18 November, 2019 Columbus to Cochrane cut off

Couple of tow, one lock.  Pair of Eagles 45 SM and 7.1 engine hours.

40 deg in galley @0428, got coffee pot going.  36 deg in Columbus Ms, cloudy less than 5 mph.  U/w @ 0750.  Slow movement down Tombigbee River our anchorage last night; slowed at very old rr bridge with massive brick columns--POC took many pictures. Pair of eagles perched atop a tall tree on western side of the waterway.  Wish we had camera with a decent lens. Much debris in water.
Entered Alabama @1042 mm 313.  Roll tide

Slowed to 4.4 mph as upcoming Tom Bevill lock (visitor center) had a down lock tow.  Cruised 1.5 hours very slow getting to the lock.  Joined group of 4 other loopers and only had to wait about 10 minutes after arriving at lock. (1977)  Got the green light to enter and proceeded.  Tied up @1144, exited @ 1204.  27 foot down lock.  First time locking with that many recreational vessels.    We continued down river toward our anchorage.  High cirrus clouds most of the afternoon shades the sun, not so much.  We have solar heading warming us at the helm.  Light southerly winds 10 mph or less all day.  Outside air temp only 60 today.
Easy anchorage in the Tombigbee oxbow at the Cochrane cut off mm 287.3.  No sandbar surprises today.  Eased about 3/4 mile off the channel in still water.  Set the hook in 6.5’ with a gentle slight current keeping Serenity orientated up stream.    Engine off @ 1450.

Anchorage Tombigbee mm 287.3

Two other bigger boats anchored here.  A couple with two dogs came by in their dinghy.  They were from Colorado and were cruising the loop in a 36' Albin trawler.  (Trawler)  Chatted for a few, then they proceeded to find a landing to let their dogs do dog things.  No poop scoop out here in the boonies.

Hearing owl in the distance and it is not dark yet.  (map)

45 SM today; 7.1 engine hours.  580 elapsed miles.  Hobbs: 1180.0