Stats:
MM 450 on the Tenn-tom to MM 286
Our travel down the Tenn-Tom continues. It has been a pleasant few days, peacefully cruising down the river, watching the wildlife and the foliage change as we venture farther south. It is getting markedly warmer, even downright hot in the afternoons, although the evenings are remaining nice and cool for sleeping.
We are travelling with two other boats now (As The Crow Flies and Last Mango, the other two either dropped off or moved ahead). We have been anchoring out, often near something of note to visit in the late afternoon after we drop anchor, and then enjoying dinner on one boat or another. Lots of fun!!
Today we anchored within walking distance of Waverly Mansion, an original antebellum home. This plantation once fed over a thousand people a day. It had been abondoned for years and local legend was that it was haunted. College kids would come and sleep over on a dare. Amazingly, nothing had been too badly damaged over the years and many of the unique and historical features are in tact. It has been purchased and taken over by a family who have put their heart and souls into restoring it as best they can without any public funding. The owner is a story teller extraordinaire and a quintessential southern bell. For ten dollars each she took us through the house, keeping us spell-bound for hours. Absolutely delightful.
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| From Left to Right: Jeff & Susan, Gran Vida; John & Karen, Last Mango; Grant & Cindy, As the Crow Flies. |
For those of you behind us and wondering about our anchorages:
MM 412, in Bay Springs, we dingied over to the visitor centre for a hike.
MM 377, on the top of the Glover Wilkins Lock in 9 to 15 feet of water (don't go close to the ramp)
MM 337, entered the channel from the South, anchored in 12-15 feet (four boats, lots of room), dingied to the Waverly Mansion, a short walk from the boat launch ramp just under the old railway bridge.
MM 286, in 15-9 feet, (four boats, lots of room), we made a quick stop on top of the Tom Bevill Lock to visit the old Snag Boat and visitor centre.
All three stops, Bay Springs Visitor centre, Waverly Mansion and the Snag Boat were well worth the visit!!
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| Looking up the stairs at waving Loopers at the Montgomery visitor's centre |
We are now in alligator country although we haven't seen any yet even though I've been looking hard!! I'm a little bit nervous about them. Last night we anchored beside an island that apparently had wild boars on it and I thought I heard something vaguely "snort-like" but we didn't see anything. Jeff?? We continue to see lots of birds and turtles and even a few palm trees.
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| wading through the water hyacinths. |
We have a relatively long day today that will bring us close to Demopolis Alabama, our next marina stop. We'll head in there tomorrow morning. The temperature is supposed to be in the eighties and they have a pool so we're looking forward to some downtime, shopping etc.
2 comments:
We are following your progress every post along the way. Sounds like you are still havin a barrel of fun. See you soon. December is just around the corner!!
We are really having a good time. The pace is perfect. We don't have to wait for weather windows as we did on Lake Michegan or even the Mississippi. We are beginning to look into monthly anchorages in the Gulf area and if you have a suggestion let us know. Also let us know roughly when you two are in the area so we can catch up with you in person.
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