Ten Miles from Mobile Bay

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Wednesday, 24 November, 2010

We thought today would be another busy tow day, but we really only passed one on the river and a few have passed the bayou where we’re anchored. By the way, I’ve been told I need to explain tows. On inland waterways tug boats push barges filled with whatever and all strung together. On the Mississippi they may be 5 barges wide and 7 long, on the Tennessee they’re usually 3 wide and 5 long, but on the Tombigbee it appears they are up to 3 wide, but usually only 3 long, I guess due to the twisty nature of the river, as they are pretty awkward to turn. Anyway, the tugs and the barges together are called a tow, even though the tug pushes the barges not pulls. Is that clear as the mud on the bottom of this river?

That’s another thing; at mile 45 the Alabama River joined the Tombigbee River and the whole stinking thing then became the Mobile River. So here we are on the Mobile River at mile 10 anchored in Big Bayou Canot. Tomorrow we’ll go to a marina off Mobile Bay on Dog River for 2 or 3 nights. Friday we’ll grocery shop and visit with Sara’s friend. If the bay isn’t too rough we’ll leave Saturday, if the small craft warnings are still out, we’ll stay until Sunday.

One more thing, Sara is also publishing a blog: http://namadriel.blogspot.com/

So Happy Thanksgiving to all. Enjoy your festivities and be grateful for all you have.

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Photos

River Tow
along the Tombigbee

Alabama River
meets Tombigbee River = Mobile River

I-65 bridge
I love this style of bridge

Swing bridge
the whole middle section just pivots out of the way

Swing bridge
close up

palmetto bushes and cypress
looks like Florida

Comments

[Tully]

??????
Ya'll in salt water, brackish water or still fresh??

[Tully]

Oh!! Sorry!! I wish the four of you a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! I've enjoyed your blogs, even the uneventful ones!! Hope the rest of the trip is fairly "uneventful"?? Look forward to your ICW pictures!! Love and Godspeed!! Tully

[Bill &Trena]

Just wanted to tell you we are still reading and following along. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.....

[Diane]

Happy ThanksgivingKerry @Charlene
Charlene and Kerry, Sounds like a great trip the scenery is wonderful . My whole family is getting together for Thanksgiving hope you find a good place to eat your thanksgiving meal. I really am enjoying your blog. Love Diane

[Bob & Gena]

Thru Choctawhatchee Bay
Sure have been enjoying your blogs! Sounds like ya'll will be leaving Mobile on Sat or Sun. How long will it take you to get to Choctawhatchee Bay? We are in Middlebury, VT right now and planning on getting back to DFS LATE on Wed (Dec 1st). Any chance we'll get to see you when you come through our area? We'll keep watching the e-mail for news.