27 November, 2019Alabama cut off to Alabama-Tensas river cut off

many tows, 5.3 engine hours and 43 SM

Good anchorage overnight.  No severe weather. One fishing boat passed very close and fast last night.  T-shirt And shorts warm.  Warmest morning of the trip.

Holding at our anchorage, cold front 100+ miles to west with a line of thunderstorms approaching.  Currently have light to moderate rain, wind light.  Sw winds and higher humidity switching to n-nw gusty wind and dropping  temperatures and humidity.  

Waiting out the thunderstorms--no lightening tho

Heavy rain and thunderstorms moved East and we made ready to weigh anchor.  U/w@ 1030.   Many tows today.  Some large logs and debris early, then diminished further down river.  We are now tidal, with low this afternoon so a bit of a pull and we maintain 8.6 mph most of the trip.  Tide started back into the rivers and creeks as we were anchoring.  1.6’ change tonight.  A few showers early along the way, giving way to clearing skies and less than forecast gusty north winds after frontal passage.

Crossed under the CSX railroad bridge which normally has a height of 4’, however a passing north bound tow had called earlier for an opening so as the tow cleared we scooted on through.  Bridge was back at 4’ in no time.  

Raising/lowering RR bridge

Two miles down river we exited into the Alabama-Tensas Cutoff and after about a mile proceeded north into Briar creek.  (map)Safely anchored in 10’, place stern as well to prevent swing into center of creek with the tide change.  1545 secured the diesel and switched off the electronics.  Darn fishing boats go fast and close at night.

Sunset in the anchorage

Surface water temp a warm 64 degrees.  Nearly 10 deg warmer than a few weeks a go up river.
1219.8 Hobbs; 869 elapsed Sm


Historical note: Big Bayou Cabot at mm 9.8 just a few miles from us now.  September 22, 1993 a tow with barges got lost in heavy fog and entered this area and plowed into the CSX railroad bridge shifting the track.  Shortly, an Amtrak passenger train derailed into the water; 47 people lost their lives.