November 6, 2022

Kingfisher Bay Marina, Demopolis, Alabama to Bashi Creek Anchorage, Alabama

Forgetting about daylight savings time, we were up at 4:45 a.m. waiting for the Lock and Dam availability and instructions.  We left at 6:00 a.m. to go to the Demopolis Lock and Dam (40').  There were 15 boats coming into the Lock!  Many of us had to "raft" together (meaning we "tied up" to another boat that was already connected to the bollard).  

When we got out of the Lock and Dam, we noticed that the water coming out of the Dam looked kind of like waterfalls.  

Kip is all wound up again (coffee!) and is excited every day to get the "Doug Report" from Kip's mom's significant other, Doug.  Doug points out interesting places and things, updates us on the weather, and more.  Thanks Doug!!  He also was explaining things we saw on the river.  I finally said, "You're making that up."  He said "Well, yes, but I bet that's how it worked."  😄

On the way down a boat ahead of us went too far out of the channel and hit bottom.  They had to go back upriver to get repairs.  Ouch!  Another boat hit a log and bent their props, so they need repairs too.

We are seeing more Tow and Barge traffic in this part of the river.  The corners are sharp, so it is a tight squeeze getting past each other.  

It went from cloudy this morning to a beautiful, 81-degree sunshiny day on the Tombigbee River.

The well-known Naheola Bridge in Pennington, Alabama.

A huge alligator sunning itself on the bank of the river.  😲

Do you see the cloud that looks like a flying bird?

Water being pumped into the river, but not sure why.

Many different reading locations!

We found the anchorage spot - Bashi Creek.  The book says when you anchor in the creek watch out for logs and branches that get in the way.  That is absolutely true based on what we see.  There are two other boats in the creek with us - a few other boats are anchored outside of the creek in the channel.

Here is a picture of what it looked like outside the window once the sun went down!

Kip's dad, Carlo, always worried about draining the battery and finding out that the boat won't start, and Kip does the same thing.  I often say, "can we just turn on the cabin lights for a while?"  Kip bought small battery-operated lights to use instead of the cabin lights (but they aren't very helpful).  

It has been a hard day, struggling with missing our family.  BUT, I know things are ok and they are all responsible, smart people that can handle things, so, I stay put.  It has been a long day for us.  We will sleep soundly tonight, if we can find the v-bunk!