LOOP Report 10/25/2004

Demopolis, Oct.25, 2004

Need to stop here and provision.

Not much between here and Mobile except 2-3 anchorages. It’s hot and damp with humidity but it’s why we’re here, looking for the sun was one of the goals. The river has been very much an obstacle course lately because of heavy rains up north of here. At one point looked like we had to cut the lawn in front of us, this was a garden of floating Hyacinth which filled the path in front of us in the river and locks. Later it became floating junk like trees, logs and the odd refrigerator. And of course dealing with the big wake guys has been an experience. Seems a few people in locks and the river have considered calling the local sheriff as they will meet you at the next lock and put you in handcuffs. ( different kind of lock up not to be experienced.)

We keep meeting this old salt sailor “Joe” who always arrives hours after us in his 25 foot “Compromise” with his little outboard. He’s been going since 11 years ago since retiring. He appears to have not changed his shirt since starting. His reply on this is…”When I can’t find which of the many holes to put my head through I’ll get another.” We think he’s a bit of a storyteller as we enjoyed gabbing with him over an iced lemon tea.

Of course, would’nt you know, now we are going to town in the courtesy car it has started to pour again and will keep the river brown and junky.

We keep hearing about the problems of dockage for transients further on as many of the marinas got hammered by two or more hurricanes, some are non-existent and others will be back in business soon. It seems some folks left their boats up here to get away from the storms on the Gulf.

Apparently from Susan’s scouting the town when on her daily morning walk, it ain’t much to look at and even less to shop at. There is always a WallMart or big box mall around the next corner, guess why the local stores and town are empty…..Hello.oo.oo… Is anybody home upstairs? ….George?…..Kerry?..!!!

Must say we keep meeting very nice and interesting boaters all on there way south just like us, some finishing their loop, others half way.

Please send us an occasional e:mail to let us know you are either getting our stories and pictures or wish some other info we missed.

OK! The wee pigees are off to market.

Ted, Pat, David and Susan, on board the good ship “CHINOOK”

Check web site: gpslocations.ca