Friday, 11-5-2010

Rafting at Mile 287.4 on the Tenn-Tom

Got a late start when leaving Columbus Marina so we didn't make it to our original anchorage; Sumpter Landing Recreation Area, AL.  We ended up at Cochrane Cut-off which is a very nice anchorage also. 

Mile Marker 312.0 on the Tenn-Tom
If your cell phone doesn't pick up a signal
you can use this payphone out in the middle of nowhere

We had 2 locks to go through yesterday; John Stennis Lock and Tom Bevill Lock.  It was a very windy day we had difficulty securing our lines to the bollards but we finally made it.  Winds were 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts up to 25 (it felt like it was gusting in both locks). 

CO's comments:  Trawlers most usually have deeper keels than motor yachts.  They have an advantage when going into locks in very windy conditions.  Our Sea Ray does not have a keel and is very susceptible to weather vanning so today it was a chore to keep the boat close to the bollard and lock wall because of the high winds.  The only way to keep the boat close to the wall was by the use of differential power and the placement of the rudders.

N33  02.648
W88  13.298