Days 166-167

Midway Marina - Columbus Marina, Columbus, MS

• Start 6:16 AM
• End 3:20 PM
• Underway 7:18 Hours
• Distance 51 miles
• Total Miles on Trip 3326
• Av Speed 7.0 knots
• Locks 4
• Weather Sunny , 73 Degrees, Wind 6 Knts S

We had another fog free day, and a very early departure. With 50 miles to cover and 4 locks we had to leave as early as possible, and hope that the four locks were available as we got to them.

There are very few marinas on this section of the loop, a very large number of looper's this year and in addition to that during Covid boat sales were at an all-time high. The combination of all three has made getting slips difficult. Mark (Kay Dee), have been trying to schedule out two weeks ahead to make sure we have slips. Where we can't get slips or there are no marinas with in a day's travel we will anchor out. I will say most of the marina's have been great to work with. They will do whatever they can to get as many boats in as they can.

We left Midway Marina with nine other boats so we could all lock through together. This allows everyone to get through the locks with minimal delays. If we were all to leave at random times some boats would have delays at the locks, while the lockmaster cycles the lock between groups. The lockmasters also want us coming in groups. Once we went through the first lock of the day as a group the remaining locks expect us to do the same. Unfortunately for the faster boats, this means they either have travel at our speed, or wait for us at the next lock.

Over all everyone has been great to work with, as they say "We are all in the same boat!"

Getting into Columbus Marina was a little tricky, and I came very close to running aground. The dock master, Steve, was on the radio walking everyone through turn by turn. He was calm and reassuring right up to the point that he yelled at me to back up hard and fast, before I hit the shoal. Luckily I was able to back up fast enough that no harm was done.

Because of there were so many loopers, the two loaner cars were in high demand. We were able to get supplies but not go sightseeing. We did look for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Museum, but the must have moved. We went to the listed address but it was a closed congressman's office.

The marina does have a nice captain's lounge. Most of the looper's meet there Thursday night to make plans for our early departure in the morning. We all decided on a 6:30am departure with one boat calling the Stennis Lock to see if we would be able to lock through at 6:45am.

Tomorrow we plan to travel about 50 miles and anchor out. The next area with marina's is Demopolis AL, which is about 100 miles away.