Goodbye Alabama – Hello Florida!

This morning we crossed the state line into Florida and the panhandle. We did question why there was no sun once we crossed the line. After all, as the Captain said, “this is the sunshine state”. It was forecast to rain today – but so far just cloudy and chilly.

We had a great time in Mobile. (Thank you Jeannette and Rudy!) The entrance into Mobile Bay down the Mobile ship channel is fascinating. There were ships of all sizes, colors and configurations lining each side of the channel along with huge dry dock facilities to haul these humongous vessels up and out of the water for repair, paint and etc. We got to see oil rigs, a first for me, man are they impressive! This is a true working port. Much larger than anything we have in S. Florida.

As we made way across Mobile Bay to Dog River Marina, a fog settled in over the water. It was like traveling in a cocoon. Capt. Bob and Lionel did extremely well in finding our way – and the fog parted (sort of like Moses parting the sea) just as we came into the small, narrow channel for the marina. I know Mr. Bibber had a hand in that.

We got Achievement secure she, Rita, Louise, Mercedes – and yes, even “Annie” would get some much-deserved rest for the next couple of days. Jeannette and Rudy came for dinner. Jeannette brought us some Mardi Gras beads and beautiful fresh cut Camellias. I was not aware that Alabama has a Mardi Gras every year. I believe it runs for a month. Jeanette and Rudy have been going to the balls; there are parades and all kinds of festivals. Alabama’s Mardi Gras was an event long before New Orleans’s Mardi Gras.

Monday was our shopping day – the Captain treated us to lunch. Monday evening Jeannette and Rudy picked us up for dinner. The restaurant was on the water and a really cool place. Rudy pointed out some of the sights on our way. Dinner was excellent – but the Company was even better.

Tuesday was the infamous TV interview. Our Captain did an excellent job (he looked cute – didn’t he?) Darwin was very personable, professional, and he, just like all the others before, was quite taken with Achievement.

We left Mobile about 11 or so and anchored in Wolf Bay for the night. Sadly, Spyder could not make the trip, so we had to make the remainder of the dump cake and eat all ourselves. (Spyder, when you get to Miami to visit – the Captain can make one for you. He now – like all of us – knows how)

Cruising along the GIWW (Gulf Intercoastal Waterway) is very different from where we’ve been. We are now (first time for Achievement) in salt water. Yesterday we had porpoise leaping at the bow – I know they were excited and welcoming Achievement home. We are traveling through narrow cuts in between islands that lead to a string of bays. Along the banks is some of the whitest sand you will see. Gorgeous beaches and in some areas only a narrow strip of white sand and sand dunes between the bay and the Gulf. The sand here consists of almost entirely white quartz. Other than it still being pretty cold, the seas (even in some of the larger bays) have been easy to travel. It will be interesting to see how Achievement handles the open Gulf.

There are two sailboats traveling along behind us. Ahhh! It’s good to be home…..

Here's the link to the story

Well, Captain Bob was featured on WPMI-TV, NBC 15 in Mobile Alabama on the "Here's Darwin" series. Reporter Darwin Singleton met with the crew yesterday morning at 10:30 and put together this report. To see the story & watch the video, click on the photo at left.

It's a GREAT story. And you get to see the boat in action!

Tue. 1/23/07

We are anchored in Wolf Bay on the ICW about MM164 just east of Mobile Bay. our TV moment went well. Darwin was a real gentleman . He showed up this morning with his camera man Mike. We chatted a little on the dock. He seemed genuinely interested in the boat and its history. We showed him around the boat, from stem to stern. Mair even got a shot of him looking out the transom door. He wanted to take some shots of us untying the lines and shoving off. Then they raced onto the bridge and got some shots of us approaching and then going away into the open bay.

It was a little brisk in the morning but by the time we left it was shirt sleeve weather. That didn't last long. The wind picked up out of the north and the bay got a little Rollie.

We made our planned run for the day. Got the hook down right at sundown Pat made veggie pasta for dinner and tomorrow we start our run for Tallahassee.

Capt Bob

Achievement in the News

Well, the interview went off great this morning by all reports. I spoke to the reporter, Darwin Singleton, after the interview and he was very impressed with Achievement Alpha, the crew and Captain Bob! Reports from the crew also say it was a great interview.

The segment will be two minutes and air tonight at 5:00 pm. You may be able to watch the segment at www.nbc15online.com. Search for the "Here's Darwin" feature and it should be posted there in the next day or two.

I'm also expecting a copy of it for posterity and when I do I'll post it as well. We're going to try and get some play again in Tampa when the boat reaches this market, so cross your fingers and say a prayer that there will be interest.

Monday, January 22, 2007

Just got back from dinner with Jeanette and her husband Rudy. They took us to a very nice seafood place on the causeway. Every one is stuffed. We had a slow day today. Did a little shopping . Picked up a link for our anchor chain. I'm sure you have already heard about us loosing an anchor in Bashi creek. It was a big sucker too, about 100# or so. The crew grabbed the wrong piece of line to secure it with and when we tried to retrieve it the line snapped. I got a little leg whipping from the recoil but nothing serious.

Our photo shoot is set for tomorrow morning at 10:30. We might all be movie stars by the time we get this boat to Miami. We plan to jump off soon after the interview. It's 300 plus miles to Tallahassee and the St Marks River. It will take us about 4 days weather permitting to get there. Scott, you should look for us around Saturday. We'll call with progress reports.

It looks like every one has retired for the evening. It seems like that’s the only time I get to use the computer, when every one else is asleep. Oh well not much else to report anyway.

Capt. Bob

My log - Sunday

Good Morning! Today started with my being awakened by lightening (or at least that was my first thought). Yep! It was another tug shining its spotlight on us. This time when I looked out the window all I could see was the shoreline. We were anchored in Three Rivers Lake, off the river – I am guessing they could see our stern from the river and shined a light to check us out. Never saw them, but felt the wake as they went by.

Today being Sunday (Pancake Day), Lionel was rousted out of his bunk by the same light, made us sausage and pancakes for breakfast. We were on our way by 8:00AM. I was below and missed “Annie” being hurled into daylight, but it appears she came up without mishap.

The sun is gone again (darn it!) and we have our usual weather of overcast skies, but o quite as cold. However the sunrise this morning was nice – No – Not Red Skies – Just Pink. I am sure that makes a difference. So no sailor warnings today – maybe just caution?

Today the river has no contrast. It really is starkly beautiful (if that makes sense?). The water is once again that coffee and cream color, the banks pretty much the same color as the water, the trees have no green – just bare limbs that are grey and brown, the sky is grey as well. It is sort of like looking at the world in black and white. Very interesting looking and not at all what we are used to. Occasionally there will be (what appears to be) a fish camp. Most are little more than shacks. Victor said they reminded him of the move “Deliverance”. There are some Sandy (mud-sand?) beaches and areas where there are small hills along the bank, you can see how the river, perhaps during floods have carved away at the sides. Where the banks are level to the water, they slowly incline up and away from the river, the bottoms of the trees, which come right to the water, are dark with watermarks from high water. It looks like the trees in Florida after a brush fire – when the trunks are black and scorched. This is not quite as dark but goes fairly high up the trunks.

I saw an otter yesterday and another bald eagle. We are now about 40 miles from Mobile – still pretty desolate. Just a while ago, we passed where the Alabama River joins the Tombigbee – the two combine and make up the Mobile River. We’ve said farewell to the Tombigbee.

Guess What? We made a dump cake last night. I say we, because it was a collective effort. All five of us had a hand in it. If you have ever made dump cake (Sha – I know you have; and the guys kept referring to how Aunt Anita would do it) you know how easy it is. I didn’t till last night. Anyway we had big discussions about the pan to use, how much mix, how much butter, where to place the butter, how much fruit and how long to bake. With all those important decisions made, we popped it in the oven and had the best chocolate, cherry dump cake ever. Ahh! The simple pleasures of living on board. It was the highlight of our day. Even the oven got in the spirit of things and cooperated fairly well.

I think Spyder – the Captains childhood long time friend - will be joining us in Mobile to either finish the trip with us or at least travel part way. We are saving the rest of our dump cake ingredients for when he comes on board. Oh, Yes! Last night there was even song to the effect of “We knew you were coming –so we baked a cake!” Oh, Spyder you are in for a treat! Ya think we’ve been on this boat for too long?

When we get back and you see the Captain – you must get him to sing his state songs. He (so far) has made up a line or two for every state we’ve gone through – be sure to get him to add his hand action!

Hopefully we will get to see cousin Jeanette while in Mobile. It should be a busy and exciting few days. Then we are off into the Gulf of Mexico and to the Pan Handle of Florida. (Maybe some sun?????

January 20 – Saturday

Bashi Creek was our anchorage for last night. It is a very deep, but narrow creek sporting a boat ramp. A really nice couple we met at Demopolis Marina, Homer and Goldie, on board their 33-foot Morgan Out Island sailboat, are headed for Port St. Joe in the panhandle, and have made this leg of the trip before. They were kind enough to suggest the creek, in fact followed us in and tied up for the night. We visited over a cocktail and I gave them the tour. My first – usually one of the guys get to do the bragging and showing off. I enjoyed the opportunity. Every time I start to explain to someone about the boat, I get excited all over again. She is just so neat.

It took a little bit of time to get Achievement settled in the creek – the current kept kicking her butt towards the ramp side of the creek. The Capt. decided a stern anchor would solve the problem. The anchor (not sure where it was hiding) was brought into service – tied off with yellow rope (Lionel said he thought Bud was on board and it was ski rope) and deployed overboard. Victor got her secured to the humongous cleat. Sure enough, Achievement settled right down. She rode comfortably all night.

Next morning the crews concern was “How do we hoist this anchor up?” The Captain had a solution for that too. After Locomotive Breath (named after a song) untied and went on her way, the people proceeded to get the anchor up. Every day “Annie” has a different surprise for us – well her friend at the stern was no exception. Seems the anchor was buried in the mud! The line pulled so taught that it snapped. I missed the excitement (darn it) but we bid a farewell to the anchor. Victor had a near miss when the line snapped and the Captain was slapped across the legs – no injury thank goodness!

We conquered our last lock on our journey today at Coffeeville. Today the sun has been in and out and though chilly, it is a nice day. The section is very desolate. The only marina between Demopolis and Mobile Bay is Bobby’s Fish Camp. We passed it a while back. It consists of one dock with a gas pump in the center. The cruising guide said it was rustic – and they weren’t kidding.

We will be in Mobile, AL by tomorrow – earlier that we expected. I understand Cathy has spoken to a TV station in Mobile that wants to cover the story of Achievement’s history and journey. How exciting. After sitting and waiting to be rescued for all these years, she is now going to be a TV star. She deserves it!