Back on THE LOOP March 3013

                                 FINALLY, THE FIRST POST OF 2013

We arrived in Columbus, MS on Feb 28^th following an uneventful drive thru intermittent snow showers.  Spent March 1 - 4 prepping/provisioning; taking our truck to our Mobile destination /returning via rental car; Donna Day flew in from California; and exploring the sights of Columbus. (translated=antebellum home, which was lovely; the owners show their own homes; sort of an American Downton Abby) Then we thought the day had finally, arrived.  We planned to be off  on the 5^th to begin Leg 3 of our Loop – Columbus, MS to the Chesapeake Bay.  While at the fuel dock late on the 4^th we got a severe weather warning for area (strong winds; 20 – 35 kts w/gusts to 40+ and T’storms.  Completed fueling and returned to slip, will leave in AM on the 6^th.  Never saw the T’storms, BUT one heck of a gale; one gust on our anemometer hit 70+ kts.   Almost certainly a false reading but strong enough gust to stagger me backwards and almost off the dock)  For some reason what we eat has become a point of interest, (Yes, because just reading about the food brings on the saliva – eating it, the ambrosia) so here are the dinners since Feb 28: Beef stew with tossed salad; Tuscan Chicken with sautéed whole grain rice/vegetable medley with tossed salad; Chicken/apple/gouda cheese sausages, rice, vegetables with Korma sauce; Sauteed beef slices with herb roasted potatoes, asparagus and tossed salad; Curried chicken/vegetables over whole grain rice medley with tossed salad; grilled filet mignon wrapped with bacon, herb roasted potatoes/asparagus with tossed salad.

A quick report on the Columbus Marina:  It is a very well eqiuipped & maintained facility, immeduately up stream of the John Stennis Lock.  Ammenities as described in Active Captain and Cruising Guides are accurately stated.  We chose it as the place to leave the boat over winter because it was close to Mobile Bay, it offered in-water covered storage (fresh not salt water).  While the boat was there the staff performed a number of installation/maintenance tasks including installation of a galvanic Isolator - all to my complete satisfaction.  The Harbormaster & staff were superb.  We recommend it without qualification for a respite stop on the way south or for a protracted stay if you need to return to home base. One unexpected educational opportunity of cruising waterways is learning of the Harbor Master profession. We have met surberb HMs from Eastern Ontario to, so far, Mississippi. The most recent was "T" at Columbus Marina. He is the epitome of all that we have met who provide above and beyond required Marina customer service. They provide quality services and hospitality before being asked and some one didn't know was even available. They become part of our Looper family of friends....may even warrant a return detour if passing by on a road trip.

We did make it out @ 0830 on March 6^th and had a leisurely 30 mile run down the Tombigbee Waterway to visit the Bevill Lock & Damn Visitors Center (interesting history of the development of  the waterways run by Army Corps of Engineers).  Checked in to Pirates Cove Marina just across waterway  from the Dam.  Had planned to anchor out but a forecast low of 26* drove us to seek electric power for the night (can run small heater on battery power but only briefly to warm things up after a frigid night.) This Marina is described as “rustic” and it is—adds to the charm. When we want to walk the girls, we radio the “harbor master” who will then bring in their dogs! The cove we are in is lovely and shows much promise when the weather and the waters are warm and inviting and there is lush green instead of bare leafed trees/bushes. Dinner: Garlic beef and broccoli over Ramen noodles, Romaine, Granny Smith apples and blueberries with Blue cheese dressing.

We plan to be in Turner Marine marina on Dog River near Mobile somewhere between Monday & Wednesday of next week so Bonnie & Donna can make their RAMSCA Convention.

More to follow