November 11-12

November 11--Tanuki would be our traveling companions as we make our way down the Tenn-Tom River. We left Marina Cove bright and early with Tanuki. Since we travel just a little bit faster than Tanuki we led the way. Our planned destination is Sumter Landing an anchorage 38 miles away which is a little over 4hrs traveling at 9 mph. This does not include lock time but in this case Bevill lock was traversed very quickly. The trees are turning more each day and the River banks are aglow with color. When the canal was first constructed, the early travelers say it looked like a strip mine. However now trees have lined the river banks and hides the fill areas that are depicted on the charts. Each fill area has a number. I read that the entrance to our anchorage might be shallow. This day, as in most days, an adventure awaits. I approached the anchorage entrance very cautiously. The River depth was some 25' but the entrance depth dropped very sharply. I took the boat out of gear and glided in as the depthsounder read less than 4' and the draft of our boat is 3'8". Not hearing any crunching noises, I was relieved to see the depthsounder quickly rise to 10'. Ahead lies a small but very protected anchorage. We set our anchor without problem, radioed Tanuki to approach very cautiously and he did not have a problem either. A very pretty peaceful spot. The above picture is of Tanuki as she lies at anchor beside us.

November 12--Away we went bright and early the next morning from our anchorage at Sumpter Landing headed for Demopolis (we are now in Alabama) Heflin is the next lock. The Marina at Demopolis @mm216 is the last practical and planned stop to refuel before Mobile. The marina is okay. We took on 81 gals of diesel, although we could have made it to Mobile without refueling. Richard and Marcie had drinks on board with us this evening and we planned our next anchorage and at what time we would call the next lock in the morning. After drinks we all adjourned to the on site New Orleans restaurant. You can't judge a restaurant by its decor. The food was very good. A few more last minute grocery items were obtained, thanks to the courtesy car