There is nothing like the Tombigbee Waterway for stunning sunrise photo opps. The river has so many twists and turns that you are guaranteed to catch the morning mist from the steaming river rising like tornadoes anxious to find the morning light. Some of our most beautiful photos are from “The Tom” both this journey as well as our last. Quiet mornings along this waterway are seamless with virtually no tows and barges and very little human interference other than the carving of this waterway itself.
We are leaving this morning with only Corkscrew. Satisfied Frog has some issues with leakage in the engine room that they noticed upon their evening checks. That being said they will be here in Columbus until a mechanic is available. This being the American Thanksgiving it may be a few days. Corkscrew runs about or speed so we will make good time to the anchorage. They plan on going through the last of the 3 locks while we will stay at an anchorage after the 2nd lock.
Twisting and turning in every direction on this river makes a few miles seem so long. I swear I could walk through the forest quicker and mee the boat on the downswing of the hairpin turn. We have noticed a lot of debris in the water. Looking at google it seems that there has been significant flooding here in June of 2021 and the last 3 years have had significant high water. A lot of water comes from the watershed to The Tom making its way to The Gulf. The leaves are mostly off the trees now but we are seeing lots of bird life and at night the cricket sounds. The days are running in the mid teens Celcius. For our standard friends thats in the 50s-60s. Nights are cold now ranging from 0-5C still (32-40F). Gotta keep pushing south which is not difficult being there is not a lot of places to see. This are a is in the middle of nowhere. Cell service is spotty as well.
On our way to Cook’s Anchorage after checking out Windham’s Bar. Windham’s is another good anchorage but with the winds we are in we keep drifting into shallow waters. We could put out the stern anchor however if a stronger wind comes in, not predicated, we would be onshore too quickly. So we abort this one and head on over to South Cook’s Bend anchorage where it is wider. With a larger boat we need some room for our booty. The larger size is a luxury and a curse however we feel very priviledged to call her home.
We do see a light at the end of the tunnel now. We are so close to the journey on the inner rivers ending within the next 10 days or so.
