Arriving in Mobile

Raydiance, Something Special, Free to be, and Brown-Eyed Girl  rafting

    A big thank you to all of you who are keeping us in your prayers.  We spent Tuesday and Wednesday night at  anchor rafted with the boats pictured above.  Storms, including tornadoes, went just north and just south of us.  We weathered it fine with some wind and heavy rain and a few fine games of "Oh Hell". When the weather cleared we took a dinghy ride up the creek into Three Rivers Lake.  In the far reaches of the lake we found the trees that must have been the inspiration for Disney's Fantasia trees.  Big old cypress trees hanging with Spanish moss, wide multiple roots sticking out of the water and ghostly holes in the trunks.  

Brown pelicans

Shanty sailboat--not really
sure how this one is staying
afloat!

After leaving this anchorage, we intended to go directly to Mobile, but Mother Nature had other plans with howling winds from the north.  So we spent another night at anchor about 12 miles north of the bay entrance.   We are now seeing brown pelicans and seagulls everywhere.  Also palm fronds are appearing along the shore. Beginning to

                                                         look like the south.

  

About to enter Mobile Bay

Swedish ship in Mobile Bay

Loading dock on Mobile Bay

Tugs helping container ship coming
into Mobile Bay.  Check out the name
of the ship !

 Today we finally came to Mobile.  About 5 miles upstream, we saw what we thought was an otter swimming in front of us across the Mobile River.  After checking it out with binoculars, we realized it was a bobcat.  Who says cats don't swim?  I have been very concerned about Mobile Bay,  so I took that as an omen that all would go well.  And it did.  The bay was relatively calm and it was amazing to be a tiny speck among the big boys pictured here.  Mobile is a busy harbor with ocean going vessels coming, going, loading, unloading.  The bay is surprisingly shallow--only about 9 feet deep--so it can get whipped to a frenzy quite easily.  But today it was a nice ride and lots of fun. Captain Tom was in seventh heaven with a grin on his face throughout the ride in the bay. Tonight we are meeting Greg and Kate  (aboard Grianan) for a night on the town--seafood and gumbo.  Will leave tomorrow (Sat) for a week in Farmington.

Downtown Mobile

More of the big boys