COLUMBUS MARINA



Keith doing a terrific job of securing
Dream Manor in Bevill Lock.

  July 6, 2012---Pulled anchor and continued up the Tom-Big-Bee. Tom Bevill lock at mile 306.8 lifted 30.8'.
Crossed into Mississippi at mile 313.5.
 John C. Stennis lock at mile 334.7 lifted 27'.

A short day of 5.9 hours arrived at Columbus Marina mile 335. Traveled 47.6 miles today. Nice weather and a fine trip.



Dredging





Corp of Engineers Tug



"BB" says: look at that smooth water.
Anxious to get to Columbus Marina
where folks know me.



Large paddle wheeler "Montgomery" on
display just upstream of Bevill Lock.



Boat behind Dream Manor is owned by
Randy Lowe who we first met in Gallatin, TN 2009
and again at Green Turtle Bay 2010.



COCHRANE CUT-OFF

 July 5, 2012---Believe it or not we untied Dream Manor at 6:50 A.M. and made way up the Tom-Big-Bee Waterway.  It was a bit windy, but so great to be in motion it just did not matter. Traveled 71.3 miles in 10.1 hours. At mile marker 270 two little Black Bears swam across the river and scrambled up the bank. They were so close to the bank when identified there was not an opportunity to capture a picture. Sure was fun to see them in the wild. Turned off channel at mile 287.4 into a quiet area called Cochrane Cut-Off. Dropped anchor in a fairly well protected spot at 5:00 P.M. Wind died down and we enjoyed a pleasant evening.


Departing Kinfisher Bay Marina





Co-Captains really happy to be in control again.











Looking back at the wake,










"BB" barked, it is about time I get a ride.












Several Great Egrets at Heflin Lock watching for tasty fish to eat.



White cliffs at Gorgas Bridge on Highway 11 and AGS Railroad at mile 248.5 near EPES, Alabama.

Alabama beach with two shelters

JULY 4th

July 4th in Demopolis, Alabama. Annual event is called "Freedom on the River". It is held at the Demopolis City Landing" along the Tom-Big-Bee Waterway. Sky was rather ominus and wind gusts made it difficult for the vendors to keep their tents from blowing away.

Childrens parade was a lot of fun for the participants as well as the parents and spectators. As the evening activities continued the wind settled to barely a breeze.

The band was fun to listen to and there were a few dancers.

Several members of the band are Demopolis residents. On the keyboard is Mayor Mike Grayson.

Out in the river a number of boats positioned for a great view of the fireworks. Everyone enjoyed the awesome fireworks. Sky had cleared and air was calm.

SWIMMING

June 27, 2012---Late afternoon temperature at Kingfisher Bay Marina near 100 degrees. A recently constructed swiming pool for boaters just opened. 4 McGees enjoyed the warm water which gets its heat from the atmosphere. Pool depth is mostly three feet with the deepest at four feet. There is a ramp that allows pool entry without using any steps. Really nice for anyone with knee problems or anything else that causes discomfort in using steps. Change building with showers is being framed and should be ready to use in a short time. This shallow pool is a very nice addition for the marina. Notice Carol is not in the pictures. She chose to be the photographer.

4 MCGEES

June 25th Carol and Allen joined Keith and Maryann on the Dream Manor in Demopolis, Alabama.
The "4 McGees" are now preparing to travel the Tom-Big-Bee and spend some time on the Tennessee River.

June 26th Maryann and Carol toured Gaineswood. This National Historic landmark is located in Demopolis, AL. The remarkable structure features Greek Revival. Owner-architect Nathan Bryan Whitfield constructed the mansion between 1843 and 1861.

CREATURES

June 3, 2012---Took a drive to Tuscaloosa for lunch. About eight miles north of Demopolis is a land owner with an obvious great sense of humor. These pictures reveal the imagination that has gone into creation of various characters.

BOATERS LOUNGE

May 27, 2012---Fred and Kim Hansard, with a very helpful staff, prepared a fine meal for the boaters. Some of the boaters contributed their favorite dish. Buffet style setting above the boaters lounge was enjoyed by about 40 folks who were on their boats for Memorial Holiday weekend. Great hamburgers with all the trimmings, chips, salad, and a variety of other things made a nice spread. Homemade chocolate and peach ice cream really topped it off!



Notice Fred is standing quietly while Kim is moving so rapidly she appears lightly blurred in the picture. Fred says she does all the work waiting on the guests.







Maryann and Dave look on as Keith devours several helpings of home made peach ice cream.



Keith has his eyes closed as he truly enjoys the pleasure of ice cream.







Buffet was enjoyed by all.











Kim Hansard on the right is dishing up the delicious ice cream.
Her daughter (India Hall) Looks on while holding a Dream Manor boat card.







India and her husband Danial did a fine job of cooking the burgers.



As sun sets the guests are relaxing after the great feed.



Chairs on top the boating lounge became vacant as everyone said there goodbyes and returned to their boats.  It was a pleasant evening and a wonderful opportunity for boaters to get better acquainted.