Sailing Kathryn

Demopolis and Beyond…

We arrived in Demopolis, AL on Saturday afternoon at the Kingfisher Marina. This is a two-part marina and we were on the beautiful new section. We have seen ALL SORTS of facilities along the way, and this one probably got our #1 rating. One example was the laundry/showers and bath area. All done in granite countertops, lots of washers and dryers, white shag bath mats and lovely white rocking chairs to sit in while you waited for your dryer to finish drying. I can do this!!! Of course, this is the last marina until you reach Mobile and there is only one fuel stop after this for the next 215 miles. So it is a “destination” marina.

Where to eat in Demopolis?

When we arrive at a marina, one of our first questions is, “If you are going out for dinner, where do you eat?” This has always given us good tips and fine food. Our first stop in town was The Red Barn. I just had to take a picture of the OLD tractor out in front. The inside was all done in wood (obviously, like a barn!) and decorated with antique farm equipment and tools. (This is good for an Iowa farm girl!) The food was delicious, but the warm blackberry cobbler with ice cream was to die for!!!! On Sunday, we had the loaner pick up truck from one o’clock until three, so we decided to do Sunday dinner at the Foscue House. This is an 1840’s farmhouse and out buildings turned into a restaurant. Once again, there were lots of antiques and lots of Southern charm from the wait staff. The dinner menu gave you choices, including fried chicken or jumbalia, rice and gravy, collard greens, corn muffins, salads, etc….you get the picture…good ‘ole Southern food!

The Red Barn - The sign reads, "1939 John Deere Tractor No Seat No Steering Wheel Just right for Farmer Who Lost his Tail and has nowhere to Turn"

Foscue House Restaurant

Dinner at Foscue House

Outside Dining and Barn

Before returning to the boat, we made one last grocery stop, since there will be NO MORE until we reach Mobile. Trust me, none of the three of us are suffering from lack of food.

Friends, again!

Upon returning to the marina, we happened to notice our traveling friends on Tide and Time and Flying Free coming into the marina! What luck! It is always fun to converse and see where they have been and vice versa. Also, Christelle from Tide and Time loves Steve’s margaritas, so it was a good excuse for a happy hour get together. More food, once again, because everyone brought a delicious treat to share.

Off to Mobile

Scenes from the river south of Demopolis

Yesterday morning, we were up early to start our final journey to Mobile. After the Demopolis Lock and Dam, we were then in the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway. We have been in fresh water without tides for over a thousand miles. Our LAST lock on this waterway is the Coffeeville Lock, after which we will encounter salt water and tides. Also, this portion of the river is suppose to resemble the Georgia swamps instead of a river. Like I said before, we are on the lookout for alligators. The river is VERY curvy and winds around and around. If they made one straight channel, we’d be to Mobile in no time!

Last night we anchored on the side of the river. We have an AIS system that alerts barges where we are located, so that gives us some peace of mind. You are always mindful of the barges on the river…I believe that is the first rule of the river! This morning we awoke to fog, so we sat and waited until we could see and off we went! So, as I leave you today, we are curving down the river!