We will pass into our 5th State of Mississippi today. Leaving Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Alabama behind us. Well, not Alabama actually. Mississippi and Alabama weave in and out of this waterway so we will pass back and forth between them before leaving Mississippi behind us and staying in Alabama until Florida. The Midway Marina is a family run marina who live on the property. There are lots of “liveaboards” here with their various styles of boats. Sail boats and houseboats are most common. In our opinion it is more of a scrapyard where old boats go to die. It is hard to believe that folks live on these.
The marina has a courtesy car to head to town for essentials. Gas and diesel are available and pumpouts at various stations on the docks. Not much around but a good place to run your pets. The long dock is mainly for the larger boats with covered slips available for the smaller one. No restaurant or extras available here. It is a good place to stay for the run to the next stop in Columbus, MI.
We are up early with our new friends from “Satisfied Frog”. A couple out of Englewood, FL who will complete their loop in the next few weeks. “Oceanus” does not get up early so they will not be traveling with us. Today the 2 vessels will travel through 4 more locks and cover 60 miles to Columbus Marina. No anchorages for our size girls so they too will stop at the marina.
This stretch has a bit more life but not much. We are able to see more herons and bald eagles. There is a resident heron on the last lock we pass through who watches for fish being stirred up by the lock. I was ready with the camera but he was not so lucky.
The Columbus Marina is difficult to get into. Contacting harbourmaster, Steve, is a good idea while you come into the long, narrow stretch toward the harbour. As you round into the harbour the fuel dock will be to starboard. There is a narrow channel marked by green straight markers to keep you off the shoaled area. Stay away from the port side as much as possible. This area is only 6 feet deep but opens up after the entrance to 8 feet. Dockage will be to your starboard. The restaurant has long since closed. There is a great walking path to the park of about 1.5 miles. Also a courtesy car is available and laundry.
We meet up with another Looper heading south “Corkskrew”. They will be traveling with Satisfied Frog and us in the morning as we travel to Demopolis, AL.
