November 20, 2009 Bashi Creek to Old Lock #1 Park

November 20, 2009

Bashi Creek (mm145) to Old Lock #1 (mm100)

Mark and I had originally intended to start out very early and get as far we could, but our plans were foiled again by fog. So four out of the five boats that spent the night in Bashi Creek decided to stay together and stop at mile marker (mm) 100.0 at the Old Lock #1 Park. Mark and I are always trying to find a place with boat launches so that we can get Port to shore more easily and lessen the chances of encountering alligators.

Today we locked through the Coffeeville Lock & Dam and all cheered – it was our last one on the river system. The lock master let us know that the water level was still about 14-15 feet above normal pool. We also passed Bobby’s Fish Camp – it is the last stop for fuel so many cruisers stop there. Fuel is available, but the dock is for tie-up only. There have been times when boats are rafted together three deep. As we meandered down the waterway, we could see how high the water had been – silt clung to trees and shrubs. One of our travel companions commented that according to his calculations, the winding waterway added about 100 miles to our downstream journey to Mobile.

It was an easy travel day and we arrived at the Old Lock #1 Park at about 2:00. We were greeted by the “park host”. He said that a few days ago we would not have been able to tie up to the old lock wall because the water was too high. And at normal pool, the water is too low. It was a great place and Porter and I were able to walk ashore and play Frisbee for awhile. The Spanish moss in the trees was eerie.

Later in the afternoon, we all gathered on Young America (boat behind Grateful) for a celebration of our last lock and dam. We are traveling with Young America (Fred & Linda), Queen Ann’s Revenge (Hank & Ann), Millennium Seas (Ken & Cheryl). Lots of stories and laughter.