We traveled 48 miles and went through 6 locks today. It was a gorgeous day … in the high 60’s with not a cloud in the sky. . The leaves have already peaked in this area, but the scenery was beautiful nevertheless.
We had hoped to go a little further today, but with nightfall coming early (because of the time change) we stayed in an area off the waterway in the old Tombigbee River. There was a lot of current, but we managed to get the boat situated properly and the anchor secure.
After dinner, Gerry tried the TV and we were amazed to get many channels. We watched the world series for awhile and then off to bed. Tomorrow we plan to stay at the Columbus Marina. It will be a short run for us, but tomorrow is Gerry’s birthday so perhaps we can go into town and celebrate at a restaurant.
We woke up to a misty morning in the anchorage
We, and several other boats, were ready to lock through by 8:00 a.m. Unfortunately a tug was being locked up so we had to wait. Commercial traffic always has priority. When we are at the lock gate and can't enter ..... this is what we do .... we just sort of hang out with engines idling or going around in circles.
Since it was going to take awhile before we could lock through, we went exploring the area as we knew there was an anchorage nearby. This is the anchorage that is known as Ducks Head.
This is looking out at the river from inside the Ducks Head cove
We finally got into the Whitten Lock. Part way through I was getting soaked (but it wasn't raining). Seems as though there are several inspection doors and most of them had water pouring out ..... so here's a picture of the wall (pretty gross) and the water gushing out
We were first into the lock and because there were so many boats we needed to pull all the way forward. When the lock doors opened there was only a foot or two of clearance. Pretty close quarters.
There was foliage growing out of the door
As we exited the lock, you could see the Mississippi Highway Bridge
There are lots of stumps in the shallow part of the river
Here we are entering the Montgomery Lock
Because the locks are so big, the lockmasters ride around on these yellow scooters to make sure all the boats are secure. This guy was passing out cards, which we thought had something to do with the lock. Instead, it was a "free ticket" to heaven - no kidding (see below)
We thought it was a little strange .... however it was Sunday ..... but we only got one free ticket so I'm not sure which one of us will use it
Shoreline after leaving the lock
Entering the next lock, the Rankin Lock. This is a picture looking at the river down below the lock
Rankin Dam
Shoreline along the river ..... thought the trunks of the trees were very unique looking (almost like little green onions)
Here's a Heron on a bush sticking out of the water
More trees growing out of the water
More of the shoreline ..... a very park-like setting
Here we are in the Fulton Lock with the doors opening up .... again, very close to our bow
A creek entering the waterway
Erosion along the shoreline. The level of the waterway fluctuates quite a bit. If it rains hard, the rivers can rise several feet in only a few hours.
More tree stumps in the water and a very unusual looking house on the shore
Approaching the Wilkins Lock
In the Amory lock. Last lock of the day !!!! By now there were only 3 of the 8 boats that had started earlier in the day. Many had stopped at marinas or anchorages earlier in the day.
The Amory Dam
The Tom Soya (not Sawyer) industrial area
.... and here we are in our anchorage for the night. In spite of the current, it was a beautiful setting and we were glad to get settled in as it had been a long day.Click here to see the type of current we anchored in.
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