Log of the ELISSA II: March 9, 2013 Demopolis to Bashi Creek

03/09: Called Demopolis Lock Master at 0800 from Marina, said we were ready to depart. His response, “ Hang on for about an hour Captain, I got a tow in the lock ready to go down, then another one to bring up. Check back in and hour”. Did so at 0900, advised that lock was ready for us in @ 15 minutes and advised “come on down”. Did so, entered lock at 0930, back on our way at 1000. Light south winds, partly cloudy with temps on the way to early 70’s from a 48 degree start. More in the way of practically deserted waterway; passed a couple of tows in each direction and a bass boat or two. Terrain gradually growing flatter as we get closer to the last lock and our arrival at sea level. Arrived at our o/night anchorage, Bashi Creek, at 1530 after 70 miles and 6+ hours. Snug little cove, room for maybe 3-4 boats (we are here alone at 1900, after dark, doubtful there will be any new arrivals J.) Anchored bow and stern, snugged up and awaiting the Jambalaya aromas I smell rising from the galley. We had been told the river below Demopolis had been above flood stage as late as 6 days ago. Prior flooding was evident everywhere…with fresh erosion, fallen trees, plastic bags high in the trees. Bashi Creek is a popular anchorage among Loopers in this very very rural area of Alabama (no electronic communication of any kind except all our marine safety devices)…for us as is the only one between Demopolis and Booby’s Fish Camp – our next stop – that has a boat ramp for us to dinghy to. Ramps are preferred in these here parts not only due to the mud but there are critters with fangs and teeth in these waters I’d rather not mess with! I was comforting myself thinking that these freezing temps had them all still winter sleeping BUT some fishermen we met in Bashi said they’d seen a couple gaters up 2 creeks that afternoon-ICHHHHH!!! Donna and I took the girls ashore and one could see even more flood debris and one of the fisherman told us it had flooded 3x’s in the last month, up to 25 feet and where we were standing, on the high bank, was completely under water. The woods were mud caked and everything looked dead, no new shoots of green anywhere. Several Tows came by after dark. One heading south created an eerie landscape with its powerful bow light scanning right, left and downriver, creating a scene from a Gothic novel. It is really a beautiful scene as the lit barges slowly, quietly slide by down river. Dinner: We had Alabama Jumbayla a la Bonnie (the boiled shrimp from last night, sliced chicken sausages with gouda and apple, corn, black beans, tomatoes, whole grain/wild rice mix, hot sauce, Cajun seasonings and Mrs Dash’s Extra Spicey seasonings. AND we finished off the Butter Crunch ice cream. Having ice cream on a Sweeney boat is a real treat as have never had a freezer before. In 2011 we purchased a 12 volt refrigerator to enable us to carry more fresh food and not worry about finding a town with a grocery. Surprise surprise, it would cool below 32 degrees---so in addition to frozen “staples” we can treat ourselves to an occasional ice cream! We then keep fresh produce in the ice chest, dairy, etc in the refrigerator that came with the boat.

Hope those Gates hold