Goodbye to Joanne and Bert

November 10, 2001 - Goodbye to Joanne and Bert

We got up early as Joanne and Bert were getting a ride to the Birmingham Airport at 8:15. While we were getting organized, we noticed a number of boats getting ready to leave for the Demopolis Lock, about 3 miles away. It seemed only prudent that we leave with them as a tow was coming our way and could have tied up the lock for some time if we didn't. I looked up and Joanne and Bert had gathered their things and were off the boat in a flash, as they thought they were holding us up. It was sad to have to say goodbye in such a hurry. We had such a fun time with them and they were a lot of help too. So nice of them to travel all the way from Phoenix to be with us. So we quickly untied the lines, and wiped the windows off so we could see where we were going and joined the group of boats waiting at the lock. There were 2 sailboats and 5 powerboats. Even Tesoro had caught up with us again from his anchorage several miles away. Just after leaving the lock, we had to figure out who would take the lead, and after some discussion it was decided that we would, so we moved out and they all followed along. The river isn't wide enough for us to be side by side, except while passing. Soon we saw 3 wild turkeys flying across in front of us and landing of the other side. Next we saw Suitor-T-A-Tee coming toward us - we found out that they have discovered a fuel pump problem and are headed back to Demopolis on one engine to try to get it fixed - everyone seems to have something they are trying to fix.

It was an uneventful day and we were chatting on the radio with the other boaters trying to decide which anchorage we would go to. We had planned on stopping a Bashi Creek, but we were making good time and it was pretty early to stop, so we decided to go on to Bobby's Fish Camp. It will be a long day, as it is about 100 miles, but we are not fond of anchoring, so here we go. Bobby's is the last fuel dock before Mobile Bay. We fueled in Demopolis, so we won't need any. I understand that Bobby's is just one long dock along the rivers edge, so I hope he has room for all of us as we are all headed there and will arrive just at dark. We passed Buddy, the catamaran, from Traverse City and they decided to join us a Bobby's too. About 4:30 we hailed Bobby's and told them that we would arrive soon. They asked if we would be having dinner with them and we all responded that we would. Bobby has a restaurant and it is open on the weekends. I guess he is the cook and has wonderful catfish, so we must try it. We arrived and a whole group of kids helped us tie up. They were camping with their families at Bobby's. They were so cute, and Bill took their pictures to put on the web. Some of them came aboard to see how we live, and were all so nice. They invited us to eat with them and to join them for singing later around their campfire. What an experience. We went up to Bobby's for dinner - there were 8 of us. We got acquainted and shared stores and filled our bellies with catfish, hush puppies and fries, and homemade pie. The people from Mis Q are from Canada and the ones from Mistletoe are from England. The two men from the sailboat Buddy, are from Traverse City.

We are glad we stopped at Bobby's. It was an experience of a lifetime - one no one should miss. Lots of wonderful, people camping with their families and having fun. It's so fun to meet the other boaters and find out about them, and to visit with the local people. All in all a very interesting day.