Note: We appologize for having Day 47 out of sequence.
Today's goal is Demopolis Alabama, a 53 mile run with one lock.
We awoke in a picturesque setting to a beautiful morning with 60 degree temperature and no fog. This made the morning dingy ritual with Kodi even more enjoyable.
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| Guided Discovery in Sumter Cove |
On the way to shore we paused to check with fellow loopers who had anchored after us on their departure plans. It is good practice to lock through with a group. The couple, Bill and Charlotte of Precious Time, explained that a tow had just passed heading south. With the lock 5 miles down river and the tow having priority there was no rush.
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| Dingy tied up to the concrete dock at the launch ramp |
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| The Sumter Recreation Area is very together |
We upped anchor at 8:50 AM and proceeded to the Howard Heflin Lock. We had to wait 37 minutes for the tow to exit the lock and the lock to be refilled. Unlike the Mississippi and Illinois, where 15 to 25 barge tows have to be locked through in pieces, the Tenn Tom Waterway requires tows to be able to lock through as a single unit. Hence, the delays are much shorter.
We departed the lock at 9:56 AM after dropping another 30 feet. We are now just 73 feet above sea level with two more locks to go. Hallelujah.
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| That's Precious Time in front of us |
Soon after leaving the locks we passed a group of "structures" along the right bank that consisted of a tent like cover under which appeared benches. We dubbed these Alabama Cabanas. The homes also seemed to be less together. Below is an example.
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| Alabama Cabanas |
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| Bottom of the barrel but all were below par |
The natural scenery however changed slightly. We passed several areas with beautiful limestone cliffs. The White Cliffs of Epes, which only run for a mile, were by far the most spectacular.
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| The White Cliffs of Epes |
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| Precious Time passing the White Cliffs of Epes |
We maintained a steady 10 MPH throughout the run achieving an efficient 1.8 GPM. At mile marker 225 we reached the halfway point between the start of the Tenn Tom Waterway and Mobile Bay. An at 2:57 PM we passed enterance to the Black Warrior River, which heads northeast to Birmingham and marks the end of the Tombigbee Waterway. Tomorrow we begin the Lower Black Warrior River.
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| The red green and white day mark at the mouth of the Black Warrior |
Eight minutes later we were tied up at the Demopolis Yacht Basin fuel dock where we took on 145 gallons at $2.999 per gallon. Demopolis is a major refueling point for the commercial tows. Hence the unique a-frame type structures along the gas dock.
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| Demopolis commercial fuel dock |
A late afternoon walk to the historic downtown was pleasant as the temperature was still around 70 degrees. Like most cities, Demopolis' old downtown declined as businesses move out to the strip malls. That said, most of the building on the street below were occupied but most were not retail.
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| Demopolis' downtown section |
Dinner was at the New Orleans Steak and Seafood House located right at the marina. Food was OK enough.
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| Restaurant at the marina |
For those interested in statistics, we offer the following. Enjoy:
- Cumulative Miles: 1,145.8
- Number of Locks Traversed: 24
- Current Elevation: 73 feet above sea level
- Total Descent Since Chicago: 517 feet
- Total Fuel Used: 813.7 Gallons
- Average Fuel Price: $3.22 per gallon
- Total Fuel Cost: $2,618.39
- Average MPG: 1.4
- Estimated Average Speed: 10.0 MPH
- Engine Hours Since Start: 126:18
- Anchorages: 4
- Total Dockage Fees: $2,009.61
- Average Cost of Dockage: $45.67 per night
- Total Fuel, Repairs, Dockage and Maintenance: $8,619.87
Written by Les.
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