome to the ocean!
I crossed into FL and headed to Holiday Harbor Marina. A huge storm was brewing in the south part of the Gulf of Mexico and I thought that it would be safer to tie up at a Marina than to anchor out.
The manager of the Marina asked me if I needed any supplies. Told him yes and he drove me to the Winn Dixie for provisions.
November 5, 2009
Layover Turner Marina, Dog River Mobile AL
Up early and took a shower. Made coffee and reviewed the chart plotters in the West Marine catalog. Decided that Garmin would be my choice. It was a very short walk across the parking lot to the West Marine Express store. Sales guy was named Wes. He know a lot about the Garmin and delivered an outstanding demonstration. After playing with the unit for about an hour, I made the purchase. Got a shoot through the hull transducer. Returned to the boat and tested per the directions. Put the transducer in water against the hull. It worked. I returned to the store and purchased epoxy to perfectly attach the transducer to the hull. It acted a little funny while the epoxy cured. Once hard, the unit worked beautifully. I spent the rest of the day familiarizing myself with all of the functions. Temporarily mounted the system to a plastic case that was used to mount the dept finder.
Up early and took a shower. Made coffee and reviewed the chart plotters in the West Marine catalog. Decided that Garmin would be my choice. It was a very short walk across the parking lot to the West Marine Express store. Sales guy was named Wes. He know a lot about the Garmin and delivered an outstanding demonstration. After playing with the unit for about an hour, I made the purchase. Got a shoot through the hull transducer. Returned to the boat and tested per the directions. Put the transducer in water against the hull. It worked. I returned to the store and purchased epoxy to perfectly attach the transducer to the hull. It acted a little funny while the epoxy cured. Once hard, the unit worked beautifully. I spent the rest of the day familiarizing myself with all of the functions. Temporarily mounted the system to a plastic case that was used to mount the dept finder.
November 4, 2009
Port Departed: Anchorage Bates Lake
Port Arrived: Turner Marina, Dog River Mobile AL
Miles Traveled Today: 63 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 1010
Hours Traveled Today: 9.5
Total Hours Traveled: 165.5
Up early. Decided to weight anchor at 6:30AM and make coffee and eat breakfast on the move. Skipped coffee and had a bowl of Raisin Bran and a banana. Temperatures reached 67 degrees today. Felt warmer as the sun was out and the sky was blue. Managed to made the 14 Mile Swing Bridge at 11:30AM.Called the bridge operator and requested that he open the bridge. The bridge operator said that a train was coming and that once the train passed he would open the bridge. I sat in awe as the train passed carrying tanks, Humvees and military equipment and supplies that I had never seen. I took several photos as the train passed.
Motored into the busy industrial port of Mobile Bay about 3PM. What a contrast to the rural setting of the Tenn-Tom. There were ocean going freighters, tug boats, tow boats, pleasure boats. The shore is stacked with cranes loading barges, freight terminals and large buildings.
Motored out into Mobile Bay in wonderment as there was so much water and it was salty. The first time that this boat has seen salt water. Headed out into the Bay and toward the channel markers that would lead me to the Dog River and Turners Marina. Reached Turners at 4PMand tied up to the dock. Was told to move to a better location with power. Gladly obliged. Plugged in and all of the lights worked. The electrical short was gone.
I borrowed the courtesy car and went for a little drive. Was told that the management does not allow the courtesy car to be out past 4PM but would make an exception for me since I called and made a reservation. Ate shrimp and oysters at the Boiling Pot restaurant. Went to WalMart and bought a new battery for my watch. A really nice lady named Betty was able to help me. She said that she had replaced thousands of batteries and it was not hard. Cost of new battery $5.00. Drove around and got lost. Had to stop and ask directions back to the Marina.
Port Arrived: Turner Marina, Dog River Mobile AL
Miles Traveled Today: 63 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 1010
Hours Traveled Today: 9.5
Total Hours Traveled: 165.5
Up early. Decided to weight anchor at 6:30AM and make coffee and eat breakfast on the move. Skipped coffee and had a bowl of Raisin Bran and a banana. Temperatures reached 67 degrees today. Felt warmer as the sun was out and the sky was blue. Managed to made the 14 Mile Swing Bridge at 11:30AM.Called the bridge operator and requested that he open the bridge. The bridge operator said that a train was coming and that once the train passed he would open the bridge. I sat in awe as the train passed carrying tanks, Humvees and military equipment and supplies that I had never seen. I took several photos as the train passed.
Motored into the busy industrial port of Mobile Bay about 3PM. What a contrast to the rural setting of the Tenn-Tom. There were ocean going freighters, tug boats, tow boats, pleasure boats. The shore is stacked with cranes loading barges, freight terminals and large buildings.
Motored out into Mobile Bay in wonderment as there was so much water and it was salty. The first time that this boat has seen salt water. Headed out into the Bay and toward the channel markers that would lead me to the Dog River and Turners Marina. Reached Turners at 4PMand tied up to the dock. Was told to move to a better location with power. Gladly obliged. Plugged in and all of the lights worked. The electrical short was gone.
I borrowed the courtesy car and went for a little drive. Was told that the management does not allow the courtesy car to be out past 4PM but would make an exception for me since I called and made a reservation. Ate shrimp and oysters at the Boiling Pot restaurant. Went to WalMart and bought a new battery for my watch. A really nice lady named Betty was able to help me. She said that she had replaced thousands of batteries and it was not hard. Cost of new battery $5.00. Drove around and got lost. Had to stop and ask directions back to the Marina.
November 3, 2009
Port Departed: Anchorage Choctaw Creek
Port Arrived: Anchorage Bates Lake
Miles Traveled Today: 65 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 947
Hours Traveled Today: 9
Total Hours Traveled: 156
Woke up to the sound of diesel engines near my boat. I was startled and thought that she had drifted into the main channel and was about to be run over by a barge. It turned out that a trawler called Loreal had anchored further up Choctaw Creek and was heading out into the channel. When I popped my head out of the cabin, a lady who reminded me of Aunt Rosie enthusiastically said good morning! I noticed that the anchors had held and was instantly relieved that I was in the same spot that I was before the sun had set.
Since I was up, I weighed anchor and headed out into the channel to continue south. It was a little chilly in the morning and I had on my winter coat. By 10AM the winter coat had come off and I put on my shorts. By 11AM I had my shirt off and sun tan oil on. Called Sandy and told her that my watch had stopped and I needed to use the phone for a clock for navigation purposes. And was concerned that it would not be possible to charge the phone with the continued electrical problems. I then decided that it would be possible to directly wire the charger to the 12 volt batter on the boat. I used some wire and electrical tape and rigged up a battery direct charging unit, by passing the cigarette light receptacle that did not work because of the electrical shorts. After charging the phone, I was able to call Sandy and let her know that I missed her and wished she were with me.
About 1PM I came to the Southern Rail Road bridge. I called the operator in the radio and asked if he would be kind enough to up the bridge so that I could continue south. He raised up the bridge and I was able to continue.
Was passed again today by FreeBird. A trawler out of Escanaba, MI. He called me on the radio and asked about the courtesy flag I was flying. He questioned if it was proper to fly the flag of another nation when not in that nation. I looked it up in Chapman’s (The Boaters Bible). He was right. I lowered the Kiwi flag and flew the blue trout fishing burgee.
Found Bates Lake and motored to the very end passing 5 large trawlers as I headed for my anchorage. Beautiful sunset. Grabbed a beer and the guitar and sat in the cockpit for an hour and played music.
By 7PM the sun had been set for 2 hours. I struggled to stay awake and finally crawled into my sleeping bag at 8PM and quickly fell asleep.
Port Arrived: Anchorage Bates Lake
Miles Traveled Today: 65 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 947
Hours Traveled Today: 9
Total Hours Traveled: 156
Woke up to the sound of diesel engines near my boat. I was startled and thought that she had drifted into the main channel and was about to be run over by a barge. It turned out that a trawler called Loreal had anchored further up Choctaw Creek and was heading out into the channel. When I popped my head out of the cabin, a lady who reminded me of Aunt Rosie enthusiastically said good morning! I noticed that the anchors had held and was instantly relieved that I was in the same spot that I was before the sun had set.
Since I was up, I weighed anchor and headed out into the channel to continue south. It was a little chilly in the morning and I had on my winter coat. By 10AM the winter coat had come off and I put on my shorts. By 11AM I had my shirt off and sun tan oil on. Called Sandy and told her that my watch had stopped and I needed to use the phone for a clock for navigation purposes. And was concerned that it would not be possible to charge the phone with the continued electrical problems. I then decided that it would be possible to directly wire the charger to the 12 volt batter on the boat. I used some wire and electrical tape and rigged up a battery direct charging unit, by passing the cigarette light receptacle that did not work because of the electrical shorts. After charging the phone, I was able to call Sandy and let her know that I missed her and wished she were with me.
About 1PM I came to the Southern Rail Road bridge. I called the operator in the radio and asked if he would be kind enough to up the bridge so that I could continue south. He raised up the bridge and I was able to continue.
Was passed again today by FreeBird. A trawler out of Escanaba, MI. He called me on the radio and asked about the courtesy flag I was flying. He questioned if it was proper to fly the flag of another nation when not in that nation. I looked it up in Chapman’s (The Boaters Bible). He was right. I lowered the Kiwi flag and flew the blue trout fishing burgee.
Found Bates Lake and motored to the very end passing 5 large trawlers as I headed for my anchorage. Beautiful sunset. Grabbed a beer and the guitar and sat in the cockpit for an hour and played music.
By 7PM the sun had been set for 2 hours. I struggled to stay awake and finally crawled into my sleeping bag at 8PM and quickly fell asleep.
November 2, 2009
Port Departed: Anchorage Chickasaw Bogue
Port Arrived: Anchorage Choctaw Creek
Miles Traveled Today: 68 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 882
Hours Traveled Today: 10.5
Total Hours Traveled: 147
The temperature when I woke up was a brisk 45 degrees. Wanted to make as much distance as possible today because the next anchorage was almost 70 miles. I like to anchor in the little creeks that feed the Tenn-Tom. I have managed to find really nice spots and avoided anchoring in the river proper. Also thought it prudent to anchor off the channel in little creeks because the lights worked sometimes and without an anchor light, I did not want to get run over by a barge in the middle of the night.
Turned out into the main channel about 6:15AM in light fog. As soon as I made the turn, the fog got really dense and it was difficult to see the front of the boat. I flashed back to the fog bank that Paul Hamway and I ran into in Lake Huron. I used the same strategy on the Tenn-Tom that I used in Lake Huron, I went very slow (idle speed) and carefully watched the dept and stayed in 35 feet of water. I also noticed that I was making 5 knots! After about 15 minutes of being in blind fog, I was able to make out the tree line on each shore and steered for the middle. 45 minutes later the fog cleared and I increased the engine to hull speed. That meant with the current I was making almost 9 knots. Not bad considering this old Catalina is only designed to go about 6 knots..
At 8:30AM I took off my winter coat. The rain pants came off at 8:45. By 10AM the sun was out and I put on sun tan lotion as the temp was headed into the 70’s . By 11:00
the iPod was at full volume and I was dancing in the cockpit to the same songs that I listened to while cutting the lawns this past summer.
Made Bobby’s Fish Camp by 3PM. Bobby’s is the last fuel stop on the Tenn-Tom before you get to Mobile and I wanted to make sure that all of the fuel tanks were full. 4 large power boats were tied up at the dock. The gas dock is also the transient dock. I asked the owner of No Problem the boat closest to the gas pump if it would be OK to raft off. He grated his permission. I topped off the fuel tanks. Mike was the owner of No Problem . Donna was his wife. He told me that it would be OK to raft off for the evening, if I did not mind him running his generators from 6 to 11 or 12 PM as he had to charge up his batteries. I thanked him for the offer and then told him that I passed several nice spots to anchor and would spend the night a little further up the river. I don’t know much about power boats but it seems to me that if you are cruising for several hours the batteries should be fully charged from the alternator. I guessed the No Problem did not want me rafting off for the night.
Headed back up the river against the current for 20 minutes and found the Choctaw Creek. Again I backed in and tossed out the anchor. Very nice place! This is a National Wildlife Refuge. At least that is what the sign said on the bank next to the anchorage.
Shane called with and update on the World Series. Philly’s up 6 in the 3rd but were behind 3 games to one.
Just after dark, I was startled by a bright light coming toward me. It was a guy in a skiff with a flood light mounted on a pole. I asked him if he was fishing. He said no, he was hunting. Seems like everyone I met in Alabama is a hunter.
Port Arrived: Anchorage Choctaw Creek
Miles Traveled Today: 68 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 882
Hours Traveled Today: 10.5
Total Hours Traveled: 147
The temperature when I woke up was a brisk 45 degrees. Wanted to make as much distance as possible today because the next anchorage was almost 70 miles. I like to anchor in the little creeks that feed the Tenn-Tom. I have managed to find really nice spots and avoided anchoring in the river proper. Also thought it prudent to anchor off the channel in little creeks because the lights worked sometimes and without an anchor light, I did not want to get run over by a barge in the middle of the night.
Turned out into the main channel about 6:15AM in light fog. As soon as I made the turn, the fog got really dense and it was difficult to see the front of the boat. I flashed back to the fog bank that Paul Hamway and I ran into in Lake Huron. I used the same strategy on the Tenn-Tom that I used in Lake Huron, I went very slow (idle speed) and carefully watched the dept and stayed in 35 feet of water. I also noticed that I was making 5 knots! After about 15 minutes of being in blind fog, I was able to make out the tree line on each shore and steered for the middle. 45 minutes later the fog cleared and I increased the engine to hull speed. That meant with the current I was making almost 9 knots. Not bad considering this old Catalina is only designed to go about 6 knots..
At 8:30AM I took off my winter coat. The rain pants came off at 8:45. By 10AM the sun was out and I put on sun tan lotion as the temp was headed into the 70’s . By 11:00
the iPod was at full volume and I was dancing in the cockpit to the same songs that I listened to while cutting the lawns this past summer.
Made Bobby’s Fish Camp by 3PM. Bobby’s is the last fuel stop on the Tenn-Tom before you get to Mobile and I wanted to make sure that all of the fuel tanks were full. 4 large power boats were tied up at the dock. The gas dock is also the transient dock. I asked the owner of No Problem the boat closest to the gas pump if it would be OK to raft off. He grated his permission. I topped off the fuel tanks. Mike was the owner of No Problem . Donna was his wife. He told me that it would be OK to raft off for the evening, if I did not mind him running his generators from 6 to 11 or 12 PM as he had to charge up his batteries. I thanked him for the offer and then told him that I passed several nice spots to anchor and would spend the night a little further up the river. I don’t know much about power boats but it seems to me that if you are cruising for several hours the batteries should be fully charged from the alternator. I guessed the No Problem did not want me rafting off for the night.
Headed back up the river against the current for 20 minutes and found the Choctaw Creek. Again I backed in and tossed out the anchor. Very nice place! This is a National Wildlife Refuge. At least that is what the sign said on the bank next to the anchorage.
Shane called with and update on the World Series. Philly’s up 6 in the 3rd but were behind 3 games to one.
Just after dark, I was startled by a bright light coming toward me. It was a guy in a skiff with a flood light mounted on a pole. I asked him if he was fishing. He said no, he was hunting. Seems like everyone I met in Alabama is a hunter.
November 1, 2009
Port Departed: Anchorage Taylor Creek, AL
Port Arrived: Anchorage Chickasaw Bogue
Miles Traveled Today: 56 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 814
Hours Traveled Today: 7
Total Hours Traveled: 136.5
Slept in today and woke up today about 7:30AM. First item on the agenda was to made coffee. Second agenda item was to determine a destination for the day. Just about the time I was ready to weigh anchor I heard Tom calling my name. He said through the morning fog that I was invited to breakfast. He said that he had borrowed a kayak from a neighbor and would send it over to the boat if I was interested in joining them. I quickly accepted this unexpected invitation. Then told him that I would throw him a line so he could attach it to the kayak and I would be able to pull the kayak over to the boat. After several attempts to toss him a line, it was clear that I was not a cowboy. As each attempt went everywhere but in his direction. Finally he said that he would send the kayak half way with the short line he had. I would toss the line into the kayak and he would pull the kayak back to shore and attach the long line on his end. This worked! Tom attached the long line to the kayak, I pulled the kayak over to the boat and jumped in and paddled the 25 feet to shore. Stupid me I ended up sitting on the wet line that had landed in the water several times. Needless to say I had a wet butt when I got to shore. Tom had a friend with him named Greg. I followed them up the mud path that lead to their hunting camp. Turns out Tom’s hunting camp was a beautiful house that reminded me of some of the summer homes on Crystal Lake. The only difference was that Tom’s camp house was on stilts and in the middle of Alabama. .
Tom introduced me to his wife Sonee. Sonnee cooked sausage, eggs and grits. A gourmet southern breakfast to accompany their southern hospitality. After breakfast, I thanked them for their wonderful hospitality. I gave them the last deck of cards from Mike as a thank you. The we gathered for several group photos. After the photo session, I jumped into the kayak and paddled back to the boat. Pulled up the anchors and turned left out of Taylor Creek and south into the Tenn-Tom. As I made the turn, I heard them all yelling at me to have a safe trip. As I turned to look, they were holding a huge red University of Alabama flag. I snapped a picture and they vanished into the distance as the current and the motor pushed me south.
Arrived at Demopolis about 1:30PM. This was my original destination for the day. However, after gassing up, I asked the attendant about the Courtesy car and he said that it was booked until 5PM. With out access to a car there was no reason to stay, so I bought a bag of ice to keep the beer cold and tossed off the dock lines and continued down the river.
This was the day the time changed. It fell back an hour. Shane called to update me on the football scores and the continued misfortunes of the Detroit Lions. I asked him to look up the time the sun sets in Demopolis AL. He said the sun would set at 5:01PM. This meant that I had one less hour of daylight.
Just before 5:00PM I located Chicksaw Bouge. The charts showed this a nice place to anchor. Again I backed-in carefully watching the dept gauge. Tossed out the anchors and cooked dinner. The sun sets at 5PM and by 6 pm it is dark. The electrical system shorted out the cabin lights so I entered the days log information by candle light. Barges interrupted the stillness of the night. You can hear them coming from miles away. They sound like trains. You can hear them for 30 minutes after they pass.
Port Arrived: Anchorage Chickasaw Bogue
Miles Traveled Today: 56 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 814
Hours Traveled Today: 7
Total Hours Traveled: 136.5
Slept in today and woke up today about 7:30AM. First item on the agenda was to made coffee. Second agenda item was to determine a destination for the day. Just about the time I was ready to weigh anchor I heard Tom calling my name. He said through the morning fog that I was invited to breakfast. He said that he had borrowed a kayak from a neighbor and would send it over to the boat if I was interested in joining them. I quickly accepted this unexpected invitation. Then told him that I would throw him a line so he could attach it to the kayak and I would be able to pull the kayak over to the boat. After several attempts to toss him a line, it was clear that I was not a cowboy. As each attempt went everywhere but in his direction. Finally he said that he would send the kayak half way with the short line he had. I would toss the line into the kayak and he would pull the kayak back to shore and attach the long line on his end. This worked! Tom attached the long line to the kayak, I pulled the kayak over to the boat and jumped in and paddled the 25 feet to shore. Stupid me I ended up sitting on the wet line that had landed in the water several times. Needless to say I had a wet butt when I got to shore. Tom had a friend with him named Greg. I followed them up the mud path that lead to their hunting camp. Turns out Tom’s hunting camp was a beautiful house that reminded me of some of the summer homes on Crystal Lake. The only difference was that Tom’s camp house was on stilts and in the middle of Alabama. .
Tom introduced me to his wife Sonee. Sonnee cooked sausage, eggs and grits. A gourmet southern breakfast to accompany their southern hospitality. After breakfast, I thanked them for their wonderful hospitality. I gave them the last deck of cards from Mike as a thank you. The we gathered for several group photos. After the photo session, I jumped into the kayak and paddled back to the boat. Pulled up the anchors and turned left out of Taylor Creek and south into the Tenn-Tom. As I made the turn, I heard them all yelling at me to have a safe trip. As I turned to look, they were holding a huge red University of Alabama flag. I snapped a picture and they vanished into the distance as the current and the motor pushed me south.
Arrived at Demopolis about 1:30PM. This was my original destination for the day. However, after gassing up, I asked the attendant about the Courtesy car and he said that it was booked until 5PM. With out access to a car there was no reason to stay, so I bought a bag of ice to keep the beer cold and tossed off the dock lines and continued down the river.
This was the day the time changed. It fell back an hour. Shane called to update me on the football scores and the continued misfortunes of the Detroit Lions. I asked him to look up the time the sun sets in Demopolis AL. He said the sun would set at 5:01PM. This meant that I had one less hour of daylight.
Just before 5:00PM I located Chicksaw Bouge. The charts showed this a nice place to anchor. Again I backed-in carefully watching the dept gauge. Tossed out the anchors and cooked dinner. The sun sets at 5PM and by 6 pm it is dark. The electrical system shorted out the cabin lights so I entered the days log information by candle light. Barges interrupted the stillness of the night. You can hear them coming from miles away. They sound like trains. You can hear them for 30 minutes after they pass.
October 31, 2009
Port Departed: Pirates Cove Marina, Pickensville AL
Port Arrived: Anchorage Taylor Creek, AL
Miles Traveled Today: 64 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 758
Hours Traveled Today: 8.5
Total Hours Traveled: 129.5
It rained this morning shortly after pulling out of the Pirates Cove Marina at 9:00AM. The sun came out about 1:00PM and the temp hit 70 degrees. I ate 2 glazed donuts for breakfast as I huddled in the cabin as Nohabo the auto pilot steered the boat down the river. Once the sun came out I cooked up steak soup as Nohablo continued to steer the boat.
As the sun began to set, I saw a little creek that ran into the main river. Decided to back into the creek about 100 feet to get out of the current and anchor for the night. I used two anchors. First anchor I set was one of the bow .As I dropped an anchor off the stern of the boat, I heard a voice from the shore. There was a man. He introduced himself and said that his name was Tom. He owned the hunting cabin next to the creek. He invited me to dinner. I told him that I had no way to get to shore. He told me to have a good evening and left. I cooked up a can of Chef Boy Ardee Ravioli. Updated the log and crawled into my sleeping bag.
The current in the Tenn-Tom was at least 3 knots today. A very strong current caused by all of the rain fall. The only disturbances were the tow boats that passed in the night. I swear that you can hear them for 45 minutes before they pass.
Port Arrived: Anchorage Taylor Creek, AL
Miles Traveled Today: 64 miles
Total Miles Traveled to Date: 758
Hours Traveled Today: 8.5
Total Hours Traveled: 129.5
It rained this morning shortly after pulling out of the Pirates Cove Marina at 9:00AM. The sun came out about 1:00PM and the temp hit 70 degrees. I ate 2 glazed donuts for breakfast as I huddled in the cabin as Nohabo the auto pilot steered the boat down the river. Once the sun came out I cooked up steak soup as Nohablo continued to steer the boat.
As the sun began to set, I saw a little creek that ran into the main river. Decided to back into the creek about 100 feet to get out of the current and anchor for the night. I used two anchors. First anchor I set was one of the bow .As I dropped an anchor off the stern of the boat, I heard a voice from the shore. There was a man. He introduced himself and said that his name was Tom. He owned the hunting cabin next to the creek. He invited me to dinner. I told him that I had no way to get to shore. He told me to have a good evening and left. I cooked up a can of Chef Boy Ardee Ravioli. Updated the log and crawled into my sleeping bag.
The current in the Tenn-Tom was at least 3 knots today. A very strong current caused by all of the rain fall. The only disturbances were the tow boats that passed in the night. I swear that you can hear them for 45 minutes before they pass.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
October 30, 2009
Port Departed: Columbus
Port Arrived: Pirates Cove Marina, Pickensville AL
Weather forecast for today was favorable in the morning and then a 100% chance of rain in the afternoon. Phil slept on the boat. We woke up about 8:00AM. Phil packed his sleeping bag and we said good-bye. Phil to return to Heber Springs and me to continue the trip down the Tenn-Tom.
I gassed up the boat and then motored slowly over to the fuel dock to wait with several other power boats for the Columbus Lock to be prepared for a lockage of 30 feet. We arrived at the lock about 9:30. Had a short wait before the lock doors opened to greet us. Three large power boats tied up on the starboard and I tied up on the port. Not for any specific reason it just worked out that way. I noticed that most power boats tie up on the starboard side.
It took 20 minutes for the water to drop 30 feet. I was the last to leave the chamber. The power boats headed out first. It also hit me while holding the locking lines on the bollard that I was again single handing the boat.
Weather during this passage was interesting. Partly sunny, partly cloudy with the threat of rain. Temperatures hit the low 80’s . I wore a bathing suit and T shirt for most of the day. As I moved south you could see thick gray clouds off in the western sky. Crossed from Mississippi to Alabama about noon. It sprinkled just a little about 1:00 PM. I tied up to the gas dock at Pirates Cove about 1:30PM. The skies were getting darker and the Tornado warning sirens were blasting. I was told that tornados had been sighted in the next county. I borrowed the Courtsey Car and visited the Tom Bivell Welcome Center.
Arrived back at the marina in a major thunder storm. It rained 3 inches in just one hour. There has been a tremendous amount of rain this past month. Today I was cruising the Tenn-Tom between 7 and 8 knots. Again the rain has caused the current to be faster than it normally is and I was able to make great time.
Port Arrived: Pirates Cove Marina, Pickensville AL
Weather forecast for today was favorable in the morning and then a 100% chance of rain in the afternoon. Phil slept on the boat. We woke up about 8:00AM. Phil packed his sleeping bag and we said good-bye. Phil to return to Heber Springs and me to continue the trip down the Tenn-Tom.
I gassed up the boat and then motored slowly over to the fuel dock to wait with several other power boats for the Columbus Lock to be prepared for a lockage of 30 feet. We arrived at the lock about 9:30. Had a short wait before the lock doors opened to greet us. Three large power boats tied up on the starboard and I tied up on the port. Not for any specific reason it just worked out that way. I noticed that most power boats tie up on the starboard side.
It took 20 minutes for the water to drop 30 feet. I was the last to leave the chamber. The power boats headed out first. It also hit me while holding the locking lines on the bollard that I was again single handing the boat.
Weather during this passage was interesting. Partly sunny, partly cloudy with the threat of rain. Temperatures hit the low 80’s . I wore a bathing suit and T shirt for most of the day. As I moved south you could see thick gray clouds off in the western sky. Crossed from Mississippi to Alabama about noon. It sprinkled just a little about 1:00 PM. I tied up to the gas dock at Pirates Cove about 1:30PM. The skies were getting darker and the Tornado warning sirens were blasting. I was told that tornados had been sighted in the next county. I borrowed the Courtsey Car and visited the Tom Bivell Welcome Center.
Arrived back at the marina in a major thunder storm. It rained 3 inches in just one hour. There has been a tremendous amount of rain this past month. Today I was cruising the Tenn-Tom between 7 and 8 knots. Again the rain has caused the current to be faster than it normally is and I was able to make great time.
October 29, 2009
Port Departed: Heber Springs
Port Arrived: Columbus
We left Phil’s house in Heber Springs at 9:30AM for the drive to Columbus Mississippi. I told Phil that I would be glad to take a bus. He said that we did not want me wandering around Mississippi alone on public transportation. I did not object. We stopped midway and had a huge feast. We arrived at the Columbus Marina about 4PM. Opened the boat to air it out. There was water condensation on all internal fiberglass structures.
We went shopping and bought bread, donuts, milk, tomatoes, bananas and apples. After returning to the boat we learned about a restaurant next to the marina called Woody’s that had an “open mike night.” We had a beer and were invited to perform. Phil had to borrow a harp because he left all of his at home. Larry Priest the lead performer had on and lent it to Phil. Before Phil would play it he soaked it in 90 proof Vodka for several minutes. We then started playing and the response from the few patrons in the bar was very favorable. We even did two numbers with the Chief of Police from Columbus.
Port Arrived: Columbus
We left Phil’s house in Heber Springs at 9:30AM for the drive to Columbus Mississippi. I told Phil that I would be glad to take a bus. He said that we did not want me wandering around Mississippi alone on public transportation. I did not object. We stopped midway and had a huge feast. We arrived at the Columbus Marina about 4PM. Opened the boat to air it out. There was water condensation on all internal fiberglass structures.
We went shopping and bought bread, donuts, milk, tomatoes, bananas and apples. After returning to the boat we learned about a restaurant next to the marina called Woody’s that had an “open mike night.” We had a beer and were invited to perform. Phil had to borrow a harp because he left all of his at home. Larry Priest the lead performer had on and lent it to Phil. Before Phil would play it he soaked it in 90 proof Vodka for several minutes. We then started playing and the response from the few patrons in the bar was very favorable. We even did two numbers with the Chief of Police from Columbus.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
October 28, 2009
Port Departed: Heber Springs
Port Arrived: Heber Springs
Heber Springs weather this morning was cloudy, foggy and cold. Ron called about 9AM and said that we might not be able to fly. He was hoping for a weather window and said that he would call back about 11AM.
The clouds were thinning but still not possible to fly as icing condition were present at higher altitudes. Made the decision to stay another day with Phil and Linda. Phil volunteered to drive me back to the boat on Thursday.
Am anxious to return to the boat and continue the trip. However, it is really difficult to leave the five star hospitality here in Arkansas.
Port Arrived: Heber Springs
Heber Springs weather this morning was cloudy, foggy and cold. Ron called about 9AM and said that we might not be able to fly. He was hoping for a weather window and said that he would call back about 11AM.
The clouds were thinning but still not possible to fly as icing condition were present at higher altitudes. Made the decision to stay another day with Phil and Linda. Phil volunteered to drive me back to the boat on Thursday.
Am anxious to return to the boat and continue the trip. However, it is really difficult to leave the five star hospitality here in Arkansas.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
October 27, 2009
Port Departed: Heber Springs
Port Arrived: Heber Springs
Heavy rain has blanketed the south eastern United States. The weather has turned cold. Ron our pilot called and said that it was not possible to fly in this weather. Instead of taking ground transportation back to the boat, Phil invited me to say in Heber Springs until the weather breaks later in the week and Ron can get his airplane in the air. Guess that I am getting soft as his offer sounded great. A dry bed and hot home cooked food. How could I pass on this offer.
This evening Phil and I went to visit Marty. Marty is a friend of Phil’s who plays the drums. Mickey a friend of Marty’s was also visiting. Mickey is a guitar player. We tuned the guitars and played music for several hours. The Nymphomaniac song was a hit.
Port Arrived: Heber Springs
Heavy rain has blanketed the south eastern United States. The weather has turned cold. Ron our pilot called and said that it was not possible to fly in this weather. Instead of taking ground transportation back to the boat, Phil invited me to say in Heber Springs until the weather breaks later in the week and Ron can get his airplane in the air. Guess that I am getting soft as his offer sounded great. A dry bed and hot home cooked food. How could I pass on this offer.
This evening Phil and I went to visit Marty. Marty is a friend of Phil’s who plays the drums. Mickey a friend of Marty’s was also visiting. Mickey is a guitar player. We tuned the guitars and played music for several hours. The Nymphomaniac song was a hit.
October 26, 2009
Port Departed: Wichita, KS
Port Arrived: Heber Springs, AK
My son Shane got up today and went to work. Just like I did for 40 years. He works as a Sales Engineer for Bomdardier LearJet. He is a range map expert. After Shane left for work, I got into the shower and packed my belongings. Locked his apartment and dropped the key off at his office. I am very proud of his accomplishments kept running through my mind as I drove back to meet Phil.
Stopped in Harrison AK and bought some Porterhouse steaks to BBQ. Saw and photographed a sign pointing to the Zink Ranch. Was talking to Sandy on the phone and she said to check it out. I got off the toll road and could only find and Indian Casino. No Zink Ranch!
Port Arrived: Heber Springs, AK
My son Shane got up today and went to work. Just like I did for 40 years. He works as a Sales Engineer for Bomdardier LearJet. He is a range map expert. After Shane left for work, I got into the shower and packed my belongings. Locked his apartment and dropped the key off at his office. I am very proud of his accomplishments kept running through my mind as I drove back to meet Phil.
Stopped in Harrison AK and bought some Porterhouse steaks to BBQ. Saw and photographed a sign pointing to the Zink Ranch. Was talking to Sandy on the phone and she said to check it out. I got off the toll road and could only find and Indian Casino. No Zink Ranch!
October 25, 2009
Port Departed: Wichita, KS
Port Arrived: Wichita, KS
Spent the entire day with my son Shane. We woke up and went to 10:30 AM Mass at Christ the King. Interesting homely by the priest. He had bicycle built for two in the sanctuary. It was a prop used to illustrate his point that Christ is leading us.
After Mass, Shane made breakfast. His version of the McMuffin. Canadian bacon with egg and cheese on an English muffin. Also on the menu were tater tots. They were delicious. After breakfast we started watching the football games. Brett Farve finally go beat.
Shane got a Wii for his birthday. Needless to say we played all of the available games. What fun! Finally a game system that I could use. So easy in fact that I was able to beat Shane playing “pong”. Shane however won all of the other games that we played.
Shane’s friend LeAnn came to visit in the afternoon. We all went to “Two Brothers BBQ” for dinner.
Port Arrived: Wichita, KS
Spent the entire day with my son Shane. We woke up and went to 10:30 AM Mass at Christ the King. Interesting homely by the priest. He had bicycle built for two in the sanctuary. It was a prop used to illustrate his point that Christ is leading us.
After Mass, Shane made breakfast. His version of the McMuffin. Canadian bacon with egg and cheese on an English muffin. Also on the menu were tater tots. They were delicious. After breakfast we started watching the football games. Brett Farve finally go beat.
Shane got a Wii for his birthday. Needless to say we played all of the available games. What fun! Finally a game system that I could use. So easy in fact that I was able to beat Shane playing “pong”. Shane however won all of the other games that we played.
Shane’s friend LeAnn came to visit in the afternoon. We all went to “Two Brothers BBQ” for dinner.
October 24, 2009
Port Departed: Heber Springs, AK
Port Arrived: Wichita, KS
Phil lent me his S10 Chevy Pick Up for the 450 mile drive to Wichita. Phil made a country breakfast packed a cooler with pop, beer, fresh apples and water. I was on the road by 8:45 AM. Arrived in Wichita at 5:45 PM. In time to meet Shane’s “new little brother” Jordan. A very handsome young man in the 7th grade who does well in school and gets “A’s” and “B’s”. We took several photos then Shane and I drove Jordan home. They had had a full day of playing video games and catch with the football. He is a very sports oriented young man.
Jordan lives in a mobile home with 11 other folks. He and his family live in the living room. Jordan is lucky to have hooked up with such a caring and talented “big brother”.
We stopped at the beer store and loaded up with Sailor Jerry Rum and some Belgium White Beer that was delicious. I wish that I could remember the name. He says that it is his favorite beer.
Shane fired up his Rock Band System. I tried and tried to play the guitar to Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville and Volcano on the button based guitar that came with the system. The system kept saying that I failed. In frustration, I got out my old Gibson guitar and played along with the Rock Band. Our music sounded pretty good if you ask me. The session was not recorded for posterity so you will just have to believe me. This jam session lasted late into the night.
Port Arrived: Wichita, KS
Phil lent me his S10 Chevy Pick Up for the 450 mile drive to Wichita. Phil made a country breakfast packed a cooler with pop, beer, fresh apples and water. I was on the road by 8:45 AM. Arrived in Wichita at 5:45 PM. In time to meet Shane’s “new little brother” Jordan. A very handsome young man in the 7th grade who does well in school and gets “A’s” and “B’s”. We took several photos then Shane and I drove Jordan home. They had had a full day of playing video games and catch with the football. He is a very sports oriented young man.
Jordan lives in a mobile home with 11 other folks. He and his family live in the living room. Jordan is lucky to have hooked up with such a caring and talented “big brother”.
We stopped at the beer store and loaded up with Sailor Jerry Rum and some Belgium White Beer that was delicious. I wish that I could remember the name. He says that it is his favorite beer.
Shane fired up his Rock Band System. I tried and tried to play the guitar to Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville and Volcano on the button based guitar that came with the system. The system kept saying that I failed. In frustration, I got out my old Gibson guitar and played along with the Rock Band. Our music sounded pretty good if you ask me. The session was not recorded for posterity so you will just have to believe me. This jam session lasted late into the night.
October 23, 2009
Port Departed: Memphis
Port Arrived: Heber Springs
Phil and I drove from Memphis to his home in Heber Springs AR.
Port Arrived: Heber Springs
Phil and I drove from Memphis to his home in Heber Springs AR.
October 22, 2009
Port Departed: Aberdeen
Port Arrived: Columbus, MS and Memphis TN
This day started with beautiful blue sky. However, the weather forecast was for rainy weather to hit the Mississippi area about 4:00 PM.
Rainy cold weather was forecast for the next week. Phil suggested that I take a break from the boat and visit with him in Arkansas. I took little conviencing after spending so many days in the 0rain. He said that it would be possible to borrow a car and visit with Shane (my son) in Wichita.
I paid for a weeks dock fee and we headed to Memphis for an evening in the Blues Bars.
Port Arrived: Columbus, MS and Memphis TN
This day started with beautiful blue sky. However, the weather forecast was for rainy weather to hit the Mississippi area about 4:00 PM.
Rainy cold weather was forecast for the next week. Phil suggested that I take a break from the boat and visit with him in Arkansas. I took little conviencing after spending so many days in the 0rain. He said that it would be possible to borrow a car and visit with Shane (my son) in Wichita.
I paid for a weeks dock fee and we headed to Memphis for an evening in the Blues Bars.
October 21, 2009
Port Departed: Midway
Port Arrived: Aberdeen
Miles traveled: 36 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 642
Weather perfect as we made this 36 mile passage with ease. Sky was blue. South wind made it a little chilly on the water. We went through 3 locks today. Aberdeen had a coursey car. We borrowed and checked out the town. There was not much to it and we ate dinner at a diner serving a breakfast buffet for dinner. The white gravy was excellent and Phil complemented the chef.
Port Arrived: Aberdeen
Miles traveled: 36 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 642
Weather perfect as we made this 36 mile passage with ease. Sky was blue. South wind made it a little chilly on the water. We went through 3 locks today. Aberdeen had a coursey car. We borrowed and checked out the town. There was not much to it and we ate dinner at a diner serving a breakfast buffet for dinner. The white gravy was excellent and Phil complemented the chef.
October 20, 2009
Port Departed: Bay Springs
Port Arrived: Midway
Miles traveled: 19 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 607
Beautiful blue sky and temperatures in the high 60’s. The south wind made it just a little chilly on the water, but with proper clothing it was a really nice day. Phil and I were heading south on the Tenn-Tom Waterway. Midway Marina claim to fame is that it has a Hot Tub along with a courtesy car. Phil and I borrowed the car and headed into town for Mexican food. Once we returned to the boat, Phil was ready for bed and hit the hay about 8:30PM. I forced myself into the hot tub. Stayed for about and hour and then returned to the boat for a good nights sleep.
Port Arrived: Midway
Miles traveled: 19 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 607
Beautiful blue sky and temperatures in the high 60’s. The south wind made it just a little chilly on the water, but with proper clothing it was a really nice day. Phil and I were heading south on the Tenn-Tom Waterway. Midway Marina claim to fame is that it has a Hot Tub along with a courtesy car. Phil and I borrowed the car and headed into town for Mexican food. Once we returned to the boat, Phil was ready for bed and hit the hay about 8:30PM. I forced myself into the hot tub. Stayed for about and hour and then returned to the boat for a good nights sleep.
October 19 (Land Based Car Staging)
Port Departed: Bay Springs
Port Arrived: Bay Springs
Miles traveled: 0 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 588
We got up and borrowed the courtesy car. Our plan was established. We would take Phil’s car about 100 miles down river to the marina in Columbus MS. That way it would be waiting for us when we arrived later in the week. After dropping the car off at the Columbus Marina, we headed north to Tupelo, MS. Tupelo is famous because it is the birth place of Elvis Presley. So naturally we had to visit. The home that Elvis was born in is very small and modest and reminded me of a manufactured home. Elvis’ father actually built the place with his own hands. Fans donated money and a Chapel was also built on the land next to the Elvis house. I boldly walked into the Chapel and took several photos. This is the only Chapel that I have ever visited that played nothing but Elvis music. Phil said that it cost $12 to enter the Chapel. Whoops, I forgot to pay. Hope my oversight does not beak Priscilla as she has done a marvelous job of preserving the Elvis legacy and made a fortune in the process. Guitar pick that usually sell for $.25 were on sale for $1.00.
After touring the Elvis digs we headed into town for Pizza.
Port Arrived: Bay Springs
Miles traveled: 0 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 588
We got up and borrowed the courtesy car. Our plan was established. We would take Phil’s car about 100 miles down river to the marina in Columbus MS. That way it would be waiting for us when we arrived later in the week. After dropping the car off at the Columbus Marina, we headed north to Tupelo, MS. Tupelo is famous because it is the birth place of Elvis Presley. So naturally we had to visit. The home that Elvis was born in is very small and modest and reminded me of a manufactured home. Elvis’ father actually built the place with his own hands. Fans donated money and a Chapel was also built on the land next to the Elvis house. I boldly walked into the Chapel and took several photos. This is the only Chapel that I have ever visited that played nothing but Elvis music. Phil said that it cost $12 to enter the Chapel. Whoops, I forgot to pay. Hope my oversight does not beak Priscilla as she has done a marvelous job of preserving the Elvis legacy and made a fortune in the process. Guitar pick that usually sell for $.25 were on sale for $1.00.
After touring the Elvis digs we headed into town for Pizza.
October 18, 2009
Port Departed: Pickwick Anchorage
Port Arrived: Bay Springs
Miles traveled: 38 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 588
Woke up at about 6:30AM. It was still dark outside. Made coffee and had breakfast of Raisin Bran and banana. Once the sun began to rise, I noticed fog. It was thick fog and made visibility very difficult. After scouting the area the previous day, I was very familiar with the area. The fog did not detour me. So I hoisted the anchors at 8:00 AM. Was anxious to meet up with my life long friend Phil. And headed for the Pickwick Lock. The lock operator said that they were ready for me and seeing the door open in the fog were like giant arms opening to let me continue my trip and meet with Phil on schedule.
The Pickwick Lock lifted us 54 feet into Pickwick Lake. A beautiful resort area. Was also excited to make the turn onto the Tenn-Tom. Found the yellow marker buoy and made the turn out of the lake into a new river system and was not heading with the current.
Meet up with Phil about 4PM as planned at the Bay Springs Marina. Fueled the tanks, and tied up in the sun. Met a very interesting guy who was a retired Eastern pilot who had retired and had lived on his boat for the last 5 years. I asked him if his wife was still with him. He said, yes. In fact she works at the Marina.
Later that evening Phil and I were playing music on the dock. Phil on harmonica and me on guitar. Chuck joined us. It turned out he had never heard of Sailor Jerry Rum and had to try it. He ended up drinking most of the bottle with his wife Pip. We played all of the standard songs. They when it was time to quit and get some sleep, Chuck said, I love you guys you can’t stop. So for the next hour or so we made up songs and acted smart.
Port Arrived: Bay Springs
Miles traveled: 38 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 588
Woke up at about 6:30AM. It was still dark outside. Made coffee and had breakfast of Raisin Bran and banana. Once the sun began to rise, I noticed fog. It was thick fog and made visibility very difficult. After scouting the area the previous day, I was very familiar with the area. The fog did not detour me. So I hoisted the anchors at 8:00 AM. Was anxious to meet up with my life long friend Phil. And headed for the Pickwick Lock. The lock operator said that they were ready for me and seeing the door open in the fog were like giant arms opening to let me continue my trip and meet with Phil on schedule.
The Pickwick Lock lifted us 54 feet into Pickwick Lake. A beautiful resort area. Was also excited to make the turn onto the Tenn-Tom. Found the yellow marker buoy and made the turn out of the lake into a new river system and was not heading with the current.
Meet up with Phil about 4PM as planned at the Bay Springs Marina. Fueled the tanks, and tied up in the sun. Met a very interesting guy who was a retired Eastern pilot who had retired and had lived on his boat for the last 5 years. I asked him if his wife was still with him. He said, yes. In fact she works at the Marina.
Later that evening Phil and I were playing music on the dock. Phil on harmonica and me on guitar. Chuck joined us. It turned out he had never heard of Sailor Jerry Rum and had to try it. He ended up drinking most of the bottle with his wife Pip. We played all of the standard songs. They when it was time to quit and get some sleep, Chuck said, I love you guys you can’t stop. So for the next hour or so we made up songs and acted smart.
October 17, 2009
Port Departed: Clifton
Port Arrived: Pickwick
Miles traveled: 48 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 550
Cloudy cool with a low of 43 degrees and a high of 51deegrees. Hoisted the mainsail at 8:15 AM. At 9:00AM with a 5 to 15 knot wind on my beam the 110 Genoa was hanked to the forestay. We looked like a real sailboat cruising down the river. At some points the wind was so strong that the rail was in the water. On starboard tacks, I had to raise the motor to keep it dry.
Arrived at the Pickwick Lock at 6:30PM as planned. Called the lock operator. He informed me that it would be at least 2 and a half to three hours before he could lock me through because they were breaking a barge apart and locking it. This meant sailing after dark and the running lights were shorting out. After being told this information, I noticed 2 small coves just under the lock. They would let me get out from the 2 know current and anchor in a nice position to be the first through the lock in the morning. Talked with Phil and told him that I would be able to make the Bay Springs Marina by 4PM.
Used two anchors. Had to physically attach the anchors to the anchor rodes as the ground tackle had not been used since the cruise in the North Channel. It took about 30 minutes to make the necessary preparation to anchor. The auto helm worked perfectly as this work was performed on the foredeck.
I ran the anchor rode through the starboard cleat on he bow and then back to the cockpit so that I could control the 15# Danforth bow anchor from the cockpit. I then placed a second anchor Danforth on the beam to keep Water Mark pointed toward the Tennessee River and not get pushed into the river banks with the little current that flowed in the cove. I was only 5 feet from the shore line. She was secure and remained pointed toward the opposite shore all night. Lots of stars were out tonight.
Port Arrived: Pickwick
Miles traveled: 48 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 550
Cloudy cool with a low of 43 degrees and a high of 51deegrees. Hoisted the mainsail at 8:15 AM. At 9:00AM with a 5 to 15 knot wind on my beam the 110 Genoa was hanked to the forestay. We looked like a real sailboat cruising down the river. At some points the wind was so strong that the rail was in the water. On starboard tacks, I had to raise the motor to keep it dry.
Arrived at the Pickwick Lock at 6:30PM as planned. Called the lock operator. He informed me that it would be at least 2 and a half to three hours before he could lock me through because they were breaking a barge apart and locking it. This meant sailing after dark and the running lights were shorting out. After being told this information, I noticed 2 small coves just under the lock. They would let me get out from the 2 know current and anchor in a nice position to be the first through the lock in the morning. Talked with Phil and told him that I would be able to make the Bay Springs Marina by 4PM.
Used two anchors. Had to physically attach the anchors to the anchor rodes as the ground tackle had not been used since the cruise in the North Channel. It took about 30 minutes to make the necessary preparation to anchor. The auto helm worked perfectly as this work was performed on the foredeck.
I ran the anchor rode through the starboard cleat on he bow and then back to the cockpit so that I could control the 15# Danforth bow anchor from the cockpit. I then placed a second anchor Danforth on the beam to keep Water Mark pointed toward the Tennessee River and not get pushed into the river banks with the little current that flowed in the cove. I was only 5 feet from the shore line. She was secure and remained pointed toward the opposite shore all night. Lots of stars were out tonight.
October 16, 2009
Port Departed: Mermaid Marina
Port Arrived: Clifton
Miles traveled: 18 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 502
Mermaid was a big disappointment. No WiFi, no cell service and no access to a Courtesy car. I felt isolated for the first time on the trip. I took a walk up the hill searching for a cell signal. Could not find one. So I booted up the computer and started to type the Log of Water Mark into the computer. I could upload the information at a later time and date.
Had all of the sails up today. Flew them first thing in the morning. Got to Clifton about 12:20PM. Lowered the sails and headed for the entrance to Clifton for fuel. Was cold and wet and chest ached. They had a very clean facility. One of the ladies who ran the marina cooked me a hamberger as I took a shower and did my laundry for the first time on the trip.
I borrowed the Courtesy can and headed into tow for supplies. Found a really nice 110 volt light that would work as a cabin light when hooked up to shore power.
Port Arrived: Clifton
Miles traveled: 18 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 502
Mermaid was a big disappointment. No WiFi, no cell service and no access to a Courtesy car. I felt isolated for the first time on the trip. I took a walk up the hill searching for a cell signal. Could not find one. So I booted up the computer and started to type the Log of Water Mark into the computer. I could upload the information at a later time and date.
Had all of the sails up today. Flew them first thing in the morning. Got to Clifton about 12:20PM. Lowered the sails and headed for the entrance to Clifton for fuel. Was cold and wet and chest ached. They had a very clean facility. One of the ladies who ran the marina cooked me a hamberger as I took a shower and did my laundry for the first time on the trip.
I borrowed the Courtesy can and headed into tow for supplies. Found a really nice 110 volt light that would work as a cabin light when hooked up to shore power.
October 15, 2009
Port Departed: Birdsong
Port Arrived: Mermaid Marina
Miles traveled: 37 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 484
Ran aground heading into the secondary river that made up Birdsong Creek. Quimby’s said that the channel was well marked. I found this to be exaggerated information as the buoys were difficult to follow as they were not arranged with red on right and green on left. They were mostly a series of green markers that were hard to follow. This place was off the beaten track. Turns out that Birdsong is the cultured Oyster capital of the USA. It is hidden in the back woods of Mississippi.
Port Arrived: Mermaid Marina
Miles traveled: 37 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 484
Ran aground heading into the secondary river that made up Birdsong Creek. Quimby’s said that the channel was well marked. I found this to be exaggerated information as the buoys were difficult to follow as they were not arranged with red on right and green on left. They were mostly a series of green markers that were hard to follow. This place was off the beaten track. Turns out that Birdsong is the cultured Oyster capital of the USA. It is hidden in the back woods of Mississippi.
October 14, 2009
Port Departed: Paris Landing
Port Arrived: Birdsong
Miles traveled: 37 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 447
Departed Paris Landing at 11AM. Departure later than usual as I had to rewire the connector to the auto helm. It had gotten soaked and was shorting out. With the auto helm working my steering partner was ready for work.
Passed an abandoned building in the middle of the river. Took several photos as this was an exciting “discovery”. The building looked like it once had a commercial purpose. Now it was a skeleton sitting in the middle of the Tennessee River.
We headed for Birdsong Marina. Arrived about dark. Met two Great Lake sailors on “The Illusion” from Medina OH. Dick the captain had put in in Louisville at the same Marina as the Water Mark. He too had trouble stepping the mast. Finally after sever days in the river, he saw a crane and talked the guys working it to drop his mast in place. He invited me aboard the 31 foot Pearson for a beer. We compared navigation techniques and stops along the way. His final destination was Key West. Hope to see him again in FL.
Birdsong Marina is two miles up a winding creek. The sign says the channel is well marked. I had trouble staying in the secondary channel and had two soft groundings as I miss read several markers because I was talking on the cell phone. There were interesting hunting blinds situated along the creek.
Port Arrived: Birdsong
Miles traveled: 37 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 447
Departed Paris Landing at 11AM. Departure later than usual as I had to rewire the connector to the auto helm. It had gotten soaked and was shorting out. With the auto helm working my steering partner was ready for work.
Passed an abandoned building in the middle of the river. Took several photos as this was an exciting “discovery”. The building looked like it once had a commercial purpose. Now it was a skeleton sitting in the middle of the Tennessee River.
We headed for Birdsong Marina. Arrived about dark. Met two Great Lake sailors on “The Illusion” from Medina OH. Dick the captain had put in in Louisville at the same Marina as the Water Mark. He too had trouble stepping the mast. Finally after sever days in the river, he saw a crane and talked the guys working it to drop his mast in place. He invited me aboard the 31 foot Pearson for a beer. We compared navigation techniques and stops along the way. His final destination was Key West. Hope to see him again in FL.
Birdsong Marina is two miles up a winding creek. The sign says the channel is well marked. I had trouble staying in the secondary channel and had two soft groundings as I miss read several markers because I was talking on the cell phone. There were interesting hunting blinds situated along the creek.
October 13, 2009
Port Departed: Green Turtle Bay
Port Arrived: Paris Landing, TN
Miles traveled: 43 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 410
Departed Green Turtle Bay at 7:15AM. Headed through the Barkley Canal and into the Tennessee River. The current was again in my face. Was able to make 4.8 to 5.5 knots. According to the charts, I had 215 miles of current ahead of me. Again the weather was cloudy and overcast. Just past noon it started to rain. Since I was in Tennessee, I kept thinking about the star of the state Al Gore and wondered what happened to global warming.
Arrived at Paris Landing TN at 4:15PM in the rain. Purchased fuel and tied up for the night. Paris Landing is a marina owned by the Tennessee State Park System. They had a golf course and a very nice hotel. Was told that when I wanted to go to dinner all I had to do was call the hotel and a park ranger would pick me up and drive me to dinner.
Met a sailor named Buzz. Buzz had sold everything he had bought a 15 foot boat and was making the same trip to Mobile on the river system that I was. His boat had 2 two horse Honda motors. Small boat but handled well and was safe and sturdy. We talked about the weather and agreed to meet at 6PM for the trip to the hotel for dinner.
Returned to the boat about 8PM and had a beer with Buzz on Water Mark as his boat was too small for entertaining. Buzz told me that he had retired and just went through a divorce and was heading for warmer climates to start the next chapter of his life. A very humble man with lots of guts.
Port Arrived: Paris Landing, TN
Miles traveled: 43 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 410
Departed Green Turtle Bay at 7:15AM. Headed through the Barkley Canal and into the Tennessee River. The current was again in my face. Was able to make 4.8 to 5.5 knots. According to the charts, I had 215 miles of current ahead of me. Again the weather was cloudy and overcast. Just past noon it started to rain. Since I was in Tennessee, I kept thinking about the star of the state Al Gore and wondered what happened to global warming.
Arrived at Paris Landing TN at 4:15PM in the rain. Purchased fuel and tied up for the night. Paris Landing is a marina owned by the Tennessee State Park System. They had a golf course and a very nice hotel. Was told that when I wanted to go to dinner all I had to do was call the hotel and a park ranger would pick me up and drive me to dinner.
Met a sailor named Buzz. Buzz had sold everything he had bought a 15 foot boat and was making the same trip to Mobile on the river system that I was. His boat had 2 two horse Honda motors. Small boat but handled well and was safe and sturdy. We talked about the weather and agreed to meet at 6PM for the trip to the hotel for dinner.
Returned to the boat about 8PM and had a beer with Buzz on Water Mark as his boat was too small for entertaining. Buzz told me that he had retired and just went through a divorce and was heading for warmer climates to start the next chapter of his life. A very humble man with lots of guts.
October 12 (Columbus Day)
Port Departed: Golconda
Port Arrived: Green Turtle Bay
Miles traveled: 53 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 367
It was 49 degrees at 8AM when I headed back on the Ohio River. Warmer than the night before. Made the turn off the Ohio River to the Cumberland River about 11AM. Speed dropped from 9.1 to 3.8 as I was now heading upstream and bucking a 1 knot current. The Cumberland River was very nice. Not as wide as the Ohio and much narrower. There were rural pristine sections interrupted by industrial sections. On this river they mined the minerals on one side of the river. Loaded the barges and then stored the barges ready to be moved on the opposite side of the river.
Got to Green Turtle Bay at 7:00PM. Tied up at a vacant dock. Then went for a hike around the marina. This is by far the largest marina I had seen so far. There were sail boats and power boats from all over the world. The strangest thing was that there were no people. The gas dock was closed. The restaurant was closed. Everything was closed. There were not people. All these beautiful boats and not one was being used. Guess these were not status symbols than useful tools.
Port Arrived: Green Turtle Bay
Miles traveled: 53 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 367
It was 49 degrees at 8AM when I headed back on the Ohio River. Warmer than the night before. Made the turn off the Ohio River to the Cumberland River about 11AM. Speed dropped from 9.1 to 3.8 as I was now heading upstream and bucking a 1 knot current. The Cumberland River was very nice. Not as wide as the Ohio and much narrower. There were rural pristine sections interrupted by industrial sections. On this river they mined the minerals on one side of the river. Loaded the barges and then stored the barges ready to be moved on the opposite side of the river.
Got to Green Turtle Bay at 7:00PM. Tied up at a vacant dock. Then went for a hike around the marina. This is by far the largest marina I had seen so far. There were sail boats and power boats from all over the world. The strangest thing was that there were no people. The gas dock was closed. The restaurant was closed. Everything was closed. There were not people. All these beautiful boats and not one was being used. Guess these were not status symbols than useful tools.
October 11, 2009
Port Departed: Mt Vernon
Port Arrived: Golconda, Il
Miles traveled: 74 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 314
Making coffee in the morning was a pleasure. The butane stove that heated the coffee also heated the cabin of the boat. I huddled around the stove like it was a camp fire and warmed my hands.
Tossed off the dock lines at 7AM and headed for Golconda. It was cold. At least it was not raining. However the rain pants kept my legs warm. They now had two functions. First to keep me dry and second to keep me warn.
Arrived in Golconda at 4:00PM The harbor master took me into town. I had a burger and a beer a the Sweetwater Saloon. Walked back to the boat via the levy. Was much warmer tonight than last night. An it was not raining. This marina had the cleanest shower facility that I have seen in a marina. Top speed today was 10.1 knots. Average was 9.1. Got a tremendous boost from the current.
Port Arrived: Golconda, Il
Miles traveled: 74 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 314
Making coffee in the morning was a pleasure. The butane stove that heated the coffee also heated the cabin of the boat. I huddled around the stove like it was a camp fire and warmed my hands.
Tossed off the dock lines at 7AM and headed for Golconda. It was cold. At least it was not raining. However the rain pants kept my legs warm. They now had two functions. First to keep me dry and second to keep me warn.
Arrived in Golconda at 4:00PM The harbor master took me into town. I had a burger and a beer a the Sweetwater Saloon. Walked back to the boat via the levy. Was much warmer tonight than last night. An it was not raining. This marina had the cleanest shower facility that I have seen in a marina. Top speed today was 10.1 knots. Average was 9.1. Got a tremendous boost from the current.
October 10, 2009
Port Departed: Evansville
Port Arrived: Mt Vernon
Miles traveled: 38 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 240
Woke up and it was still raining. John Osgood headed off to Nashville Airport to pick up his step son. I headed to the end of the Pier and took a tour of the LST 325. The LST 325 is a landing vessel that landed troops on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. A former Viet Nam vet gave the tour. It took an hour. Facinating piece of history. The LST was purchased by the State of Illinois. From the Greek Navy. The state had a fundraising event. Winner in monies raised was Evansville. To everyone’s surprise they beat out Louisville. Back in the 1940’s similar LST’s were built at a shipyard in Evansville. There are about 30 dedicated vets that maintain this valuable piece of history. They range in age from 61 to 85.
After the tour it was back to the boat. Dustin the dock master told me to be careful as the rains had caused the river to rise over 15 feet in the past 48 hours. The current was strong. Glad that I was going with the current. Headed out of the Evansville Marina at 1:30PM.Lots of debris in the river to steer around. Motored down the river at 9 knots and headed for Golconda, IL.
Arrived in Mt Vernon at 6:30 PM. Easily found the towns courtesy dock. The only problem was that the gang plank that went to shore was 8 feet under water. The river had risen so fast that no one from town had time to raise the gang plank. It was impossible to get into town. This was the coldest night on the river. Temperatures plunged to 38 degrees. My trusty 40 year old down sleeping bag kept me quite warm.
Port Arrived: Mt Vernon
Miles traveled: 38 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 240
Woke up and it was still raining. John Osgood headed off to Nashville Airport to pick up his step son. I headed to the end of the Pier and took a tour of the LST 325. The LST 325 is a landing vessel that landed troops on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. A former Viet Nam vet gave the tour. It took an hour. Facinating piece of history. The LST was purchased by the State of Illinois. From the Greek Navy. The state had a fundraising event. Winner in monies raised was Evansville. To everyone’s surprise they beat out Louisville. Back in the 1940’s similar LST’s were built at a shipyard in Evansville. There are about 30 dedicated vets that maintain this valuable piece of history. They range in age from 61 to 85.
After the tour it was back to the boat. Dustin the dock master told me to be careful as the rains had caused the river to rise over 15 feet in the past 48 hours. The current was strong. Glad that I was going with the current. Headed out of the Evansville Marina at 1:30PM.Lots of debris in the river to steer around. Motored down the river at 9 knots and headed for Golconda, IL.
Arrived in Mt Vernon at 6:30 PM. Easily found the towns courtesy dock. The only problem was that the gang plank that went to shore was 8 feet under water. The river had risen so fast that no one from town had time to raise the gang plank. It was impossible to get into town. This was the coldest night on the river. Temperatures plunged to 38 degrees. My trusty 40 year old down sleeping bag kept me quite warm.
Friday, October 16, 2009
October 9, 2009
Owensboro to Evansville
Port Departed: Owensboro, KY
Port Arrived: Evansville, IL
Miles traveled: 34 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 202
Interesting port. John Osgood waa already there waiting to assist me on arrival.He said that he had rented a car and was heading into town to purchase supplies. I joined him. My first purchase was new rain suite. It has rained for two solid days on the river.
Took a tour of the LST 325. Fasinating aboat this boat is that it was used to deliver troops and equipment to the Normandy invasion.
Port Departed: Owensboro, KY
Port Arrived: Evansville, IL
Miles traveled: 34 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 202
Interesting port. John Osgood waa already there waiting to assist me on arrival.He said that he had rented a car and was heading into town to purchase supplies. I joined him. My first purchase was new rain suite. It has rained for two solid days on the river.
Took a tour of the LST 325. Fasinating aboat this boat is that it was used to deliver troops and equipment to the Normandy invasion.
October 8, 2009
Rocky Point to Owensboro
Port Departed: Rocky Point
Port Arrived: Owensboro
Miles traveled: 47 in 6.25 hours
Total miles traveled to date: 168
Today we traveled through our second lock called Cannelton. This time the drop was 26'. The lock operator had the doors open for my arrival. I motored in and caught the pin with ease. I tie a 30 foot line to the front cleat on the port side of the boat. I then take a shorter 6 foot dock line and cleat it to the aft port side clete. This lets me control the attitde of the boat. I can pull the bow line and the bow come in toward the wall. I can pull the stern line and the stern comes toward the wall.
Was hoping to find the Owensboro courtsey dock. However it had been moves to land for renovations of the seawall. I tied up at the Owensboro Marina in the rain.
No one ever showed up to collect the rent. No ameneties but I was able to stay for free.
Port Departed: Rocky Point
Port Arrived: Owensboro
Miles traveled: 47 in 6.25 hours
Total miles traveled to date: 168
Today we traveled through our second lock called Cannelton. This time the drop was 26'. The lock operator had the doors open for my arrival. I motored in and caught the pin with ease. I tie a 30 foot line to the front cleat on the port side of the boat. I then take a shorter 6 foot dock line and cleat it to the aft port side clete. This lets me control the attitde of the boat. I can pull the bow line and the bow come in toward the wall. I can pull the stern line and the stern comes toward the wall.
Was hoping to find the Owensboro courtsey dock. However it had been moves to land for renovations of the seawall. I tied up at the Owensboro Marina in the rain.
No one ever showed up to collect the rent. No ameneties but I was able to stay for free.
October 7, 2009
Leavenworth to Rocky Point
Port Departed: Leavenworth
Port Arrived: Rocky Point
Miles traveled 54 in 8.5 hours
Total miles traveled to date: 121
Fuel was low after yesterdays 61 mile run. I managed to find a guy named Bill and was able to persuade him to drive me to a gas station for fuel. Told him that I was on a sailboat on the river and was low on fuel. He was happy to help.
At first I thought the river was starting to get to me. I saw a buck (deer) swimming across the Ohio River. He was going from the Kentucky side to the Indiana side. To make sure that I did not imagine this, I took a picture. It actually came out. I did see a deer swimming across the Ohio River. Deer swim in the Ohio River people don't.
Met a gentleman from Vermont named John Osgood. He was on a custom made 26' catamaran. He trailered the boat from Mansfield, VT and launched in Louisville. We were both surprised to learn that we had the same dream about traveling the river sysstem to the Gulf of Mexico at the same time.
Port Departed: Leavenworth
Port Arrived: Rocky Point
Miles traveled 54 in 8.5 hours
Total miles traveled to date: 121
Fuel was low after yesterdays 61 mile run. I managed to find a guy named Bill and was able to persuade him to drive me to a gas station for fuel. Told him that I was on a sailboat on the river and was low on fuel. He was happy to help.
At first I thought the river was starting to get to me. I saw a buck (deer) swimming across the Ohio River. He was going from the Kentucky side to the Indiana side. To make sure that I did not imagine this, I took a picture. It actually came out. I did see a deer swimming across the Ohio River. Deer swim in the Ohio River people don't.
Met a gentleman from Vermont named John Osgood. He was on a custom made 26' catamaran. He trailered the boat from Mansfield, VT and launched in Louisville. We were both surprised to learn that we had the same dream about traveling the river sysstem to the Gulf of Mexico at the same time.
October 6, 2009
Louisville to Leavenworth
Port Departed: Louisville
Port Arrived: Leavenworth
Miles traveled: 61 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 67
Threw the dock lines off at 8:15 am and headed for the McAlpine lock. This was the first time that I had been through a lock so anxiety ran through my veins. I called the lock operator on the cell phone and gave him advance notice that a lock rookie was headed his way. He said not to worry and call him on VHS channel 13 when I got close. The big doors opened. Water Mark edged her way into the Kentucky side chamber. The water dropped 34 feet in about 20 minutes. Wow the anticipation was greater than the event. The walls were slimy. I used a boat hook to fend off the walls. Then the down river doors swong open and we were on our way.
Made 61 miles running with the current. Tied up to a floating dock at 6:15 pm.
Port Departed: Louisville
Port Arrived: Leavenworth
Miles traveled: 61 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 67
Threw the dock lines off at 8:15 am and headed for the McAlpine lock. This was the first time that I had been through a lock so anxiety ran through my veins. I called the lock operator on the cell phone and gave him advance notice that a lock rookie was headed his way. He said not to worry and call him on VHS channel 13 when I got close. The big doors opened. Water Mark edged her way into the Kentucky side chamber. The water dropped 34 feet in about 20 minutes. Wow the anticipation was greater than the event. The walls were slimy. I used a boat hook to fend off the walls. Then the down river doors swong open and we were on our way.
Made 61 miles running with the current. Tied up to a floating dock at 6:15 pm.
October 5, 2009
Stepping the Mast
Port Departed: Captains Quarters
Port Arrived: Lousiville Free Marina at the Tumbleweed Restaurant
Miles traveled: 7 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 12
With the expert help from Ben, Marvin and Jerry we stepped the mast about 11:30 am. It took several hours to tighten the rigging attach the boom and the mainsail. Once everything was satisfactory, we were off on a short check cruise down the Ohio River to a city owned marina next to the Tumbleweed Resteraunt. Tied up and spent the night under the lights of Louisville.
Port Departed: Captains Quarters
Port Arrived: Lousiville Free Marina at the Tumbleweed Restaurant
Miles traveled: 7 miles
Total miles traveled to date: 12
With the expert help from Ben, Marvin and Jerry we stepped the mast about 11:30 am. It took several hours to tighten the rigging attach the boom and the mainsail. Once everything was satisfactory, we were off on a short check cruise down the Ohio River to a city owned marina next to the Tumbleweed Resteraunt. Tied up and spent the night under the lights of Louisville.
October 4, 2009
Captain's Quarters
Port Departed: Marine Sales and Service
Port Arrived: Captain’s Quarters Marina
Distance: 5 Miles
Cruised into the Captain’s Quarters Marina. Actually stumbled into this posh Marina looking for the Cruising Club of Louisville. An extremely nice and well maintained marina. Saw a marvelous sailboat in Bristol condition. Asked the captain Marvin if he new where the Cruising Club of Louisville was located. He said that the members covered several marinas. He told me that he was a member and that he know Ben and would help. He called a friend of his named Jerry and said that he had arranged an 11AM “stepping of the mast.” In the meantime I was considered his guest and was told to make my self at home in the Marina.
Later in the afternoon Ben arrived. He introduced himself and took me on a tour of the Louisville boating scene. Our trip included a trip to Kroger’s to buy beer.
We made arrangements to meet at 11am to step the mast.
Port Departed: Marine Sales and Service
Port Arrived: Captain’s Quarters Marina
Distance: 5 Miles
Cruised into the Captain’s Quarters Marina. Actually stumbled into this posh Marina looking for the Cruising Club of Louisville. An extremely nice and well maintained marina. Saw a marvelous sailboat in Bristol condition. Asked the captain Marvin if he new where the Cruising Club of Louisville was located. He said that the members covered several marinas. He told me that he was a member and that he know Ben and would help. He called a friend of his named Jerry and said that he had arranged an 11AM “stepping of the mast.” In the meantime I was considered his guest and was told to make my self at home in the Marina.
Later in the afternoon Ben arrived. He introduced himself and took me on a tour of the Louisville boating scene. Our trip included a trip to Kroger’s to buy beer.
We made arrangements to meet at 11am to step the mast.
October 3, 2009
The Launch
Left Brighton, MI at 5:30 AM Saturday Oct, 3, 2003 to start an adventure that had been in the planning phase for over 25 years. My wife Sandy had a blow up double bed that turned the cargo area of the three quarter ton Chevy Van (leant to us by Cousin Jimmy, Thank You!) into comfortable sleeping quarters as we towed Water Mark to the launch site in Louisville, KY . I drove the first shift. Was able to get the feel of the boat and trailer. Quickly and the butterflies went away. Towing a boat is tricky. We averaged about 62 MPH on the trip to Louisville. Stopped at a rest area near Lima, OH and Dan took the second shift. Cost $50 to fuel the van. Made it to Louisville with a half a tank. I took one and a half tanks of fuel to travel 366 miles.
We arrived at Marine Sales and Service in Louisville at exactly 1:00 PM. We were met by Ben Cobb. He told me that the first order of business was to pay for the launch. Once he had my money he told us to unhitch the boat from the Van. He then hooked the trailer to his “launch rig“. The launch rig was a tractor with a modified trailer with a long extension that would allow him to drive the boat down the launch ramp and float off the trailer. Once the boat was in the water. We did not see or her from Ben again. I guess we were on our own stepping the mast.
Winds with gusts exceeding 20 MPH combined with 3 foot waves from the barges made stepping the mast impossible. Dan and Sandy were anxious to return home. After eating lunch on the banks of the Ohio and gazing at the river traffic, they departed for home. They left Louisville about 4PM and arrived back in Brighton about 10PM.
I checked the boat for leaks and made sure the hull was solid drank a beer.
Decided to take a hike. I had to crawl under the gate at the marina because it was locked. Discovered a Ramada Inn next to the gas station where we had purchased fuel earlier. I walked into the Lobby and immediately saw the business services room. Sat down at a computer and sent several emails to letting friends and relatives know that I had safely arrived in Louisville and the next step was to find some help to step the mast.
Sent a email to Ben Fengargarger Commodore of the Cruising Club of Lousiville. Asked him if he would be kind enough to recommend a business that could help.
Returned to the boat by crawling back under the fence. On the trip in I got grease from the gate all over my clean Levis. Once at the boat. I lit a candle and studied the charts. Ben said that his marina was north. I thought that the Ohio River ran east and west so I was slightly disoriented. The compass did not seem to help. I thought that after a good night sleep orienting myself to the river would come together. Drank a beer and crawled into my sleeping bag and had a good rest.
Left Brighton, MI at 5:30 AM Saturday Oct, 3, 2003 to start an adventure that had been in the planning phase for over 25 years. My wife Sandy had a blow up double bed that turned the cargo area of the three quarter ton Chevy Van (leant to us by Cousin Jimmy, Thank You!) into comfortable sleeping quarters as we towed Water Mark to the launch site in Louisville, KY . I drove the first shift. Was able to get the feel of the boat and trailer. Quickly and the butterflies went away. Towing a boat is tricky. We averaged about 62 MPH on the trip to Louisville. Stopped at a rest area near Lima, OH and Dan took the second shift. Cost $50 to fuel the van. Made it to Louisville with a half a tank. I took one and a half tanks of fuel to travel 366 miles.
We arrived at Marine Sales and Service in Louisville at exactly 1:00 PM. We were met by Ben Cobb. He told me that the first order of business was to pay for the launch. Once he had my money he told us to unhitch the boat from the Van. He then hooked the trailer to his “launch rig“. The launch rig was a tractor with a modified trailer with a long extension that would allow him to drive the boat down the launch ramp and float off the trailer. Once the boat was in the water. We did not see or her from Ben again. I guess we were on our own stepping the mast.
Winds with gusts exceeding 20 MPH combined with 3 foot waves from the barges made stepping the mast impossible. Dan and Sandy were anxious to return home. After eating lunch on the banks of the Ohio and gazing at the river traffic, they departed for home. They left Louisville about 4PM and arrived back in Brighton about 10PM.
I checked the boat for leaks and made sure the hull was solid drank a beer.
Decided to take a hike. I had to crawl under the gate at the marina because it was locked. Discovered a Ramada Inn next to the gas station where we had purchased fuel earlier. I walked into the Lobby and immediately saw the business services room. Sat down at a computer and sent several emails to letting friends and relatives know that I had safely arrived in Louisville and the next step was to find some help to step the mast.
Sent a email to Ben Fengargarger Commodore of the Cruising Club of Lousiville. Asked him if he would be kind enough to recommend a business that could help.
Returned to the boat by crawling back under the fence. On the trip in I got grease from the gate all over my clean Levis. Once at the boat. I lit a candle and studied the charts. Ben said that his marina was north. I thought that the Ohio River ran east and west so I was slightly disoriented. The compass did not seem to help. I thought that after a good night sleep orienting myself to the river would come together. Drank a beer and crawled into my sleeping bag and had a good rest.
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