Friday, October 30, 2015

Hanging at Eastern Shore Marina, Fairhope, AL

October 25,26,27,28,29,30, 2015
Sun,Mon,Tues,Wed,Thurs,Fri
Miles traveled-0
Total miles traveled
Days 43,44,45,46,47,&48

The boats been working beautifully yet there has been a slight leak that Phil has been keeping a close eye on for about a week or so. There as been just a trace of fuel on top of the engine after she's run a long day. No lights or gauges have move from the normal range, fortunately all is working well.. But why push our luck.. 

Getting to the problem is a challenge, but doable. The part needed to remove another part, needed to be ordered.. And the part sent was  the wrong one. Try again, next day the right one comes.. Part removed and sent out.. Not to return until Monday... Let's say.. There has been a bit of a delay here.
It's a beautiful marina in many ways 
And we have found much to do... Or just relax.
It's kind of rustic 
Very southern
Chuck the cat is in charge! Buster has Great respect for Chuck!
 There are many sailboats, pleasure boats and working shrimp boats.
 The fresh shrimp have been delicious !
Live music on Wedsnday night was a real highlight! They were very good and fun to hang with for the evening.
 Truly a delight!
 The views out to the Bay amazing .

In town, on Thursdays, is a Farmers Market. Not real big but fun to shop around.. I found some nice smelling soap.

The plants and veggies all looked great .
I'm sure it's pretty good at other seasons too.
 Without my garden, it's fun to see what others will be planting.
 Shopping with Gayle and Corinth made for another fun day in town.
 The town has some cute features!
And great decorative stores.
 Many shops to explore!
John and  Priscilla charmed me with their skills and talents with their ukuleles... I too want to learn!!!  I have a mini ukulele and so want to learn.. They helped me tune mine and gave me some great words of incouragement!!!  
Now I just need to take a few brave baby steps and practice! Practice! Practice!!
 Trick or Treat!

Busters ready for some treats for his tricks!

Monday, October 26, 2015

Fairhope Al. Eastern Shore Marina

October 25,26,27,2015
Saturday Sunday Monday
Miles traveled-0
Total Miles traveled 
Day 42 43 44

Last Wedsnday ,when we left the marina at Demopolis, our goal was to get to Mobile Bay before the weather turned rocky.. We pushed ourselves by going twice the distance each day.. We had long days but they were beautiful and the weather was perfect.. The river was calm and the day and night temperatures were ideal..  Our crossing in the bay was ideal too.. We get to Eastern Shore Marina they gave us a slip but it was a bit snug...  15' wide ... We are 16' wide.. So they offer us a covered slip near several other loopers.
The clouds begin to roll in but no rain yet or bad winds..
A gathering of loopers for docktails and shared dinner for Saturday night. 
Sunday was my birthday and we went into town for dinner.. Note to self.. Many businesses are closed on Sunday!
But the dog park was open and no other pups.. Buster loved his freedom to run , smell the smells, and take care of his business.
 
It's nicely landscaped.
It's a cute town with many shops and restaurants .
I've made plans to go back into town on Tuesday when the weathers better and we don't have Buster .
I'm not sure Phil really wants to be part of my shopping fix.. 
Also time to play photographer!
And who knows, I might even buy myself something...or not.
Today. Monday. Is a complete washout!
Patricia is dumping a lot of rain .. Some of the docks are underwater!!
The forecast for tomorrow is so much better.. Being at the marina helps to make a rainy day easier.. We have been watching METV!!  

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Alabama River cutoff(MM53) to Fairhope Al at East Shore Marina

October 23,2015
Friday.  Woo Hoo!
Miles Traveled-69.5
Total Miles Traveled-802
Day 41

Another great night on the hook.. Tucked away off the main channel away from night barge traffic. We felt safe and secure. There were two other boats besides Knot Yet and Harvest Moon. Four boats and plenty of room.

Again, knowing we had 65 plus miles to go.. We started out at first light.  We spotted this guy swimming across the river.. It's a deer.. Glad there were no gators to get him!
The river is simple and beautiful!
We knew we were getting closer to civilization and industry.
We had only a slight delay as this CSX Railroad Bridge was down and a train crossing.. When the train passed... Up went the lift bridge.
Yep, the terrain is changing!
We now see Mobile Bay!!!
Careful for what you wish for... We were tiring of the river and all its twists and turns.. But I must say it has very little traffic . NOW...We are in where it's BIG and BUSY!
Buster likes to check it all out!
Keeping an eye out!
The Convention Center downtown Mobile.
 Another great weather day!
A lot going on!
Yeah!!! The open water of the Bay!!! This is where Harvest Moon goes to the west shore and we turn to the East Shore.. They have been wonderful to travel with these last couple of days.. We look forward to seeing them again.
 We felt honored by our flying friends escort to the east side!
And then.... WOW!!! These guys came along and put on a show for us!!
Buster was impressed!
They swam along the side of our bost for about 20-30 minutes.. They would jump out of the water!


It was spectacular! We felt truly blessed by such a warm welcoming to salt water!!!