COLUMBUS

 

July 29, 2013---Raised anchor and departed Cochrane Cut-Off at 10:10 a.m. Went through two locks today and made 47.6 miles to Columbus Marina in Mississippi. Arrived at 4:30 pm.

TRAVEL BEGINS

July 28, 2013---Here we go! First travel day of this boating season. Bit of a late start, but definitely a new start. Departed Kingfisher Bay Marina in Demopolis, Alabama at 7:40 a.m. Probably did not know the 4mcgees could actually get up that early!

Very pleasant day, partly cloudy with plenty of sunshine. Uneventful trip other than, low and behold, the sea water pump on the starboard engine is now leaking. It will be watched closely as we continue north. One lock today, Heflin Lock and Dam located at mile 266.1 on Tombigbee Waterway lifted Dream Manor 30 feet to next level. Arrived at Cochrane Cut-Off at 4:40 p.m. This is a very favorable anchorage we have used in the past. Set the hook, did a few chores and settled in for the evening.

 

READY AT LAST

July 27, 2013---First post since July 22nd. Having run the engines it was discovered the sea water pump on the port engine was leaking. Ordered new pump and continued various cleaning projects while waiting on the replacement. Organized several storage boxes and tool boxes. That project has to be done now and then just as a reminder to see what all is on board. Solenoid which operates the davit has been working poorly. Removed solenoid off the transom and took it apart several times attempting to solve the problem. Sprayed with CRC in hopes of cleaning connections that might not be making proper contact. Found one little wire disconnected. Soldered it back in place. Problem still exists. Boom operates up and down but the lifting cable will only go up. Down is very intermittent. Ordered a new solenoid to be delivered to Aqua Marina in northeast Mississippi. Installed the new sea water pump yesterday. Rested today and made final preparations to travel. Filled fresh water tank. Pumped out waste tank. Made trip to Walmart to stock up on additional groceries. Plan to start navigating up the TomBigBee Waterway in the morning. It has been a task getting the Dream Manor ready to go. Not unusual to have numerous things to do after a boat sets for several months without being operated. The crew is sure ready to see something besides the slip where the boat has been docked for such a long period. Plan to be at Aqua Marina in four or five days.

Engine Check

July 22, 2013---With anticipation and excitement, docking lines were released and the Dream Manor eased slowly out of it's slip.  Departed Kingfisher Bay Marina for a short run down the TomBigBee Waterway. Purpose was to check engines and equipment after months of no use. Went down river about a mile viewing town of Demopolis, Alabama and Stennis Lock and Dam. Chose not to go thru the lock. Just turned around and returned to the Marina. Engines performed okay. Making preparations to travel up river intending to arrive at the Aqua Marina by July 29th. Ordered fresh water pump for port engine. Pump is leaking and needs to be replaced. Eventually will get necessary things all done.

Demopolis-clean & service

July 21, 2013--Many months have passed since any new information has been entered on the blog. There has been a lot of traveling on land and business matters that had to be handled. Finally we all felt caught up and the 4mcgees are now delighted to be back on the Dream Manor. Keith and Maryann arrived in Demopolis, Alabama June 27th. Carol and Allen joined them July 9th. Lots of cleaning had to be done to restore the boat to it's proper look. A few little repairs had to be taken care of such as replacing the battery on the generator engine. There was also some corrosion on the cables where they attach to the front of the generator. Cleaned all fresh water screens on main engine and the air conditioners. Big nuisance was all the mud dauber nests found in various hiding places. We also learned they do sting when  their nests are disturbed. Hole punctured in the skin looks to be the size of pencil lead. Probably not that big, but it felt like it. Keith and Allen both experienced the hostility of those busy insects. Spider webs were plentiful. Much cleaning and then spraying with insecticide for those pesky spiders has helped to reduce their presence. Below are are photos of Keith and Maryann on the maiden voyage in there new inflatable kayak. Sure appears that Maryann is working the oars and the passenger is just riding along.