TENSAW RIVER TO FAIRHOPE, AL

Saturday, November 15th, 2014

Day 103
Miles Traveled:  52
Total Miles Traveled: 2057


  We woke up at 2:30 am freezing despite 3 blankets and one large beach towel.  We gave up and restarted the generator to turn on the heat.  Fortunately, we were able to sleep in a little longer since we did not have a lock to worry about getting through and a shorter travel day.  In addition, Mobile Bay's marine forecast was for smaller waves later in the day, so we didn't want to arrive before noon.  Although we no longer have to worry about locks, we now have to worry about tides and waves.  How fun?!


  Dan was very excited as we dropped another degree in latitude.  As they say - "Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude".  The river shoreline changed with the latitude.  We started seeing more Spanish moss and a few needle palms (we think that is what they are).

Shoreline of  Mobile River

  Just as we began to see the skyscrapers of Mobile, AL, the scenery changed dramatically.  Nature was replaced with industry.  What was once trees and plants became large ships and buildings. 

First glimpse of downtown Mobile, AL

Large ocean going vessels along shores of Mobile River

  There were ships from all over the world docked along Mobile's banks.  They were all shapes, sizes, and colors.  There were even some military vessels here.  We felt VERY SMALL next to these big guys!!

large ocean vessel - think of how many semis could fit on this thing - every one of those boxes is ONE semi trailer

Modern naval vessels

  We left the freshwater rivers behind us and entered the salt water of Mobile Bay.  Instead of having to deal with spiders and their "drops" left all over the boat, we will get to deal with salt sticking to every possible surface.  So, instead of cleaning up spider "doo", we will be cleaning off salt.  Boat cleaning is always an ongoing project.

leaving Mobile River with Mobile, AL in foreground

entering Mobile Bay

  Since the water was so calm, we took the opportunity and crossed over to the East side of Mobile Bay.  This was our first "big water" cruising were we had to plot our own course.  Angie charted the course and Dan piloted the "Seahorse" across the bay and we ended up exactly where we needed to be.  The autopilot (with new compass Dan installed in Demopolis) worked great and helped to make the crossing a little easier.  Our final destination was Eastern Shore Marina at Fairhope, AL.  This marina is located at the entrance to Fly Creek. 

entering Fly Creek - Eastern Shore Marina is on the left

  This marina, like many in the south, have very short piers (walkways beside your boat) and pilings (posts) on which to tie your lines.  This was a new way of docking.  In the rivers, there usually are piers that are as long as the boat and with cleats for securing the lines.  Now, instead of Angie having to jump off of the boat to tie off lines, she has to lasso pilings like the cowgirl she is not.  Should make for interesting docking for a while.



  This was a memorable day with many new experiences and challenges and ended with something familiar - a beautiful sunset.  WOW!  What a day! 

Sunset on Mobile Bay