Hello Mobile, Al.

Tuesday December 8, 2015

We got up at 6:00 AM because we wanted to run slow to Mobile Bay so we can enjoy the last part of the Tombigbee Waterway.  There was a layer of Fog on the river.  We checked our radar and found a number of tow boats that were not moving because of the fog on the river so we waited until 8:30 to pull up anchor and move south.  The back anchor was easy to pull up – Janis was able to this herself. The front anchor was easy also BUT we caught a log that would not come off the anchor.  Janis had to use our push poll and Chris had to maneuver the boat in circles to get the log to come free.  It took 10 minutes but we were able to get the log dislodged.

Because the barges were parked waiting on the fog we just happened to time it right to get by the first two before they started to move.   The day was sunny and getting warmer (72F).  We reached Mobile Bay at 1:00 PM.  This area was very busy.  Tow boats were moving barge sand ships on each side of the channel.  We pass two tow boats pushing a ship and got caught between them and a third tow this caused us to travel through the strong wake they were dishing out.  The boat leaned 30 degrees dumping stuff from draws and tables. Needless to say it caused our heart rate to go up a bit. Soon we were stable again.  Paraiso continued to follow the channel into the bay.  There was a unique factory making new aluminum war ships. We had a tow ahead of us and we had two tanker ships coming into Mobile that we had to pass.  The ship is much bigger than the barges so took a bit getting used to.

We were warned that there would be some dredging at maker 72 which is where we wanted to turn to go across the bay.  When we got down there we saw some piping left just to the north but at the 72 marker it was clear so we made an easterly turn striking across the middle of Mobile Bay.  The water was smooth – no traffic and it was a nice 6 mile and 7-10 feet deep ride over to Eastern Shore Marine.  We got our slip assignment and we found we were by Jim and Paula (Palmetto Paradise), whom we met at King Fisher Bay.   We got settled and made plans to take the courtesy car into Fairhope on Wednesday.  Done with the rivers!