29 November, 2019 Not in the River anymore

Too many big ships and tows; 4.3 engine hours; 30 SM

0500 making coffee and waiting for the sunrise.  Boat has spun like crazy for two hours each tide.  Great cellular internet but junction of cut off and Tensas River has created a huge eddy each time the tide change.  Last night, if you looked out it was a bit dizzying; stopped looking out.  This early morn, water surface like glass and boat steady in the slight current.

round n round

We finished our coffee, study and discussions.  Weighed the anchor at 0805 and slowly idled the mile back to the main river.  A north bound tow called and suggested we pass on the 2 whistle; radioed back and said we would wait for their passing  As the tow/barge cleared we entered and rode the out going tide to Mobile.  Making 9 mph.  Many more wading birds now--egrets and great blue herons.  Observed single bald eagle high in dead tree overlooking the river.

Downtown Mobile

We emerged from the narrow twisting Spanish moss lined river to the giant industrial, commercial complex of Mobile’s state docks.  Tows coming and going both sides.

AIS targets--black ship Serenity

 Large ocean vessels wharfed along side giant docks with cleats bigger than Serenity.  USN ships in maintenance and dry dock both sides.  It was kinda fun cruising our tiny home on water passing those giants.

Container ship ahead

Dry dock

Dry dock 

Shortly, barely a 15 degree heading change just past a container ship being unloaded--we saw it!  The bay and the Gulf.  I glassed ahead to orientate within the channel and the long passage south; there was an ocean cargo ship making the approach through the inlet and calling for the pilot to come aboard.    Five miles later and we were doing the hobby horse from the bow wake/waves.  AIS indicated cargo ship at 11.5 mph

Several dolphins (dolphins) near Serenity as we were southbound in the shipping channel.   What was Flipper?  dolphin or porpoise?  (flipper) (Theme) About 2/3 of the way down mobile bay toward the gulf we exited west and went about 3 miles entering the Dog River; passing numerous marinas we continued till about 7’ of water at low tide and dropped the anchor.  Seems to be a good set @1210.  (map) All secure.  Will remain here remainder of the day and night.  Tomorrow reposition to the marina for fuel, ice and fresh water and maybe a slip.  Need to do laundry and fully charge the batteries.  Weather for next few days mixed with different forecasting agencies not quite in alignment:  rain, storms and frontal passage for sure, question is how long 20-25  kt winds and increased sea state in the bay persists.   We need to head east and enter Florida.

1224.4 Hobbs; 899 elapsed Sm