Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Another long day and another foggy morning so getting up early didn't help us.  We went through Coffeeville Lock first thing and for the first time in a long time things went smoothly and fast.  From here on out the tides will be in effect.  This was our last lock until we cross the gulf and enter the Okeechobee Waterway in southern Florida; YEA!

We met 10 Tows today; couldn't believe how busy it was.  At Mile Marker 96.5 a doe and her fawn swam across the river right in front of us.  I didn't have time to get my camera but it was pretty cool to see.

At Mile Marker 58 we met Sea Hawk, a 65' Jefferson, who was hard a ground.  He said he wasn't paying attention when he came around the corner and there was a green buoy out of place and he just headed toward it without looking at his GPS and right into shallow water he went.  He said he hopes that the 2 ' tide that should be here about 01:00 will help him off.  Otherwise, Dog River Marina from Mobile Bay will get him in the morning.  At least he is out of the channel but he will have to stay awake and warn boats/tows that he is there.

N31 11.510
W87 56.618

CO's comments:  On any waterway if you do not pay attention where you are going at all times you will end up hitting, remember the rivers are ever changing.  I am sure Sea Hawk will have to have his boat lifted out of the water and have his props and shafts checked.

Early morning for at Alabama Cut-Off  Mile 52.8

Tombigbee River so smooth you can see reflections of the trees