I can't believe we are STILL in Alabama! Will we never get out of this state? We've been going up this river for days it seems. Although the scene's change, it is still Alabama.
BUT, first, let me thank dear friend Deb Crecelius for posting the pictures I have sent via my phone as I have not had Internet service to be able to do my own posting for days.
And, second, thanks to friends Vince and Barry for making this journey with us although I'm certain it's longer than they bargained for.
We have not gone through I think 4 or 5 locks and each time it gets a little easier; but it's still a bit tense as the current will all of sudden grab the boat and steer it in a new direction just when "the captain" thinks she is on on task and heading to a "ballard" so the crew can tie up.
All in all, it's been a good trip as no one has gotten sick or injured and the days have been very pleasant.
The last few nights we have "been on the hook" which in land lovers terms is that we've found a little spot near shore and dropped the anchor. BUT, with that comes a watch schedule so the "crew" has taken turns on watch. Last night, Barry was on watch when a big storm blew in. He told Vince when he came on watch, "I damned near came down and woke all you guys up...the wind was really fierce and I was worried about the trees potentially blowing down on this boat". BUT, no worries.
Yesterday afternoon, we docked at a little marina and Ed and I took the courtesy car and headed to a super WalMart for more provisions. (except, they didn't have my vodka)
I made home-made Chicken and Dumplings, green beans and parkerhouse rolls so we all enjoyed a nice dinner.
The water has been MUCH smoother which is nice during showers, cooking, etc. We've been heading north of course on a southern flowing stream so even though we are full throttle ahead, with an approximate 2-3 mile current, our speed is about 6.5 - 7 kph.
Did I tell you about the mechanical repairs?
Well, two days ago, first thing in the morning, the guys got up to check out why in the world our engine was running hot. It had to be the heat exchanger. SO, Ed fashioned a coat hanger with a tiny hook on the end and connected it to his drill and he and Vince took off the head of the heat exchanger and began drilling through all of the tiny holes to clean them out. One by one; while Barry worked on polishing the head back to it's beautiful brass finish.
Lisa was asking for God's guidance and cool heads while they fevorishly worked.
When it was time to fire the engine, Lisa continued to pray.
IT WORKED!
An hour up river, the engine temperature was holding a 165 even though we were at full throttle whereas before it would creep up to nearly 200. NOT GOOD.
So that's fixed. Whewhoo!
Vince takes breaks writing in his journal and Barry keeps us all laughing with his quirky comments.
Ed and Lisa are grateful for good friends.
We should be getting close to our last lock for the night so I'll sign off now.
God's blessings and a happy Mothers Day to all,
Peace, "Captain Red"
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