We got a late start out of Panama City on 8/8 because the inverter sizzled and fried and died when I turned it on. That meant no onboard fridge so we mbought a couple of coolers and some ice and got out about 11 AM. Had some nice dolphin visits in West Bay (good luck!) but soon ran into typical PM storm fronts with wind and rain. Nial was very helpful in spotting the next markers to steer to, since visibility was poor. Set anchor in Choctawatchee Bay about 9 PM, but it was quite rough, so we pulled it up and moved to the other (North) side of the bay, in the lee of the wind and were much more comfortable.

Next day we made it to Pensacola Beach, where we paid for a slip in a marina, but were unable to get a power hookup after 3 hours of trying different plugs and adapters. No A/C, but the temp. droped to a bearable 78 for the night. Nial found some dock kitties on the dock in front of the HUCK. Several of them were living under the rocks behind Nial. (Click on photo to enlarge!)

We got out of there at sunrise headed for Mobile Bay. We made almost 75 miles that day, arriving at the Dog River Marina just at sunset. The photo shows the marina just behind the Dauphin Island Causeway Bridge. We had a rough 3 1/2 hr. crossing of Mobile Bay, with a beam sea of 3-4 feet giving us a constant roll. Nial couldn't decide whether or not to get sick and laid down for a long time to think about it. I was very busy at the helm trying to keep the HUCK on a straight course.

We tied to the fuel dock at sunset and moved the boat to another dock the next morning (today). I spent the day installing a new inverter (we drove the courtesy car into town to a West Marine store), and cutting some vent holes to improve the engine compartment ventilation. Nial rinsed the salt water off the boat and played on the computer. We also did laundry. For fun, this evening, we drove back into Mobile to Wentzell's Oyster House, an 80 year running business with great food and lots of atmosphere. My brother Roger used to hang out there with his Coast Guard buddies thirty years ago. We will push off the Dog River dock tomorrow AM after filling our fuel cans. It's 333 miles to Columbus MS, where Nial jumps off to return to St. Paul.

We've already done about 200 miles, so we're nearly half way there. Our first of 5 locks to transit is Coffeeville Lock, 116 miles upriver. Nial is eager to shoot some video of the locking procedures. He's still not quite used to being awakened before 7AM! All in all, things are going very well. We appreciate the responses to our blogspot e-mails. Regards. capt. Brion and First Mate Nial