TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 73 NM
TODAY’S LOCKS: 1 THIS WAS OUR LAST LOCK IN THE WATERWAY
COFFEEVILLE LOCK MM 116.6 33’
Due to the dense cloak of fog that had descended over the river during the night, our planned 7:00 departure was delayed until after 8:00 when the heavy gloom began to dissipate.
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| THE FOG BLANKETED THE RIVER |
We six boats felt our way through the lifting fog and approached our last lock, the Coffeeville Lock at MM 116.6. Once again the helpful lockmaster gave us explicit directions, reminding us to wear our PFD (personal flotation device aka life jacket) and perhaps a warm coat to ward off the morning freeze.
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| ICE ON THE BOW CUSHION |
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| THREADING OUR WAY TO THE COFFEEVILLE LOCK THROUGH THE FOG |
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| ANDIAMO WAITING FOR THE CARAVAN TO ARRIVE |
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| SQUAWK! SCREECH! WELCOME TO THE LAST LOCK |
 Image via Wikipedia |
| THE COFFEEVILLE LOCK AND DAM |
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| HERE COMES FINALLY AND SQUIVOT |
By the time we exited the lock we were greeted by the bright sunshine that was quickly burning off any remaining fog. The super fast Andiamo quickly left our group and the remainder trudged on, passing both beautiful countryside as well as some industry. The rivers are truly the lifeline of the land.
Our path was so twisted today that I feared we might be just like the spinning top and lift up out of the water with the power of centrifugal force. Well maybe not that bad but If you look at the photo you will see that here we first circled all the way around this starboard arch the immediately went into the port horseshoe bend. Poor Quest was getting dizzy!
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| OUR CONVOLUTED PATH |
And wouldn’t you know it, at one critical curve we came upon two tugs and barge rigs meeting and passing just as we all met. The kindly tow operators finished their maneuvers then the Chesley E, who was traveling in our direction, stopped and invited us to pass him so we could continue on our journey. These tow operators are most helpful and a delight to deal with. Tanks again guys!
Andiamo was long gone and Sleeping Bea lagging far behind so the four of us pulled into a great anchorage in the Tensas River at MM 39.2. Finally and Ganymede anchored and rafted together while Squivot tied up to our starboard. We opened Quest up for Happy Hour and we all got together for perhaps the last time on this voyage. Tomorrow we head into Mobile Bay where Squivot will seek some mechanical support and Ganymede will eventually turn to her right and head for their home in Houston.
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