Voyaging America's Great Loop Aboard Still Waters II

Tag: Mississippi

Slow Go Down the Tenn-Tom
Hello virtual crew members and fellow adventurers!

US snag boat the Montgomery

She was the last steam powered sternwheeler to ply the inland waterways of the south. She was built in 1926. As a snag boat, she removed trees, sunken logs, and other debris that obstructed river traffic. Based on what the crew has seen this time down the Tenn-Tom Waterway, maybe they should bring her out of retirement and clear the waterway again. It sure could use the help. She was retired in 1982, and now resides at the Bevill Lock Visitor Center.

Summary of week:

The area that the crew is currently cruising is very remote without many facilities. In fact, the 335 miles from Columbus to Mobile only has one marina, which is located in Demopolis at mile 216.

Because of the remoteness of the area and Thanksgiving on the horizon, the boaters at Demopolis have stayed put and the marina is now full. Based on that, the crew stayed at Columbus for Thanksgiving and only moved two days this week. They also cruised on Sunday to make way to Demopolis.

Click here to read the day-to-day travel log. This includes weather report, sea conditions, captain’s log, a summary of the day’s experience, and a few pics of the route.
The voyage of discovery did answer the following questions this week:
1. When was the Montgomery put in commission?
2. What was her mission?
3. What is the architectural style of the Visitor Center?
4. What was the first project to be built under the new 1970 EPA regulations?
At the Box Office

This week’s video shows Still Waters II as she cruises from Columbus to Demopolis. Enjoy!

To Demopolis from Still Waters II on Vimeo.

To see past videos, click on the link to the Still Waters II Vimeo site. The library contains videos of Still Waters II cruising America’s Great Loop.

Thursday, November 22nd

Happy Thanksgiving to all the virtual crew members and fellow adventurers!

The Admiral spent Wednesday prepping food for the big meal. Thursday morning she was busy getting everything cooked and finished at just the right time. Harder than it should be when all you have is a small one rack oven and two burner cook top available. But she managed to serve up a great meal for the crew, Mary and Dan of Gammel Dansk, and Bill of Chip Ahoy.

Pre lunch gathering in Salon

Bring on the desserts

Friday, November 23rd

The crew left the dock and went the short distance over to the Stennis Lock at 0830. Four other boats joined Still Waters II in the lock. When they exited the lock, two of the boats were travelling at 9 mph and left the two Nordic Tugs and Still Waters II in their wake.
Later in the day, twenty-five miles later to be exact, the three boats arrived at the Bevill Lock to find the two boats waiting at the lock for a tow to exit. They had been waiting for over an hour.

The three boat flotilla did not plan to lock thru with the other boats, but made way over to the dock located at the Visitor Center for the Bevill Lock. The skipper landed first and then caught the lines of Chip Ahoy and Gammel Dansk.

Docked at the Visitor Center

The group then headed to shore to go check out the Visitor Center. They entered stealthily, not on purpose but stealthily non the less, thru the back door.
The young man assigned to work the Visitor Center had strategically kept all the lights off in the Visitor Center and probably was hoping that no visitors would drop in during the day. He also was keeping a watch out the front window for any cars that might drive up while he played his war video game with headsets on covering his ears. To say that he did not see or hear the group come in the back door would be an understatement.

Entry via the back of Visitor Center from the dock

Luckily, most of the group stopped near the back door to look at three pictures hanging on the wall. Bill had gone on in to the office area where the young man was totally engaged in his video game. He was loudly verbalizing his actions when he gave out an even louder explicative that would make a sailor blush when his aviator was killed in the game.

Hanging back at rear entrance

It was about this time that he felt someone might be in the room with him while Bill was knocking and saying: “excuse me, excuse me.” The young man wheeled around and immediately began apologizing. He also went around and started turning on all the lights in the Visitor Center. None of the displays were on and working either, but with a little persistence the group got most things up and running.

The young man kept looking out the front window and over at the parking lot, it was obvious he was trying to figure out how the group had snuck up on him. Mary approached the young man and explained that we had arrived via boat, and he said: “Oh, that is why there is no vehicle in the parking lot.”

A look at the front of the ‘well guarded’ front entrance

The Visitor Center portrays an 1830-1860 Greek revival home.

Mary then went on to ask if the group of three boats could stay overnight on the dock, even though the dock is posted ‘No Overnight Docking.’ The young man agreed to let the three boats stay if they left first thing in the morning. That was easy, because they planned to leave early anyway.

One interesting discovery at the Visitor Center was learning that the Tenn-Tom Waterway was the first construction project built under the 1970 EPA Regulations. Maybe that is one of the reasons for the 2 Billion dollar price tag.

After touring the Visitor Center, the group walked a mile to the old Pirate Cove Marina. The Corps of Engineers have closed the marina due to safety violations. The skipper had heard various reports about the shut down marina, but wanted to go check out the actual status with his own eyes.

Old docks at the closed Pirate Cove Marina

As expected, the rumors that the docks had all been removed turned out to be false. The docks were still there and some were still sinking. Looked the same as when the crew was here in 2016, except all but two of the derelict boats were gone. The Corps had also bull dozed the office and restroom facilities.

A few derelict boats left behind

Well, time to walk back to the boats and get ready for an early departure in the morning.

Saturday, 24th

The crew woke up to a light fog on the water and a bunch of White Pelicans swimming around the lock gate. Mary said she counted 60 Pelicans all waiting to lock down. About 0715, a tow pushed out of the lock and by 0800 all three boats were secured in the Bevill Lock.

Foggy Morning

After pushing out of the lock, the crew had to maneuver thru the light fog for about an hour. Then it took the sun another hour and a half to finally break thru the clouds and warm things up. Turned out to be a beautiful day for a boat ride.

Fog lifting

There was more than a fair share of float sum and debris in the water though, which kept everybody on their toes playing dodge-a-log. The flotilla arrived at the Sumter Landing anchorage before 1300, so they decided to go the extra four miles, go thru the Heflin Lock, and anchor in the Ox Bow below the lock.

There was some interesting sites along the shore while they made way to the lock.

Cell service is so bad at this remote area, someone installed an old fashion telephone booth in their yard.

A totem pole was an unexpected surprise.

Then someone used their artistic talents to spruce up this building

After dropping the hook, Gammel Dansk rafted to Still Waters II. This made it easier for the skipper to get Tori, the seeing eye dog, ashore so she could do her business. To see how this transport transpired, watch this week’s video.

Rafted in the Ox Bow

With Tori taken care off, it was time to kick back and relax in the peaceful anchorage.

Tori on the return voyage

Sunday, November 25th

The crew woke to light fog again but the flotilla still managed to leave the anchorage by 0800.

Chip Ahoy leaving the anchor spot

After un-rafting Gammel Dansk, the crew weighed anchor and headed back towards the Tenn-Tom where they then overtook the two Nordic Tugs.

Passing Gammel Dansk on the blind side

After the fog lifted it was an enjoyable cruise down the waterway taking in the interesting bluffs that adorned the shores.

After a 50 mile cruise with no locks, the crew approached the Demopolis Yacht Basin just in time for the storm clouds to start to sprinkle. Lucky for the crew, they managed to get secured to the dock before the deluge started.

During the day, the skipper learned that Bill was celebrating his birthday, so the three crews managed to get the courtesy car from the marina and have a celebration dinner.

Boat Name of the Week

Jim N I 2

Next Week –

If you watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you know that it was the coldest event in the history of the parade. That artic air that caused the cold is due to arrive in Demopolis Sunday night dropping temps to below freezing. These conditions are to remain until Thursday. Based on that, the crew will remain in Demopolis connected to power heating the boat and shove off Thursday with the warming trend.

It will be four travel days down to Mobile in some very remote areas, similar to this past week. The crew will try to keep the Travel Map updated as cell service is available, but not much expectation on any reliable service until Mobile. The crew will update the blog as soon as they arrive in Mobile on Sunday, but it may be Monday before the post goes live.

Loop On – Where the road ends, the water begins. The water goes on forever, and the adventure never ends.

Eric the Red
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November 26, 2018
Spirit of Courage
Hello virtual crew members and fellow adventurers!

The flow out of the Fulton Dam, mile 391 on the Tenn-Tom Waterway

xIncmedia has come aboard as our latest virtual crew member by following the blog. Welcome Aboard! Hope you brought some warm clothes because it has been rather chilly lately.

Summary of week:

The crew made their way south to Columbus (5) where they enjoyed some deep fried Turkey on Saturday, provided by the marina staff. To make Columbus, the crew made stops at Aqua Yacht Harbor (1), Bay Springs Lake (3), and Smithville Marina (4). The crew also rented a car and visited the Helen Keller Birthplace in Tuscumbia (2).

Click here to read the day-to-day travel log. This includes weather report, sea conditions, captain’s log, a summary of the day’s experience, and a few pics of the route.
The voyage of discovery did answer the following questions this week:
1. When was the Tenn-Tom Waterway opened?
2. How many feet does the Whiten Lock step down a south bound vessel?
3. What three states meet at the beginning of the Tenn-Tom Waterway?
4. What state quarter has braille on the tails side of coin, and what does it spell?
5. What was Sarah Fuller’s contribution to Helen Keller’s life?
At the Box Office

This week’s video shows Still Waters II working her way thru the largest lock on the Tenn-Tom Waterway at Whitten Lock and Dam. She completes here day at the Fulton Lock and Dam. Enjoy!

Locking thru on the Tenn-Tom Waterway from Still Waters II on Vimeo.

To see past videos, click on the link to the Still Waters II Vimeo site. The library contains videos of Still Waters II cruising America’s Great Loop.

Sunday, November 11th

The three boat flotilla prepping to leave Pickwick Lake

There were a dozen Blue Birds fluttering around the dock. But they are hard to capture on film.

The crew left Pickwick Lake State Park and made the 11 mile jump over to Aqua Yacht Harbor. Along the way, they saw many large homes and some colorful countryside.

Home on a hill

This house suffered a little roof damage when the tree fell over. Wonder if they have already completed the glass repair, or did they get lucky and only have the roof issue?

House with a view of Pickwick Lake

When leaving the Tennessee River at mile 215, the crew entered the Tenn-Tom Waterway at mile 450. At this juncture, the states of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama all communicate with each other at one point.

What it looks like in real life, the land is Mississippi, the water on the starboard side of boat is Tennessee, and the water to the port of the boat is Alabama.

After only a mile on the Tenn-Tom Waterway, the skipper turned off and headed to Aqua Yacht Harbor where the crew will stay for a few days doing boat projects and exploring the Helen Keller Birthplace museum.

Monday, November 12th

Back in 2016 when the crew stopped at Aqua Yacht Harbor, they limped in on one engine and had the port engine water cooling pump replaced. The core charge for the pump left them with a $300 credit at the service department after they left. The skipper was on a mission to redeem the $300 credit; hence, a few boat projects.

On top of the list was replacing the genny battery which had died earlier. Moving down the Tenn-Tom Waterway will require anchoring out a few times and the Admiral has expressed her desire for some heaters after they stop and drop anchor. With the battery replaced, her wish can now materialize in heat and comfort. A happy, warm, comfortable crew will diminish the chance of a mutiny onboard.

The skipper then bought a few other items that he can install or use later such as oil filters and electrical adapters.

Tuesday, November 13th

The flotilla decided that they would take a land cruise over to Tuscumbia, Alabama and visit the birthplace of Helen Keller.

Once parked, the group walked up to the big house where a knowledgeable volunteer gave them the low down on the property. The big house was built in 1820 by Helen Keller’s grandparents. The four rooms downstairs all have their own fireplace. There are an additional three rooms upstairs.

Main House, in good shape for an 1820 model

However, Helen was not born in the main house, she was born in the cottage adjacent to the house on June 27, 1880. She was born a normal healthy baby girl. It was at age 19 months that she was struck by an illness that left her blind and deaf.

The cottage

The cottage would one day become the school house where Helen would be taught.
One interesting story told was about the miracle that took place at the now famous well pump where Helen first connected the ‘finger games’ her teacher was playing with her palm and the cool liquid that was delivered at the pump. Helen later wrote that the cool liquid flowing over her hand connected with a pre-illness memory of cool liquid that she called “wa-wa.” It dawned on her that the teacher was not playing ‘finger games’ but was actually trying to connect the objects with names. This stunning revelation led her to learn 30 words by night fall.

The famous well pump, between the Main House and Cottage

But just how did Anne Sullivan come to be the teacher of Helen Keller? Well, that all started because of her parents persistence in finding a cure for young Helen. That journey for a better life for their daughter eventually led them to Dr. Alexander Graham Bell. (Yes, the same guy who invented the telephone, and much more.) You might not know it, but Dr. Bell’s wife suffered from hearing impairment. Much of his work and inventions were focused on ways to help his wife communicate.

But Dr. Bell did not offer a cure for Helen, instead, he challenged her parents to re-think their strategy. He suggested that they spend their time and effort in helping young Helen to cope and learn to live with her disabilities. He sent them to a school where they met and hired Anne Sullivan on March 3, 1887, for $25/month, with room and board. Helen would have been 7 years old, nearing her 8th birthday.

Alabama marble statue of Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller at the well pump

Helen’s life and accomplishments are well documented so I will not bore you with repeating them here. But the skipper noticed a picture in the museum. The picture showed Helen sitting in a chair reading a Braille Bible. Behind her were the volumes that contained her Braille Bible.

But the skipper was focused on the volume in her lap. He wondered, what book, what chapter, and what verse was she running her fingers over in the picture? He wondered if it was possibly Romans 8:28, his favorite verse in the Bible?

He wondered what she thought the first time she felt the words pop up on her fingertips, “…..all things work together for good,…..” ? Did she think, ‘no there is nothing good about being deaf and blind.’

Did God whisper back to her, “feel the words again Helen, that is not what it says.”

Did God teach her the same lessons he had taught the skipper about life? Did she go back and feel the words, this time noticing: “And we know that for those who love God…..” Did she realize that this verse is Confidential, and the promise is only for those who love God?

Did she feel the words, “all things” and realize that this verse was Comprehensive?

That when it said “all things,” did she understand that it meant even her blindness and deafness?

Did she feel the words a second time, “work together for good,” and realize that this verse was Constructive? That the verse was teaching her that things that start out bad can be built into something good?

Did she feel the words, “even to them that are called according to his purpose,” and realize that the verse is Conditional?

Did she accept the notion that if she would dedicate her time and energy to God’s purpose for her life that he would work the good into the bad and transform her life?

Well, based on what the skipper saw at the museum and what little he knows of her life, that yes she got the message. She dedicated her life to improving the conditions of the deaf and blind, not only here in the U.S., but also around the world. She blazed a path for others to follow, and showed others afflicted with blindness and deafness that if she could be successful, so could they. It is never easy being a trail blazer and that is why Helen is known as ‘America’s First Lady of Courage.’

And one last observation and interesting connection to the Fuller name, a Sarah Fuller applied methods that she learned and developed from Dr. Graham Bell to teach Helen Keller how to speak.

Did you ever notice that there is braille on the Alabama state quarter, and that it spells Helen Keller?

The land cruise ended with a fine dining experience at the local 5 Guys joint.

Wednesday, November 14th

The flotilla continued their journey south and made way towards Bay Springs Marina. This would turn out to be the coldest most miserable weather day the crew has had in their three years on the boat. But if Helen Keller could lead a life of courage, surely the crew could put their Big Girl panties on for one day and make it down river in the freezing temps. At least there will be no locks today.

Yep, pretty miserable out there running the Divide Cut

The rain decided to arrive just in time to wet the skipper and Admiral as they shoved off the dock. (It was only 33 degrees when they left, with a high of 34) The cold weather and rain stayed all the way down the 24 mile long Divide Cut to Bay Springs Lake. This section of the Loop was completed in June 1985, and moved 150 million cubic yards of earth. If the Divide Cut did not exist, the Great Loop route would have to take the lower Mississippi River down to New Orleans.

When the crew entered Bay Springs Lake, the skipper lost sight of the two Nordic Tugs trailing behind due to the fog. Then the rain turned into sleet. Seriously! It is not bad enough to have freezing rainy weather all day, but now we have to have sleet? Gimmie a break.

Arrival near sunset made an eerie color on the water

They did catch a break though, their slip assignment would be under a covered dock so they could be out of the rain and sleet. Just about the time the skipper was backing the boat under the covered awning the rain stopped. Now that is funny.

The skipper hustled to get the electric cord plugged in so the Admiral could get the installed heaters running. It might be near freezing outside, but the heaters will warm the boat up quickly.

At least the view is good from inside the warm boat.

Thursday, November 14th

Both the Nordic Tugs needed to get some work done before proceeding out this morning. Based on the timing of the completed work, it was decided to sit out this cold day and wait till morning to shove off. Nobody really wanted a repeat of the freezing cold day they had yesterday, especially with four locks to navigate. The cold spell is supposed to snap tomorrow and provide some warmer weather and better cruising conditions.

Friday, November 15th

Well the crew left in 29 degree temps with a predicted high of 54 degrees. The clouds have lifted and the sun is shinning brightly. The sun should heat up the helm like a greenhouse and make conditions tolerable today.

Gammel Dansk at Whitten Lock

The Whitten Lock steps south bound vessels down 84 feet, the largest drop on the Tenn-Tom Waterway.

Still Waters II on the wall in Whitten Lock, about half way down

When the crew arrived at the Montgomery Lock, they had to wait for a tow to push out of the lock. Once the tow cleared the lock, they got a green light and entered the lock.

Waiting on tow to leave lock

The next two locks were waiting with open gates when the crew arrived with their little Armada of five boats. The lockage went smoothly and the boats headed to the Smithville Marina. The skipper had warned Gammel Dansk and Chip Ahoy that the marina was not much.

The marina might not be much but the views getting there were spectacular

In fact he characterized the marina as the land of misfit toys from the Rudolph Christmas cartoon, except it is the marina of derelict boats instead of misfit toys. The skipper had heard a rumor that the marina had sold and was in the process of being upgraded. Well, when they arrived it was intuitively obvious to the most casual of observer that the place was in worse condition than back in 2016.

Derelict house boat with propane leak

While the skipper was returning from paying for the night’s dockage, he met two guys standing at the stern of the houseboat smoking cigarettes. One of them mentioned that they could smell and hear a propane leak coming from the houseboat, as he took a drag on his cigarette. That was a bit alarming for the skipper so he walked up to the bow of the boat and sure enough, there was a strong propane odor and loud hissing sound coming from the two ten gallon propane bottles sitting on deck. The skipper knocked on the boat but nobody was home. He boarded the boat and isolated the leak by closing the valves on the propane bottles. The skipper will sleep better knowing there should not be any propane explosions or fires. Bill of Chip Ahoy went back to the office and reported that there was a leak and that it had been secured.

On the up side though, Jim, the Marina Manager, was doing well. The last time the crew saw Jim, he was down and out, and living on one of the derelict boats barely making ends meet. He confirmed that the marina had had a contract to sell, but before the buyer could close the deal, the buyer was killed in a car crash. Jim did say that the original owner was committed to try and upgrade the facility. Hope they are successful.

As Capt’n Dan said, “that place just needs some TLC.”

Saturday, November 17th

The crew and flotilla got off the dock before eight and headed to the first lock of the day. The flotilla was down to four boats today. One boat had decided to anchor out rather than come on the dock. When leaving, the skipper noticed the boat a few miles north of them, but it was not moving. While the flotilla was being lowered down the lock, Chip Ahoy learned that the boat had gone aground leaving the anchor spot. Not a good way to start your day.

Chip Ahoy leaving Smithville

Still Waters II leaving Smithville

The flotilla had exceptional timing at the locks today, with all locks waiting on the boats with open gates and green lights. This allowed the flotilla to make excellent time down the waterway. The no wind and smooth conditions also aided the speed of travel.

Glassy conditions again today

After leaving the third and final lock of the day, the crew set their sights on the Columbus Marina. Columbus was celebrating an early Thanksgiving, and the staff had deep fried a couple of birds. The crew was hoping to arrive in time to enjoy the good food and fellowship.

Making way to Columbus

As hoped, the crew arrived in time to find plenty of good food available. The crew also ran into the crew of Miss Utah enjoying the turkey dinner. The crews last crossed paths in May 2016 at Havre de Grace on the upper Chesapeake Bay.

Boat Name of the Week

Owner must of had a baseball scholarship

Next Week –

The crew is still trying to determine where they will be on Thanksgiving. There is only one marina in the 335 miles between Columbus and Mobile. That marina is 120 miles south in Demopolis. With few options people have begun to slow and stop for Thanksgiving. Demopolis is full with no vacancy. If some boats leave Demopolis and the crew can get a reservation they will move south to Demopolis for Thanksgiving.

If not, they will be thankful that they have a good spot right here in Columbus and enjoy where they are. Then begin moving south once Demopolis opens up.

Hope all the virtual crew members have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving!

If you have made it this far in the blog this week, how about leaving a comment about one thing you are thankful for this year.

Loop On – Where the road ends, the water begins. The water goes on forever, and the adventure never ends.

Eric the Red
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November 18, 2018
End of the Tenn-Tom Waterway
Hello virtual crew members and fellow adventures!

La Salle here catching you up to date on the latest travels of Still Waters II. Click on this link to see the day- to-day travel log.

But, before we get started, we need to welcome three new virtual crew members aboard:

Samuels S.

Alexa A.

Makayla K.

Glad to have you aboard and hope you enjoy the cruise!

During the week of Thanksgiving the crew took the week off and headed to Texas for Thanksgiving. Before leaving Columbus though, they took the time to visit the Waverly Mansion.

Walking thru the front gate at Waverly

After entering the grounds you see one of the finest antebellum homes in the south.

The home has an interesting history. The mansion was built back in 1852. The Lady of the house died before the home was completed. The man of the house moved his 10 children in and soldiered thru the Civil War.

Ultimately, two bachelor sons lived in the home until their deaths. The last son died in 1913 and the home remained empty until 1962. Most amazing the original mirrors and chandeliers survived the 50 years without damage from vandals. The local town teenagers would visit the house to have parties and see the supposed ghosts of the mansion.

The Snows bought the mansion in 1962 and spent 23 years restoring the home. Mr. Snow still lives in the mansion today with one of his daughters.

Mr. Snow gave the Admiral a kiss while the skipper was not looking

The grounds had a few pens where the crew found some peacocks and turkeys.

Not sure if the turkey survived the holiday but the crew made it back to the boat on Monday and headed south on Wednesday.

Summary of week: The weather was not cooperating due to heavy rains, so the crew did not shove off until Wednesday morning. The rain was dearly needed as this area has been without any measurable rain in months, and the rain did help put out the fires in the Smokey Mountains. On Monday, there were 25-30 mph winds. On Tuesday, the winds continued with additional rain and thunder. The crew spent most of the evening under either a tornado watch or warning. One tornado touched down in north-west Alabama killing several folks.

Finally on Wednesday, the crew got underway and continued south on the Tenn-Tom Waterway. They reached their destination in Demopolis on Friday with two intermediate stops.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The crew shoved off from the dock and made their way through the Stennis Lock with minimal delays. After clearing the lock the skipper noticed that the boat was moving about a full knot faster than normal for this engine rpm. The water run-off from all the rain is responsible for this added speed.

Water flowing thru the open gates at the dam

The water run-off is also responsible for all the floating debris washing down the river. The crew must be extra vigilant the next few days to prevent hitting some of this flotsam and causing boat or prop damage.

The skipper expected that most of the leaves would be off the trees because of the wind and rain. However, many of the trees are still sporting their fall colors.

In addition to the fall color, the crew also spotted a few interesting things in peoples’ yards. This ‘old school’ phone booth must be Maxwell Smart, Agent 86, secret homestead.

Then they cruised by this home with a totem pole out front.

About noon the waterway wound itself far enough east that the river re-entered Alabama. The crew then cruised under the HWY 86 Bridge and then settled into the Pirate Cove Marina for the afternoon.

After docking, the crew walked down to the Bevill Lock to visit the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is patterned after the 1830-1860 Greek revival homes of the era. The exterior of the building is based on the Erectheum, an iconic temple in Athens, Greece. It looks very much like the Waverly Mansion that the crew visited in Columbus.

A few shots inside of the Visitor Center:

Notice the Waverly Mansion painting on the wall

The crew also toured the US Montgomery which is a National Historic Landmark on display next to the Visitor Center. The vessel was the last steam-powered sternwheeler to work the inland rivers. She was retired in 1982.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

The day got off to a slow start when the skipper radioed the lockmaster and learned that a tow was about to enter the lock just outside the marina. The lockmaster said it would be an hour before he could lock our crew down. Better to be tied to the pier than float around by the lock so the crew relaxed and waited at the marina.

After getting word that the lock was ready for the pleasure craft, the crew shoved off the dock and entered the lock. Upon exiting the lock the crew found that the water was still spilling over the dam so they continued to get a 1 knot push from the current.

Notice the muddy water from the rain runoff.

The run-down river was interesting today. The scenery continued to change. The trees went from the hard wood forest to include Cyprus and pines. The shore has begun to get more of a sandy loam rather than the red clay. The river bank has also begun to lower.

With about 10 miles to the anchor spot for the night the crew decided to go another 6 miles and clear the Heflin Lock today rather than first thing in the morning. Only problem was they passed a tow boat 6 miles from the lock.

As a reminder, locks are supposed to take commercial traffic before pleasure craft. The skipper decided to roll the dice and see if they could speed up enough to make the lock without having to wait on the tow. The skipper increased the shaft rpm with the engines and settled at 10 mph.

When they rounded the last bend before the lock they still had two miles to run. The lockmaster saw them and radioed the tow and asked for his estimated time of arrival to the lock. The tow Captain responded that he was at least 45 minutes from the lock.

The lock master then asked the tow captain if it would be alright to put a pleasure craft thru the lock before he arrived. The lock master told the captain that he would turn the lock around and have the gates open for him when he arrived

The tow captain agreed and said he would dial it back a bit to give more time. The crew entered the lock and got one of the fastest drain downs to date. When the gates began to open the lock master sounded the horn to signal the crew to untie and leave. Normally the horn does not sound until the gates are completely open.

Secured in the Heflin Lock

The skipper got the message to get out of the lock. The admiral removed the line holding the boat to the bollard and yelled “All Clear.” The skipper moved the boat off the lock wall and exited the lock while the gates were still swinging open. The skipper called the lockmaster and informed the lockmaster that the boat was clear of the gates. The skipper looked back and noticed the gates closing.

About 20 minutes later, the skipper heard the lock master radio the tow and tell him that the lock was ready for the tow to enter when he arrived. A win-win for everyone.

The crew pulled into Ox Bow Creek just below the lock and celebrated their lock success by grilling hamburgers on the bow of the boat.

Friday, December 2, 2016

The crew got started as soon as they could after the fog lifted. Thirty degree nites cause thick fog in the mornings with the still warm water. By the time the fog lifted, the skipper noticed that the water runoff from the dam had stopped. It would be a calm day on the water.

Notice that there is no current flowing around the green navigational aid.

The cruise was another enjoyable day. With the sun shining, the 50 degree outside temperature is very comfortable in the enclosed helm. The wildlife was also taking advantage of the sunshine with many birds standing along the shore.

A Kingfisher soaking in the sun.

The turtles were also sunbathing.

There were some very interesting shore formations along the route today. The cliffs were high white bluffs.

In the following shot can you spot a dolphin or penguin?

The river was very winding today so as the crew was making their way thru these white cliffs they caught a down bound tow.

There was a short straight run of river past the above bend. The Captain of the tow told the crew to pass on the 1 so the skipper sped up and passed the tow in the straight narrow river section.

Yes, the skipper is only a few feet away from the tow as they go by, as you can see while looking out the window.

But that is because there is not much room over to the shore side as you look out the window on the other side.

A little after 1300, the crew passed the 225 mile marker which means that we are now halfway down the Tenn-Tom on the way to Mobile, Alabama.

About mile 225

At mile 217 the Tenn-Tom Waterway ends and the Black Warrior-Tom Bigbee Waterway begins. The junction of the Black Warrior River.

After passing this tow pushing his barges into the shore, the crew entered the Kingfisher Marina.

Next Week – The crew will head out on Monday and make their way down the Black Warrior-Tom Bigbee Waterway to Mobile Bay. Only 2 locks to clear and the boat will be back in salt water. Looking forward to spotting the first dolphins in the Bay.

Loop On – The water goes on forever and the adventure never ends.

La Salle
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December 4, 2016
Headed South on the Tenn-Tom
Hello virtual crew members and fellow adventures!

La Salle here catching you up to date on the latest travels of Still Waters II. Click on this link to see the day- to-day travel log.

Last look at the Tennessee River. Left turn onto the Tenn-Tom just after the hill in the foreground.

Summary of week: The crew started the week with something that you are not supposed to have on a boat, namely a schedule. However, they have some good friends that live nearby in Jackson, Tennessee. Their schedules did not work out when the crew passed by about a month ago. So this time the crew would make an extra effort to rendezvous with Bob and Kellie on Tuesday.

On Monday and Tuesday the crew completed their cruise on the Tennessee River. On Thursday, they started the next leg of their journey on the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway. They completed the week when they pulled into Columbus, Mississippi.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

If improving business processes is your thing, then by all means, please read on. However, if you find process improvements as exciting as watching grass grow, you may be better off skipping down to Monday. You have been warned!

The crew went walking around the marina and out to the river to observe the river traffic. While sitting, and watching the water go by, the skipper took notice of the gravel business across the water. He had previously learned that it takes 70 dump truck loads of gravel to fill one barge. While watching the operation, he began to wonder how long it would take to fill one complete barge.

Gravel Operation on the River

He broke out his stop watch and began timing the cycle of trucks dumping their loads in the barge. He timed ten trucks. After the tenth truck the tow called a time out from the dump trucks and took some time to reposition the barge. The cycle time to dump ten loads and reposition the barge for the next ten loads was 20 minutes. Based on this cycle time, he extrapolated that seven cycles to fill the barge would take 2 hours and 20 minutes.

A look around showed that this was the fourth and last barge to be loaded for the day. Some simple math would lead to the conclusion that the total evolution to fill all four barges would take at least 9 hours and 20 minutes.

Since this work was taking place on Sunday, and assuming that these truck drivers were getting paid by the load and not the hour, it was easy to conclude that if they could fill the four barges more efficiently they could get done sooner and go home to enjoy some good Sunday afternoon football.

With the goal of shortening their weekend work day the skipper began to analyze each cycle of the trucks dumping their load.

The normal cycle time for a truck to move into position and dump their load of gravel in the barge was around 1 minute and 45 seconds. The best practice was 1 minute and 27 seconds. Worst case was one driver who took 3 minutes and 28 seconds.

What the skipper observed though was a lot of variability in the times it took for various parts of the cycle. For example, some drivers could back the truck up to the barge in less than 10 seconds while most were taking almost 30 seconds. Another example was that once at the barge, some drivers took as long as 30 seconds to release the load while some drivers could dump the load in 10 seconds.

Based on his observations, the skipper concluded that if you took the best practices of each segment of the process and removed the variability of each driver, that the cycle time for each load dump could be reduced from the normal 1 minute 45 seconds to 50 seconds. Removing just a little over 1 minute of waste from each cycle. That does not seem like much but look at the overall effect.

The time it takes to fill one barge would drop down to just under one hour so all four barges could be filled in four hours instead of 9 hours and 20 minutes. This would result in the drivers getting paid the same amount of money in less than half the time. The drivers would not have to work any harder or any faster, just take the waste out of their process. Which would result in the drivers being at home watching football with their family all afternoon. A win-win for everybody.

The skipper used to say back in his working days that he could improve any process by as much as 50% with one hand tied behind his back. Did I mention that the Admiral was rolling her eyes and laughing at the skipper during his analysis work.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Remember that schedule that I mentioned earlier, well today is the day that the schedule drove the decision making. The crew had planned to cruise about 60 miles but the plans were changed when they ran into an issue in Decatur at the RR Bridge.

Smooth day on the water

The bridge was closed for maintenance. The vertical clearance is only eight feet so the crew had to wait for repairs to complete before they could pass under the bridge. After an hour and a half wait, the work wrapped up and the bridge tender opened the bridge.

Love the smooth sailing

The crew had docked at a marina while they waited on the work to complete. They shoved off the dock and got back underway. Because of the long delay the crew talked it over and decided that they would cruise long enough to clear the Joe Wheeler Lock. They are trying to get back to Aqua Yacht Harbor to meet some friends Tuesday night and cannot afford to have any more of these delays.

Joe Wheeler Lock

After passing through the Joe Wheeler Lock at dusk (1645), the crew talked it over some more and decided to make the additional 15 miles to clear the Wilson Lock. The risk of running at night was minimized because there is a full moon to help guide the way.

Night cruise by the light of the full moon

By deciding to get passed both the Wheeler and Wilson locks they should have no problems making it to Aqua Yacht Harbor on Tuesday. The crew passed through the Wilson Lock with minimum delays and traveled another three miles to a marina in Florence and conclude their four hour run at night.

In the Wilson Lock at Night

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

The small town of Florence is worth coming back to and spending more time exploring.

Weekend Project – Took 16 years to build

In 1818, Italian surveyor Ferdinand Sannoner laid out the town and named it after Florence, Italy. W.C. Handy, known as the ‘Father of the Blues”, was born here in 1873. Helen Keller was born across the river in Tuscumbia, Alabama.

Crew spent the summer cruising the Ohio River

This would be the last day cruising the Tennessee River. Turned out to be another beautiful day on the water. With light winds in the morning, the water was once again glass smooth. The scenery continued to be excellent.

More smooth sailing

After landing at the dock, the crew anticipated the arrival of Bob and Kellie. Interesting enough, the two couples actually met in OKC watching the Women’s College World Series of softball, many years ago. However, the couples had not seen each other since June 2015 because the crew skipped the World Series in June 2016 due to their Loop Adventure. The four spent the late afternoon and evening catching up on life. It was great time had by all.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The crew will start the next leg of their journey towards Mobile, Alabama on Thursday. The trip to Mobile is 450 miles from where the crew sits today on Pickwick Lake. The trip down to Mobile will be on two waterways.

Turning right onto the Tenn-Tom Waterway

The Tennessee-Tombigbee (Tenn-Tom) Waterway is a man-made channel that goes from mile 450 at Pickwick Lake to mile 217 at Demopolis, Alabama. The Tenn-Tom is then further divided into three sections: Divide Cut, Canal Section, and the River.

The second waterway starts below Demopolis and is called the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway.

Looking down the Divide Cut

My French ancestors first brought forth the idea of connecting the Tennessee River and the Tombigbee River way back in the 1700’s. However, it took until December 1972 before shovels started to move the dirt to make the waterway. The work was completed in December 1984 and the first tow passed through the waterway in January 1985. The waterway was officially opened and dedicated June 1, 1985.

Entering Bay Springs Lake

Fun Fact: More earth was moved to complete the Tenn-Tom Waterway than was moved to complete the Panama Canal.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

The run today took the crew through the Divide Cut of the Tenn-Tom Waterway that connected the Tennessee River with the Tombigbee River. The Cut is 280 feet wide and 12 feet deep. 150 million cubic yards of earth were moved to complete the Divide Cut.

Trees along the Divide Cut

Since the waterway was completed back in 1985, the land has healed itself and now the shore is lined with trees which makes for a beautiful cruise.

The fall colors are again more vivid now that the crew has made some distance south and dropped almost 400 feet in elevation over the last week or so.

Overtaking a tow in the Divide Cut

After cruising through the Divide Cut for most of the day, the cut finally opened into Bay Springs Lake. The crew docked at the Bay Springs Marina, in preparation to start the Canal Section on Friday.

Friday, November 18, 2016

The run today started the Canal Section of the Tenn-Tom Waterway which consists of 6 dams and locks connected by a man-made channel that runs beside the Tombigbee River. The channel was dug rather than using the existing river because the river twists and turns so much in these next 52 miles. These twists and turns would have added unnecessary miles to the trip.

Notice the drill marks in the rock

The run took most of the day because the crew had to negotiate four locks. Two of the locks were open and waiting for the crew to enter upon arrival. One lock required waiting to allow the chamber to be filled so the crew could lock down. And one lock had an up bound tow to lock up before the crew could lock down.

Looking down the Canal Cut from Montgomery Lock

All in all, a successful day with four locks. At the end of the run the crew pulled into the Smithville Marina. The marina is run by Scott Cox. His family has owned the property since 1886 when his great grandfather initially purchased the land. The family were farmers but had to give up farming when the Tenn-Tom was built because most of their farm land was taken and flooded. Jesse Cox (Scott’s dad) started the marina and RV park after the waterway opened. The marina has seen better days and is in need of some serious rehab.

More fall foliage spectacular

Back on April 27, 2011 an F5 tornado ripped through the town of Smithville and impacted the marina. Jesse was one of thirteen people killed by the tornado. The crew found the folks at the marina very helpful and would return here for another night at the dock in the future.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

The north winds howled all night long and had Still Waters II pinned along the east-west facing dock. A good man named Jim came over and helped the crew maneuver off the dock and get back underway in the stiff wind. Boaters helping boaters is a theme that the crew continues to see play out in this adventure, thanks Jim for the help.

Skipper over taking a tow in close quarters in the Canal Section. That tow in the background is less than 40 feet from Still Waters II.

After getting clear of the dock the crew headed over to the first of three locks for the day. The lockmaster had the gates open and the crew went straight into the lock. The lock master called ahead to the next lock that is only five miles downriver and let the lock know the crew was coming his way.

Upon arrival at the second lock the crew once again found the lock gates open and once again went straight into the lock. When the gates opened to let the crew out, they noticed a tow coming around the next bend. They were glad to clear the lock before the tow arrived.

Tow in the distance at Smithville Lock

When they arrived at the third lock the gates were open but a tow was coming out. The lockmaster told the crew to stay out of the way and enter the lock as soon as the tow was clear. Then again, when the gates were opened to let the crew out they noticed another tow headed to the lock.

Tombigbee River joining the Canal Section – marks the beginning of the River Section

All in all, another very successful day negotiating tows and locks. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the Admiral was practicing at the helm today and maneuvered Still Waters II off the lock wall, out of the locks and passed the waiting tows in the three locks today.

The River Section of the Tenn-Tom Waterway

The crew pulled into the Columbus Marina where Still Waters II will lie until after the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Next Week – With the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, the crew has decided to leave the boat and take a week off from cruising. Food, family, friends, and football will be the activities of next week. The crew wishes all the virtual crew members and fellow adventurers a Happy Thanksgiving!

Being French and all, I do not really understand this Thanksgiving thing, but I have been informed that I have the week off and my next post will not be until December 4^th.

Loop On – The water goes on forever and the adventure never ends.

La Salle
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November 20, 2016