Day 45 – 11/17/23

Starting location: Turkey Creek, AL

Weather: Mid 50s am. Slight fog. High 70s pm. Mostly sunny.

Ending location: Anchored in Little Lizzard Creek, AL. MM 20.5 off Ten-Tom

Statute miles: 100.5

General summary: We had connected with a couple on the dock prior to leaving Bobby’s yesterday and coordinated goals for the following day. Planned to get to the lock at 7am with them, which meant 5am wake-up to allow time for breakfast, dog relief, dinghy re-load, pulling anchor, and heading out of the anchorage in time. On our way in the morning, we noted several barges in line for lock passage. A no-go for 7am. So, we tied up at Bobby’s again and waited, while other boats going downstream eventually joined. Seven boats went through successfully a few hours later, thanks to a generous barge captain allowing us to go ahead of him. Celebrated our last lock passage for awhile! Within the first few miles after Coffeeville Lock, we started to see alligators on the beaches sunning themselves. We have been ready for a scenery change the last week or so, but I’m not sure how I feel about seeing these:

Decided to try to get as close to Mobile as possible, so a long day of motoring. Planned to get to an anchorage with a nice sandy beach for dog walk at MM 12 but this was full of boats (based on Nebo app) before we could get there. Anchored in Little Lizzard Creek instead. No issues with shallow water and pretty, but the deepest mud on the banks we have had so far. Cocoa sank to mid-leg with each step and seriously needs a bath now. I stayed in the dinghy. And we also need showers, but our water heater broke. May have to do a cold one in the morning. 🥶

What broke: 12 volt water heater that heats water for shower. We do have a separate one that works with shore power when in a marina, fortunately, but usually there are showers available there.

Boater information: