Days 147 Aliceville, AL

Ah, moving again after almost 2 weeks in Columbus!

The post-flood currents on the Tenn-Tom Waterway have a little extra hustle to push us along, so we're making good time over the bottom even with our slow speed through the water. We have to vigilantly watch for "Tennessee Torpedoes" (otherwise known as floating debris.) We add miles to each day's run as we slalom around branches and tree trunks floating menacingly in our path, ready to take a bite out of Osprey's hull.

Our first lock on Sunday was Stennis. There were already 4 boats secured when our party of 3, Laura Lee, Blue Horizon, and Osprey, entered. Riley watched from the doorway, knowing he cannot come on deck in a lock. As we dropped, Bob said he felt like the last soap suds floating on the descending surface of the dishwater when the drain plug is pulled.

An egret flew off in a huff when we drew up to the wall under his perch in the Bevill lock.

Around us the water hyacinths floated like large bouquets between the logs while we waited for the last boat to pull in.

We traveled 7 1/2 hours today for a total of 47 miles (and 2 locks). We passed the beautiful White Cliffs at Epes, and watched the scores of vultures in trees and electrical towers waiting for their carrion dinner. We heard someone on the radio, "Watch for a telephone booth on the bank on the right." Sure enough. There it was in case we needed to quickly don our superhero attire.

Our 3 boat entourage grew to 4 when we met up with Pearl and we all cozied into the pretty little anchorage at Cochrane Cut-Off near Aliceville, AL for a calm night in a comfortable anchorage. The moonless night graced us with a coal-black sky brimming with stars, and the Orion Arm of the Milky Way reached out as though trying to gather the sparkling dots. The Captain stayed awake long enough to observe several shooting stars.

Photos and update regarding our current location (Demopolis, AL) to be added later. Early start tomorrow as Demopolis has been the holding area for many, many boats who are all trying to head downriver. Some clever Loopers devised a departure schedule so we can fit in the lock and not overwhelm the anchorages. We are on the 6:30 float out. I'm going to bed!