Trip Two - Pickwick Lake, TN ~ Bainbridge, GA

Tenn-Tom River Trip Pickwick Landing State Park Pickwick, Tenn Homeport River Oaks, Bainbridge, GA June 6, 2003 Wednesday Step One: Getting the boat out of the water. We were getting the boat out of the water to get it ready for the 10 or 11-hour road trip to the park in Tennessee. We had a little trouble with getting the boat on to the trailer; because of the current. Then we couldn’t get the boat and trailer out of the water because the pavement was wet and the tires kept slipping. It ended with us having to call a tow truck to pull the truck and trailer out. So far Deanna and I have the stuff ready to go into the truck for our trip. For the past week or so we all have been going over the maps (both land and water) to make sure we knew the way.

BHW First Mate LEG One-BAINBRIDGE TO TENNESSEE June 11, 2003 Wed Departure point: Home Port (River Oaks, Bainbridge, GA.) Arrival point: Pickwick Dam State Park, Tenn. Start time: 0430 End time: 1615 Total time: 11 hrs. 25 mins. Distance traveled: 414.5 miles Our first leg of the trip was by land with the truck, boat and trailer. It was slow going because our truck (bless it’s little plugs and wires) it wasn’t meant to pull a boat and trailer that weighs close to 6000 lbs. Up and down the hills around north GA., Alabama, and parts of Miss. Holly (this is her first trip) seems to be doing ok. After we got the boat in the water, and the stuff on to the boat we went to get something to eat. We ate at a place called “All American Place” were you could get what ever kind of food you like. We are all dead tired by the time we got back to the boat. BHW First Mate June 12, 2003 Thursday Day Two Departure point: Pickwick Landing State Park, Tenn Arrival point: Aberdeen Marina, MS Start Time: 0739 End Time: 1830 Total Time: 7 hrs 44 mins Distance traveled: 102.94 Leaving the Marina

Well we are on our way down the Tenn-Tom waterway. 0730-Left dock; it’s windy and cool out on the water. We were greeted by the same geese that were at the ramp last night.

0750-Past by the; Holiday Hills Resort. Along with some very big homes, some looks as if they are hanging off the side of the hills. Holiday Hills Resort MM-215 0800-We enter into The Tenn-Tom water way. At the entrance to the waterway there is a beautiful home. Pickwick Cove Marina came next; what a place. One of the beautiful homes on the river MM-448 We came upon some barges and tugs (3) and 24 barges or more they were tied up along the port side of the river. MM-443 Saw the Tenn-Tom COE tug and dredge at work. We are now in the Tenn-Tom waterway. It reminds me of the canals in Fl. The Tenn-Tom COE tug and dredge

It looks like some folks use the waterway for a living too, eg fishing traps. NOTE- So far we have the waterway to ourselves but no one knows for how long. Last night after we had most of the stuff stow away, we we’re to tried to get showers. So we all fell into bed, wet clothes and all. Gary and Deanna were asleep long before me. I was to wet and too keyed up to settle down. MM-427--The orange and white marker indicates the former location of Holcut, the only town that had to be moved for the building of the Tenn-tom. 0930-We are now in Bay Spring Lake. The wind is blowing pretty hard. The skies are partly cloudy and the sun is trying to come out. MM-419- We stopped at the Crows Nest Boat Ramp / Restrooms. Let the Dogs out and made a stop of our own. After you pass this last red buoy, the water deepens enough for you to take advantage of many coves for anchoring.

MM-411.9-0100 we were at the Whitten Lock and Dam. One of many locks we will go through. Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam, Mile marker 411.9 Lift (ft) 85. It is the ninth deepest single lift locks in the U.S. From here on, you will be going downhill, from about 414 feet above seal level to the Gulf of Mexico. The lock and dam was named after the Mississippi Congressman who served more than 50 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam MM-410.8 This is the Jamie L. Whitten Bridge that takes the Natchez Trace Parkway over the Tenn-Tom. The Trace was once an Indian trail then became the road between Natchez and Nashville traveled by scouts, pioneers and merchants MM-406.7 1130-We enters our 2nd lock The Montgomery lock. MM-406.7, lift (ft) 30, this lock was named after G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery—Mississippi Congressman. This shows the rock formations before the dam. The variations of the colors are beautiful. Rankin Lock and Dam MM-394.0 1330- Lock # 3 MM-398.0, Rankin Lock Lift (ft) 30 It was named after John Rankin-Mississippi Congressman and an early supporter of the waterway. This is the lock we heard about that the operator would get onto you if you leave the lock before getting clearance. MM-390.0 1415-We came upon our 4th lock The Fulton lock and dam. 391.0 Lift (ft) 25. Deanna and I were getting pretty good at putting the robes on the tie-up buoys. MM-385.3 The Hudson One and 4 barges that past us going north. The Hudson One and 4 barges MM-376.5 We stopped at the Smithville Marina to get fuel and ice. MM-376.3 1545-We left our 5th lock and dam The Wilkins lock and dam. This lock and dam was named for Glover Wilkins-Long time administrator of the Tenn-Tom Waterway Development Authority and dedicated to making the Waterway a reality. MM 376.3, Lift (ft) 25. So far everything is going ok except the weather.

It would be nice if we didn’t have rain. But I wouldn’t complain at least we don’t have six foot waves. So far!! MM370.1 1650-This is our 6th lock we have gone through today. The Amory lock is at mm 371.1 lift (ft) 30.

The Port of Amory is another noisy reminder that forest products are responsible for much of the industry along the Tenn-Tom. Large machines grind up about 30 trees at a gulp. Port of Amory

MM-358.1 Aberdeen Marina is conveniently located on the Aberdeen Lake for use by the many boaters enjoying the Tenn-Tom Waterway and the Aberdeen Lock and Dam located on the Aberdeen Lake (East Bank) at MM 358.2. The town of Aberdeen is an historic place. Captain going over the route for the next day

Deanna trying to get stuff out for the night

We were able to get a cover slip for the night. It is so nice not to feel wet and somewhat protected from the weather.

The dogs are a little under the weather. Holly’s just not use to the boat yet this is her first trip. Tomorrow we are trying for Demopolis Yacht Basin. (From left to right) Poco, the daddy, Holly the baby and Santini is the mother. These are my three little dogs that travel with us.

We have gone 102.94 miles and have gone through 6 locks out of the 13 locks. Deanna and I have gotten pretty good at tying up in the locks. So far other than the weather everything is going ok. BHW First Mate June 13, 2003 Day Three Aberdeen Marina, MS to Demopolis Marina, AL Start time: 0720 End time: 2000 Total time: 8 hrs. 54 mins. Distance Traveled: 142.6 miles 0710-We are heading for the Aberdeen Lock. 0720-Called the lock operator; said we would have a 30 min wait, so we got our breakfast. (Old Pardoner) going north. The Aberdeen Lock mm 357.5, lift (ft) 27. In this area it is full of snags outside of the channel, so it would be wise to stay alert.

MM-342.9 There is some homes along here were the Tombigbee old channel runs. MM-334.7 This is Stennis Lock and Dam. This lock was named for John C. Stennis-US Senator from Mississippi, considered to be one of Mississippi’s greatest leaders. Dam and Lock located at MM-334.7, lift (ft) 27. MM-307 At the Cove Marina; on our way out we saw a couple of otters.

We are at Beville lock # 7, named for Tom Bevill- Alabama Congressmen and chairman of the congressional committee in the U.S. House of Representatives approved the funding of the Tenn-Tom’s construction. MM-306.8, lift (ft) 27; it took awhile to get through. Finally we have left the lock there were two pleasure boats going north. MM-299.4 here you can see the Blue Rock Cliffs. It is a very unusual formation. NOTE: This section of the Tenn-Tom reminds me of the Appalachia River over by our homeport. Just north of MM-270 we had to watch out for the tugs and barges. We pasted one with 8 barges full of wood chips. MM-279.3, The Heflin Lock is our 10th lock we have been through. It is located at MM-266.1, lift (ft) 36. This lock was named for Howell Heflin-U.S. Senator from Alabama. Well here comes our afternoon showers and the sky’s look dark. We are looking for a place to stop, because there is lightening and Captain doesn’t want to be out in it. After a few try’s we found a place along the bank (west) to tie up at. We decided to go ahead and get supper. We were able to use our camp stove on the front of the boat. It was good. We sat around playing with our 3 dogs that came along on this trip. Santini and Poco has been on similar trips before but poor Holly their puppy, just hasn’t got her sea legs yet. MM-238 We had a little bit of trouble getting off the bank, but we did and are heading south for Demopolis Marina at MM-216. NOTE: There are two more locks on this section of the Tenn-Tom. MM-235.1 The White Cliffs on this part of the river are something to look at they are so striking. White cliffs and the way the water has formed them. After all that rain; the river is full of stuff and some large enough to do some mayor damage. We have seen whole trees floating down river. I was concern that one of them would get under the boat and we wouldn’t get it out. The current is so swift here. One of the whole trees that we past. The bad weather stuck to us like glue. We are all wet and cold. The captain is the worst of us all; can’t do anything until we get to our next stop. We made it to Demopolis Yacht Bain. I believe all the logs collected here at the marina. You can even find them tucked in between the boat slips. This is a focal point on the Waterway, Here’s your chance to rest, relax, refuel and replenish. You will discover that it’s also a great place to walk the docks because of the different boaters you will meet. Some stopped and decided to stay. Others, such as the gentleman who played first clarinet in the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra for 31 years, came to Demopolis to escape the harsh northern winters

Today we traveled 142.63 mile. We came up with a nickname for ourselves. You know on land there are the primitive campers, the tent campers, the motor homes and the Motel type. Well on water there is the small boats 20’ and under, (primitive campers), pontoons and such 20’ and over, (tent campers), the motor homes, (cabin Cruisers) and the motel type is) Yachts and Steam ships group). So we are the “Tent Campers of the waterways”. Today we went through 4 locks.

Demopolis Yacht Basin P.O. Box 1028, Highway 43 North Demopolis, Alabama 36732 334-289-4647 ext 224 (fuel dock) or 334-289-4374 ext.221 (office) http://www.demyb.com/ Hours: 8 am until 6 pm on weekdays, 8 am until 6 pm on Saturday 6 am until 6 pm on Sunday except 8 am until 5 pm on weekdays during winter. Night watchman, monitors channel 16. Can accommodate boats up to 120 feet and have transient slips. No reservations. Has 30 amp and 50 amp electrical service Water depth @ fuel dock is 15 feet @ normal pool Gas, diesel fuel Launch ramp nearby Extensive repair facilities including 70-ton travel lift, boat store, parts Department, ice, snacks, showers, Laundromat, and pump out station. Courtesy car is available.

BHW First Mate June 15, 2003 Saturday Day Four Departure Point: Demopolis Yacht Basin, AL Arrival Point: Bobby’s Fish Camp, AL. Start time: 0830 End time: 1610 Total time: 8 hrs. 20 mins. Distance Traveled: 96.5 We all woke up at 0635; Gary and Deanna took two of the dogs out. I got Santini out. We took the covers down and had breakfast.

As you can see the rain wasn’t going to let up we had to keep our covers up most of the day. The next morning this is what was waiting for us in front of the dam and lock. Going into the Demopolis Lock Our next lock is the Demopolis Lock and Dam at mm 213.2. We called the lock operator around 0930 and he said there will be a 25 minute wait. The dam is located at mm 213.2; and the Lift (FT) is 40. It was around 0945 when we enter the lock, and the sun was out. At 1000 we left the lock. While we were in the lock it was hot and sunny, but as soon as we cleared it turned cloudy and windy. It was still foggy as we were leaving the lock.

We are now on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway.

This is what’s left of the Rooster Bridge At day mark 201.6 is the remains of the Rooster Bridge. In April 19, 1979 a powerful current turning the tugboat Cahaba sideways then was pushing it down and under the Rooster Bridge. This happens when the river was at a record level of 24 feet above flood stage, and had come to within a few feet of the bottom of the steel drawbridge. Although the captain was following accepted procedures, he quickly discovered he was unable to buck the current and back away from the bridge as planned. Eyewitnesses feared the worst as they saw the tug disappear into the muddy water and heard the sound of it being banged and scraped along the underside of the bridge. But the tug had a lot of cement ballast; it popped up on the other side. Badly battered and with water pouring out of its pilothouse, the tug still had one of its two engines running. Three crewmembers, although badly shaken, weren’t seriously injured. The tug was eventually sold, repaired and renamed the Cat. Ed Harris and is now working out of Charleston, West Virginia, for the Madison Coal and Supply Co., Inc. Today our destination is the Bobby Fish Camp. We called (cell phone) ahead this morning to make sure we had a spot for the night. I for one am ready for a night of undisturbed sleep and maybe with no rain. If not we will make do. So far the weather hasn’t been too bad for the most part of our trip. Sometimes you hit it right and other times you don’t or you get half and half like now. Around mm 187.7; there is a hairpin turn and it’s a real dozy. This is our 1st time we encountered a tug and barges going our way, south. You will come to a railroad lift bridge which accommodated both a railroad track and Alabama 114. They built a new bridge for the highway.

A tug with 6 empty barges past us heading north. You haven’t experience anything until you have rode the wakes of a tug and barges in a 24 foot pontoon boat; boy who needs an amusement park. 1245—it would be nice not to have too dodged all these logs and stuff in this river. I hope it won’t be like this the whole trip. It can wear a person down.

NOTE: The weather is starting to change now. Our ever present afternoon showers are starting to build. We pray that it will hold off until we get to Bobby’s Fish Camp our destination for today. 1410—we have arrived at Bobby’s Fish Camp, its ok for those who like to fish and party with your friends. The weather didn’t hold for us after all. We were able to get supper and then we just went to bed so we can get an early start. We have 135 miles to get to Dog River Marina.

MM 118.9 Bobby’s Fish Camp 686 Bobby’s Camp Road Silas, Alabama 36919 251-754-9225 Owner: Bobby Dahlberg Gas, Diesel fuel, launch ramp, a mechanic Ice, snacks, some canned goods Monitors channel 16 Accepts MasterCard, Visa Restaurant, on premises is open evenings Thursday through Sunday

BHW First Mate June 15, 2003 Day Five Sunday Departure Time: Bobby’s Fish Camp Arrival Time: Dog River, Mobil Bay, Mobil Al. Start time: 0715 End time: 1500 Total Time: 8 hrs. 25mins. Distance Traveled: 133.11miles

Well I didn’t get any sleep last night what with the tugs a chugging by and the rocking of the boat. It didn’t seem to bother them to much. You know it is real funny when you lay there and you can hear this low chugging sound and it keeps getting louder and louder and then it fads away as it pass you by. It must have been pretty close to us as it passed.

Around 0600 we were waken to the sound of music, (my alarm was set to music tone). It is very foggy this morning. The lock is only two miles from the dock. It was awful trying to get to the lock because it seems most of what was going down river (logs and such) was at the entrance to the lock doors. We hit one that was under the surface. No damage done. The Captain of the Chipawa tug let us go 1st through the lock. He was heading north. This was the Coffeeville Lock and Dam located at mm 116.6. This was number 12 the last of the locks until we get further south. Also as you leave the lock, you are less than four feet above sea level. There will be some tidal effect from here to the Gulf. At Day mark 107.0 when the water is low, those interested in geology who know about this place look for petrified sand dollars at the foot of the bluff ahead. Some has even found petrified shark teeth. At mm 106 we started to have trouble with our gear control. Had problem with it once before on another trip of ours. Captain worked on it and it seems to be working.

Near mm 98.2 on the starboard is Lovers Leap, a rare bit of fine scenery along this stretch. Deeply cracked and colored rock, trees with gnarled roots clinging to the cliff and wisps of Spanish moss make for easy watching. As you know Spanish moss is neither a true moss nor a parasite. It is actually a member of the pineapple family and survives by absorbing water from the air. It does put on a flower around the spring time. Around mm 79.9 there is a legend that if the sun is low or there are wisps of fog on the river, you can easily imagine seeing the folks on the dock (former site of Lady’s Landing) waiting to tie up your boat their own special way. And at the top of the hill will be the goats, waiting for their heads to be scratched . . . . . This is all that is left of a place on the banks. The First Mate took over the helm for awhile. Two tugs with barges; going north past us and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Just ahead are the rich red and brown colors of Nanny Hubbert’s Bluff.

Past the Alabama River at mm 45 around 1145, we are now entering the Mobile River area. The Alabama is formed by the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers, drains much of east central Alabama and even some of western GA. For 305 miles it twists and turns past Seima to Montgomery, Alabama’s capitol city and beyond. It is known for its clean water and fine scenery. Captain needs to put fuel in the small tank. We are carrying extra fuel with us incase we don’t make it between fuel stops.

Deanna and I fixed lunch around 1230 and with lunch also came our afternoon storms. Our once clear beautiful skies are now becoming cloudy. To our starboard side (for now) the clouds are building up. I said for now because the river twist and turns so much that what was on the port side at one point is in reality on the starboard side and visa versa. One of the tugs and barges

Captain said we are only 22 miles from mobile bay. At mm 22 we past under the I-65 Bridge, then there is the railroad bridge, we don’t have to wait for it to open because we can fit under it, but if you are a bigger boat you will need to call the bridge tender and if there is a train coming guess; who will have to wait? We are hoping that the weather will hold out until we get to the marina, the Grand Mariner Marina in Dog River. This bridge is called The Dolly Parton Bridge

This ends our first leg of our trip now that we have made it to Mobile Bay. Upon entering Mobile’s harbor, you will quickly discover that it’s a busy place. Each year more than 40 million tons move through this port, ranks 8th in the U.S. in exports, 16th in imports and 12th overall and it’s the Nation’s leading port in the movement of forest products. There are a lot of large ships around here, some are unloading and some looks to be waiting to get repairs done on them so be careful about your wake because of the divers who are working on the boats. There is one that the boatyard is building. You could fit our boat and several more inside of the boat they are working on. Some of the ships and tugs that work this bay area. I remember my Dad telling me about the ships like the one on the right being worked on. On the left is the paddle wheeler at the dock. This is one of the marinas on the opposite side of the river were we stayed the night. This is the causeway you have to take to get to the marina.

Wakes are taken very seriously in the harbor because they can have consequences in terms of both property and safety. As we pulled up dockside with the marina we were greeted with live entertainment; on the lower level there was a 2 pc. Band was playing and some one was singing. We had supper in the Grand Mariner Restaurant that was located on the second story of the marina. This is a famous restaurant for their fish and other seafood dinners. We were lucky to get in because the place is sometimes reserved. We were able to get a cover slip for the night at the marina. Deanna and I washed and dried some clothes, we all got a much needed HOT!! Shower. Now we have only 248 + miles to go before we are home. BHW First Mate Leg Two: Mobile Bay to Bainbridge, GA. June 16, 2003 Monday Day Six Departure Point: Grand Mariner Marina Dog River, AL. Arrival Point: Bay Towne Marina, FL. Start time: 0700 End time: 1630 Total time: 7 hrs. 15 minutes Distance Traveled: 121.7 miles We were up at 0600 to do our daily routine which was folding up the bed linens, put everything in its place (on a small boat you have to make use of every nook and cranny) taking down the canvas covers and stow them away. Take the dogs out and any other thing we needed to do and ready to shove off at 0700. This morning we are going to cut across Mobile Bay. It is better to cross a bay early in the morning then later on because of the winds. A shot of the bay just after sunrise and the moon can be seen in the right side of the picture. Made it through the night without rain maybe that is a good omen or God is done watering his garden. Past Mullet point on the port side around 0800, the east bank of Mobile Bay is where all the expensive homes are. We are about three miles from the GICW (Gulf Intercostals Waterway). Entrance to the GICW waterway By 0945 we are inside the GICW and came across so many tugs with barges some loaded and some not. Right after pasting them we saw two dolphins off port side just before we passed through Wolf Bay. NOTE: It is amazing to watch how these tug operators handle the barges around the turns, my hats off to them. I was hoping to stop on a nice beach area off the port side around mm 77. One of the things you will see traveling near the water are Med-A-Vac Choppers. At Santa Rosa Island we tied up at a boardwalk/pier to have lunch and let the dogs out for a run. Santini and Poco didn’t care for the water, but Holly just jump right into a small pool and started to swim (leash and harness too). After her little swim she was ready to settle down until we made our next marina. I can see why everyone likes this area what with the white sandy beaches and the blue waters. I think I can live here year round.

The rest of the day we just enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the warm sun. Around 1630 we radio Bay Towne Marina to see about dockage for the night. They said that they had a place. By 1700 we were tied up at the boat slip and were ready for the night. O no! I here thunder in the background. Today’s weather was glories.

There is a little storey about this place, when we called in to see about a slip for the night the operator asked what size was our boat. Gary told them it was a 24’ pontoon, there was dead silence on the radio. Then a voice came back asking us to repeat what size the boat was again. And again Gary told them a 24’ pontoon. The operator came back and said “you did say a 24’ pontoon right” and Gary said yes. There was a short silence again and then they said yes that they had a slip for us. When we pulled up to the gas pump there were about 5 or 6 guys waiting for us. You could hear them say to each other “well I’ll be damn they are a 24’ pontoon boat”. All we could do is laugh at them. You see because at that marina there were only large boats like yachts, and large sailboats.

Deanna almost got herself rolled up with the gas hose that pulled her off her feet as she was helping with the refueling. The hose was on this wheel and it retracted itself when you are done and she wasn’t aware of that fact. This place was one of the fancier places we stayed at. It had its own motel and a little town of different types of shops. One of those places was a place called Roberto’s a pizza place on the Baytowne Wharf. There were also some unusual little shops that you can find all kinds of things. Even had a shop for your doggies, of course I got something for the dogs. As you can guess the dogs are my babies. We have three grandkids but never get to see them much. Afterwards we went back to the boat to get the dogs out and start to settle in for the night. For who knows what tomorrow might bring. BHW First Mate June 17, 2003 Tuesday Day Seven Departure Point: Bay Towne Marina, FL Arrival Point: Bay Point Marina, FL Start time: 0700 End time: 1430 Total hours: 4 hrs. 1 min Distance traveled: 56.8 miles Just east of the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge; we started to have engine trouble. Our engine stopped running and Gary wasn’t able to get it started again. We were drifting towards the bridge and had to get the boat tied to something before we hit the span. While I was on the radio calling Tow Boat US, Gary and Deanna were trying to tie up to the bridge and wait for assistance. Tow Boat US “Elmo Two” (name of the tug) was on its way to help us out. After awhile Gary was able to get the engine started but not before we lost our emergence cord to the engine. That thing went a flying into the water after Gary tried to start the engine, it was suppose to float, sank like a lead weight. Tied to the bridge span waiting for Tow Boat US The Calvary to the rescue “The Elmo Two” Tow Boat US The Elmo Two followed us to the mouth of the ICW and called Panama City Beach Tow Boat US office to be on the look out for us and that we were headed that way. The weather was cloudy and threatens to rain. By this time we were a little tired of the lousy weather. Here comes the afternoon storms. We were able to stop at a marina to have them to look at the engine, the guy said that our cap worked lose and let the water to get inside and flood the engine out. So we were able to fix it and be on our way.

Bay Point Marina The next stop was the Bay Point Marina we stopped at for the night. They had a car that we used to go into town and get a few supplies and supper for the night. This one of the statues outside of the marina office that are decorated with different scenes about the sea. The marina had statues of dolphins that were painted with different scene on them. We could have used the facilities but after the day’s troubles all of us and our dogs wanted to do was go to bed and hope it didn’t rain during the night. We did walk around for awhile before we turned in. Our youngest daughter would like this weather vane. This was a green heron that visited us during our supper. BHW First Mate June 18, 2003 Wednesday Day Eight Departure Point: Bay Point Marina, FL Arrival Point: Bay City Marina & Lodge, FL Start time: 0720 End time: 1417 Hours Traveled: 7 hrs. 37 mins. Distance Traveled: 71.4 miles We ran into some bad weather as we were leaving the marina. Leaving Bay Point Marina It seems like the whole trip was on the soggy side, every once in awhile we would have a break in the rain but not long enough to get dried off. Around White City bridge area on the ICW we had to stop for awhile and docked. The rain was coming down so hard you couldn’t see to far ahead of the boat. There was tug traffic in this area so we thought it best to stop. After awhile we decided to push on ahead since we weren’t that far from our stop for the night. The captain decided to get a room for the night so we can have a dry place to sleep since everything was soaking wet from the day’s rain. We were able to get a room with hot showers and we used what we had in the coolers for our supper. It was a blessing to have a hot shower and something hot to drink. I was so cold and so were the others including the dogs. We have stayed at this marina a couple of times before. There is always a little bit of mystery about this place like you stepped back into another time. We always take our three little Chihuahuas with us on the trips. BHW First Mate June 19, 2003 Thursday Day Nine Departure Point: Bay City Marina and Lodge, FL Arrival Point: Home Port Bainbridge, GA Start time: 0715 End time: 1730 Hours Traveled: 9 hrs. 26mins. Distance traveled: 130.4 miles Deanna and I were in the room getting the gear together and Gary was going to take one of the coolers to the boat and then come back the other one. As he stepped out the door there was a visitor waiting for him. Sitting by the door of our room was this 3 or 4 foot baby alligator. What a visitor to have at your door step. Gary came back in and got the two of us and showed us what the commotions was about. Deanna grabs her camera and took this shot before the little fellow or gal went on their merry way. We manage to get the stuff to the boat without anymore visitors, fueled up for the long trip home. There is no place to get fuel until you pass the lock and dam on the lake 106 miles north, (Lake Seminole). So make sure you have enough fuel to get you there. Due to all the rain up north the Appalachia, Chattahoochee, and Flint Rivers were full and the current was very strong. All in all the trip was a very interesting one and very educational. The weather could have been better, but the Lord knew what he was doing. We always start out our day with a prayer that I found: “Oh God” Please watch over us, protect and guide us, as we embark on our journey, for your sea is so great and our boat is so small. Protect all who are traveling today. “Amen” And end with: Thank you, God for your protection and guidance today. “Amen” This is not our last trip on the water. We will be making another trip next year and praying that we will be able to make many more. Our hope is to do the Great Loop in our pontoon boat. So see you on the waterways. Ahoy BHW First Mate