Sweet Home Alabama

When I last left the blog, we were in Columbus, MS getting ready for dinner.  As always seems to happen, you meet the nicest people in the marinas and this was no exception.  We had dinner with David and Terri from T D Dream and their friend Frank from Daphne.  They suggested a Columbus restaurant name Harveys and it lived up to their recommendation!!!  I am beginning to wish we had packed a scale…then again it may make me too depressed.  We have not lacked for good food on this trip!

Dinner with new friends at Harveys at Columbus

 

Columbus, MS to Pickensville, AL

We left Columbus Marina after a two hour wait for the lock to “put through” two barges/tugs.  Then it was our turn and away we went down the river.  The scenery along this stretch of the river started to look a bit more “southern” with pines and vines.  Our next stop and only marina on this stretch of the river was Pirate’s Cove Marina at
Pickensville, AL.  Steve subscribes to an online service called Active Captain.  Here people can write ideas, suggestions and comments on anchorages and marinas for Loopers.  Well, we knew going in that the comments went from very “rustic” to “rundown”!  MMMM!  Let me just give you a description, so that you can paint a mental picture of Pirate’s Cove.  As we pulled into the docks, the manager/owner came down to help us tie up.  He was a very friendly gentleman and quite helpful.  Steve, Bill and I jumped off the boat to make our way up the hill to the office.  One had to walk very gingerly so as not to rock the docks too much…not what you would call stable!  The boats that were in the marina were locals, and they did not spend every minute or every weekend polishing and cleaning their vessels J.  Upon entering the office, we were greeted by the manager, two women who took care of the office and three dogs.  (one was Pirate, after which the marina is named)  In the course of five minutes or less, the manager managed to tell us that he “carries” (a gun, that is) and one was also propped in the corner.  The lady at the desk was so kind and sweet and gave us directions to the nearest grocery store that was ten miles away in Aliceville.  I won’t even go into to the condition of the teeth of our hosts…once again, summer teeth (some are there and some are not!)  We got our directions and the loaner van and we were ready to go.  The manager reminded Steve that the “struts” were a bit bad, but just be careful!  (We could tell when we went over a bump!)
 

Rustic docks at Pirate's Cove Marina

 

 

Office at Pirate's Cove

Steve really enjoyed watching the egret catch its dinner at the next dock

Tom Bevill Visitor Center/U.S. Snagboat Montgomery

On our way to our shopping adventure, we happened upon the Tom Bevill Visitor Center right next to the Tom Bevill Lock and Dam.  This visitor center was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was a WONDERFUL and educational find!  Life in the Tombigbee River Valley reached its heyday in the mid-19th century, prior to the Civil War.  During this period, there was a great interest in the culture of Ancient Greece which swept through the U.S. and especially in the South.  In this area, Greek revival architecture was expressed in their antebellum homes.  On the top of many of these homes was the cupola or “Temple” which was beautiful to look at, as well as to ventilate the home.  As you can see from the photos, this visitor center was a replica of three nearby homes (one of which was Waverly Mansion that we had visited).  Not only was the home beautifully furnished with period furniture, draperies, and lights, but it was an interactive museum.  Included here, were the native animals of the area as well as a historic steamship on the river outside.  The U.S. Snagboat Montgom ery (1926-1982) was the last steamboat powered snagboat to work the Tombigbee River.  A snagboat would go up and down the river and “snag” large tree stumps to clear the river for boats and barges.  Needless, to say, we had an enjoyable and educational afternoon. 

Note the cupola or temple at the top

 

The floor is Italian marble and black Alabama marble

 

U.S. Montgomery Snag Boat

 

 

Aliceville and Pickensville

Both towns we visited, were very rural and seemed as if time had passed them by.  We ended up with Subway sandwiches for dinner, because all of the restaurants closed after two o’clock in the afternoon.  The  good news was, they did have a grocery store, and that was exactly what we needed!

Anchoring At the Heflin Lock and Dam

Kathryn at anchor in the oxbow just past Hefil Dam

As I mentioned, this area is rather remote, so there are NOT many marinas.  Last night, we anchored in a small pool on the downside of the Heflin Dam.  We were the only boat here and we only saw one small fishing boat all night.  From here to Mobile, Steve, Bill and I have a bet going to see who sees the first “gator”.  Yep, folks, we are getting into that kind of territory!  So, we will keep you posted as to who wins.  Tonight we will be in Demopolis, AL. and then it will be 200 miles to Mobile, AL.  Can you believe it, we are almost there!!!

White Cliffs at Epes

 

Well friends, the weather is beautiful here today (yes, it has warmed up…87 degrees yesterday), so I am going up top to be with the crew!  Until next time, so long! J