Columbus, MS to Pickensville, MS to Aliceville, AL

Hi folks...this is going to be a 2-fer...that is 2 days worth of blog in one. We left the Columbus Marina on Wednesday, traveling with California Lady and InSpeyered 2. We were only about 1/4 mile to the first lock, and by the time we actually locked through, there were 6 boats in the lock - all Loopers. After a lock-full like this, it takes a mile or so for everyone to spread out and find the pace they like moving forward.

 

 

The 3 of us traveled the rest of the day together, targeting an anchorage in the area of Pickensville, where the Snagboat Montgomery is docked and can be toured. Snagboats were in service from the early 1900's through about 1970, and were used to clear debris (rocks, stumps, logs, etc.) from the dams and rivers. Initially these were steam powered vessels, but were converted to fossil fuels in the 50's (if we remember correctly).

To get a sense of the size of this boat, look at the white spec in about the center of the picture...that's Sandy.

Although there were some shallow spots, we figured it out and found ourselves in a beautiful anchorage at the Pickensville Recreation Area, only about 100 yards from a boat ramp for dog walking, and idyllic scenery. And an almost clear night with an almost full moon made it very nice. Docktails aboard InSpeyered 2 were a blast...2 hours worth of great conversation and many laughs.

California Lady at anchor.

InSpeyered 2 at anchor.

On Thursday morning, the 3 ladys and Captain Al from Inspeyered 2 went for an hour walk (with Leroy the wonder dog from California Lady) and we departed at about 10 am. Another nice day of cruising...great weather and great traveling companions. This morning, we were about 2 miles above a lock (Stennis) and we had an even bigger crowd...7 (or was it 8?) boats in the lock. The surprise of the day for us was the arrival of Happy Happy, who we met way back on Day #3 at Goose Pond Marina. It was great to see them again. They were traveling with a faster pack of boats, but as it turned out, we all ended up at about the same place at the end of the day.

See the guy waving at us?

 

Now do you see him? It gives you a sense for how big these barges and operations are.

We think that this one is a recycling plant.

InSpeyered 2 with some of the better color that we have seen so far.

 

We did end the day with a bit of confusion, as by the time our trio arrived at the anchorage that we had selected, the Inn was quite full. It would have taken quite a bit of maneuvering and moving of boats already at anchor to make room for all of us. Disappointedly, we broke up and headed in 3 different directions. Inspeyered 2 went back up-river to an anchorage that had caught their eye; California Lady took the risk that paid off by pushing forward through another lock to an anchorage just below the lock; and we (being the smallest boat of the lot) were able to raft off of others already at anchor...Encore and Happy Happy.

California Lady found themselves all alone in a beautiful anchorage, and ahead of the crowd for Friday's travel, while we found ourselves in a really nice anchorage with 6 other boats in rather tight quarters. Inspeyered 2 found a great anchorage also, but will have a few extra miles to travel. In the end it will all work out, as all of us are headed for the same (and only) marina in Demopolis, AL tomorrow.

Update: We're posting this from Demopolis, AL. We arrived yesterday afternoon, and will post another blog with an detailed update...to follow sometime...