8 Nov 17

I had promised the other Loopers that I would get up and check out the tactical situation at 05:45, so I did. After I confirmed that all was go with the Demopolis lockmaster, I broadcast a “go” signal to the daily armada via the VHF and we were off shortly after 06:00. Altogether, there were 7 boats (us, “Catalina”, “Vahevala”, “Cha Cha”, “First Forty”, “Insandity” and “Eleanor”) in the Demopolis Lock. We were through the lock by 6:46, then motored stately in “Line Ahead” all the way to Bashi Creek, located at Mile 145. Three of the boats decided to go a bit further down the river, so “Cha Cha”, “Vahevala”, “First Forty” and we rafted up in the creek beyond the boat ramp. The weather was cool and cloudy all day, but we never got so much as a drop of rain. Bobby and Bill on “First Forty” graciously allowed us to raft beside us in the narrow creek; we both had bow anchors out and tied up to trees on the opposite sides of the bank to hold us in position. After dinner, all 6 of our neighbors came over for a chat and a sing-along. Sherry from “Cha Cha” brought over some moonshine (legally bought from the state liquor store in Tennessee); I tried the apple pie flavored version - it was alright (and I did not wake up blind), but I don’t think I will switch from single malt whisky. We were in bed early.

31-57.346’N, 088-04.274’W; Log = 57.9, Sum (2017) = 3273.0 N-m