November 4, Day 144 - Cochrane Cut-Off in AL (MM 287.4) to Demopolis, AL

Our departure was delayed by heavy fog, but we managed to leave at 7:15. Martha (the autopilot) didn’t get to do much today because of all the debris in the river. We went through one lock (Heflin Lock ) and traveled a little over 70 miles. We had bright, sunny skies and the scenery was beautiful, especially the Epes Cliffs (see pictures below).

We finally pulled into Demopolis Yacht Basin around 2:30 p.m. We made pretty good time because of the push from the current. Once we were settled in we wandered around the marina chatting with other loopers and checked out the restaurant/bar where we grabbed a quick drink.

Our friends on Second Star and Emotion 3 were not around as they had taken the courtesy car into town. However, around 4:30 we heard knocking on the door and singing outside. They had come over with some celebratory beverages and were singing “belated” happy birthday to Gerry. We had happy hour and caught up on everyone’s adventures over the past several weeks. Then it was off to the restaurant for dinner. After dinner we all stopped off at Emotion 3 for nightcaps and then back to the boat where we crashed. It had been a long day. We are staying in Demopolis tomorrow.



The morning fog was lifting as we left the anchorage.

The shoreline was very scenic in the early morning sun

Here's a shot of the blue sky, shoreline and the reflection in the boat's wake.

Approaching Heflin Lock

We locked through with 2 big boats .... Lady Pamela

.... and Front Page. Neither were Looper boats; just boats going south for the winter.

We saw a lot of run down and abandoned homes along the shoreline. Here's a trailer hanging over the side

... and a house hanging over the side. Lots of erosion in many places.

There were also many nice homes along the river as you can see by the 2 above

The next few pictures are of an area called Cliffs of Epes. Very breathtaking. You turned a corner in the river .... and there they were.

Cyprus trees along the shore

This is an area called Rattlesnake Bend. You can anchor in here, but you have to dodge the barges going in as this is a staging area for the barges/tugs.

Here is Monk's Vineyard at Demopolis Yacht Basin, pretty much dwarfed by the big boat on the left. They were very busy here and all the slips were taken as this is one of the last marinas until you reach Mobile Bay.

Gerry walking down the dock at Demopolis

This is one of the primary places the tugs refuel. Here's a picture of one at the dock. Glad we didn't have to pay for that much fuel ! ! ! We refueled, but didn't take nearly as much diesel as Gerry thought we would. Guess the current has really helped with miles/gallon.

Here's Gerry and the Gator at the local New Orleans Cafe.

We found this sign at the marina/lodge very strange. Guess it speaks for itself.