HEFLIN LOCK

11/20/08---Left Columbus Marina at 6:50 a.m. Got right into the Stennis Lock at 7:00 a.m. and out at 7:50, 27’ lower. This lock is located at mile 336.7. What timing, there was a tow about 2 miles above the lock going down stream , and two tows below the lock going up stream. We just avoided a long wait as commercial traffic has priority over pleasure craft. Pictures of a large shovel. There is always work taking place along the waterways. At 9:45 a.m. we crossed into Alabama at mile 313.5, I looked real close, but could not tell one state from the other! The river actually crosses back in and out of Mississippi a couple of times in a three mile stretch before continuing in Alabama. At mile 312.0 something caught our eye on the (RDB) right desending bank. Look at the picures and perhaps you can it is a telephone booth! There are some nice homes along the way. Arrived at the Bevill Lock 10:30 a.m. at mile 306.8. Had a 10 minute wait and went down 30’, out at 11:00. The Heflin Lock was the last one for the day. In at 3:35 p.m. and out at 4:00. It lowered 30’ for a total of 87’ today. That brings the total elevation change to 351’ so far. Immediately downstream of the lock we turned to starboard and entered part of the original Tombigbee River. After choosing what seemed like a good spot to spend the night, we set anchor. About 9:00 p.m. the wind got strong and we spent the entire night taking turns on anchor watch. Conditions got better after midnight but no one got much sleep.