Spiritus departed her slip at 7:00 am and descended in Wheeler Lock with 2 other looper boats.
Even after locking through hundreds of locks, we still marvel at the brilliant engineering!
We anchored with 2 other boats and invited Joe, Jill, Rick & Monica aboard Spiritus for docktails.
The next morning we were blanketed by the early morning fog.
After it lifted, we had a beautiful run to Grand Harbor Marina.
We had to pull into port to do our laundry....notice Eddy's "Ahoy Y'all" shirt drying on the flybridge!
We master a peaceful, easy rhythm as we cruise down the Tenn-Tom on this picture perfect day.
We are "wowed" by the colors of Mother Nature!
After an 11 hour cruising day, complete with 4 locks, we find solace anchored beside Wilkins Lock.
The next morning the Wilkins lockmaster was ready for us and we didn't have to wait .
It's always a pleasant surprise when the lockmaster has prepared the chamber prior to our arrival.
After a 67 mile, 4 lock day, we discovered this lovely anchorage at Pickensville.
We enjoyed watching the fishing boats scurry to the RV Park's boat ramp prior to sunset.
And a most glorious sunset for sure!!!
The next day we covered 86 miles, noticing the changing vegetation along the river bank.
Unable to make it to Demopolis before sunset, we pulled off the Tenn-Tom to anchor in Rattlesnake Bend.
We weigh anchor at sunrise and travel the remaining five miles to Demopolis.
After getting fuel, we settle in to "our" old slip and later enjoy docktails with our friends.
But before that, the First Mate picks up gallons of pecans from the town's square and church yards.
The folks in this friendly town encourage you to come to their property and help yourself.
Yes, we've already made pecan pancakes and plan pecan pies for Thanksgiving!
The next day we made a short run to Okatuppa Creek in the rain. Here we had a FIRST!
We managed to pull up this submerged tree which our anchor chain was wrapped around!
John & Debbie came over from Mahayana in their dinghy to help us try to retrieve our new anchor.
Thankfully, they brought a wood saw with them.
Captain Eddy dove in to saw the tree limb while all of us watched for alligators as it continued to rain!
We applauded when Eddy finally sawed away the branch and we were able to maneuver Spiritus clear of the tree.
Our next night's anchorage at Alabama River Cut-Off was much less dramatic!
Our "anchor angels", John & Debbie, are anchored ahead of Spiritus in Mahayana.
No snags tonight and we slept well indeed!
We traveled with Mahayana down the Tombigbee Waterway. They took some great pics of Spiritus!
Debbie captured us amongst all the boat traffic in the busy Mobile Harbor.
And we got pics of Mahayana as she entered Mobile Harbor!
We passed the downtown maritime museum with Alabama's tallest building in the background . . . .
. . . . . while navigating around big barges . . . . .
. . . . . and Navy vessels . . . . .
. . . . . and cranes in the busy harbor!
When Spiritus poked her head out of the harbor, we were greeted by dozens of pelican . . . . .
. . . . . who were also anxiously awaiting a feast from this shrimp boat!
It was wonderful to smell the salt air and see these playful dolphin once again!
Spiritus is delighted to be back at Dog River Marina, an AGLCA sponsor and favorite hood!
Whenever there are 2 or more Looper boats, be assured there is fun, frivolity, and good eating!
Spiritus' first sunrise on the gulf coast after 5 months of being on the rivers.
She will have some "minor surgery" here in Mobile before she cruises to her homeport in Pensacola.
After Thanksgiving in our dirt home, we will take her to south Florida for the winter.
