We left Bobby’s at 7 and were locked thru by 7:50.   We were supposed to be dropped 34 feet and we were only dropped about 9.  Do you think the water level is still up a tad?

The past three locks asked us for our documentation numbers (Some boats, like ours, are documented with the US Coast Guard.  We don’t have to be registered with the state of Minnesota, although we are [that’s another story], supposedly if war ever breaks out, they can confiscate our boat to use for war but have to return it in same or similar condition.  Also, we can only be boarded by the Coast Guard).  We knew the lock at Coffeeville would ask for our documentation numbers, as it is the last chance to find a stolen boat before they hit the Gulf but we were never asked for the documentation number at the other locks in our past trips.  I was wondering if it was because the USA is on High Alert for terrorist attacks right now.

After they dropped us, they usually open the doors right away.  This time they opened the doors a few feet and stopped.  Then they closed them.  I’m thinking, shit, they can’t get the doors open!  We’re trapped! OMG, I am going to die in an Alabama lock! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

Oh, there is just some bird on the door and they are afraid they will crush if they open the door,  So one of the guys shoos it away and then they start opening the doors again.  I guess I will live for another day :).

As we make our way down the TennTom, I am driving.  I am keeping my eyes peeled for the buoys and debris.  I see a red buoy sitting high in the water but when I look again it is gone!  Crap, where did it go?  I guess I’ll have to hope we don’t hit any submerged buoys.  We end up seeing about 8 to 10 of those as we make our way down.  I think the water is higher than the last time we went down.

Now you see it
Now you don’t buoy

Gary takes over driving later on in the day.  BANG!  Kill the power, pull back the throttles. Look behind us.  Nothing,  Must have hit a submerged something or other.  Put the engines back in gear, give a little gas, give it a little more, a little more……good, no vibration.  I think we dodged a bullet, that’s good.  And luckily it wasn’t me that was driving hee hee :).

We get to our final anchorage at 2:00, only need one anchor today as there is enough current to keep us straight and no bad weather is predicted for the rest of the day. So I guess it is time for a nap!