Demopolis, Alabama

Hello,

After spending the night on the hook at Sumter Landing, Water Music and the Bliss left our anchorage just as dawn was fading to early morning. Of course with the cool weather, warm water and no wind, you have a recipe for FOG! And there was lots of it.

As we got on the river going toward the Heflin Lock our visibility was less than 100 feet. We paddled along at a reduced speed and as I called the lock, he mentioned there was a tow, the Green Wave, pushed up against the bank just before we enter, so use caution.

When I turned the bend to line up with the lock, my radar was filled with a large “blob” which was obvious the Green Wave. We silently passed as I could barely make out the silhouette of the tow and its load.

Water Music and I got secured to the wall and the drop began. Once we started out of the lock the fog began to lift and we now had enough visibility to “run” without the radar on.

As we cruised towards the Demopolis harbor, the scenery was nothing short of spectacular. The fall colors mixed with the evergreens along the shore provided a canvas of colors. At one time I noticed two large birds in some sort of acrobatic combat. Upon closer inspection, they were two Bald Eagles. What a magnificent sight to see the bright white tail and heads of these majestic eagles as they danced on the sky!

We arrived at the newly opened Kingfisher Yacht Marina and were met by our good friends Al and JoAnn Barr. It was really good to see them again and we will be traveling with them along with another boat as we complete our journey to Orange Beach.

Later that evening a “potluck” was planned and to be hosted by Doug and Betty Turner on “Seabiscuit”. Strangely enough, Kris and I had actually met the Turners at a Defever Rendezvous almost 4 years ago. During the rendezvous they themselves were “boatless” having lost their boat to Hurricane Ike and we were in the market for our first one. They now have a beautiful Defever 44 and have been traveling the “Loop” for several months.

The potluck was well attended by several boats on the dock and really a great deal of fun. I don’t have the talent or skills to describe the camaraderie of fellow boaters. It doesn’t matter your political affiliation, your social status or your net worth, there is a strong common bond shared by everyone and that is the enjoyment of living on the water. However when we would discuss SEC college football teams… then temperaments can flare!!! J

The next day “Took the Plunge”, “Water Music” and “Seabiscuit” got underway in a very dense fog. Once they got out of the marina and onto the river, the fog was worse. They collectively decided to return to the marina and give the fog a chance to clear up before trying again. Good decision!!  After about an hour, they once again returned to the river and began their trek southward.

The rest of the day, I spent doing minor maintenance on the boat while Kris decided to explore Demopolis.  She got her bike off the boat and began her exploration of Demopolis while searching for that boater’s required staple…. Wal-Mart!!

That’s it for now, thanks for checking in with us.

Rusty

m/v  "BLISS"

Defever 44