Alabama Cut off to Big Bayou Canot

On the morning of November 8th the weather seemed to be holding and we were not excited about spending a second night at the Cut off so we pulled up anchors, after a battle with the mud, and headed down river.  We entered Big Bayou Canot, tied our front line to a tree and threw our back anchor out, settling in just before the rain started.  As night fell the wind picked up.  Tom got up at 4am and found that between the wind and the tide, our branch and anchor technique was not working.  We were drifting. We bundled up because the temperature had dropped and pulled up anchor to start again.  By now the wind was howling.  I was at the helm, while Tom controlled the anchor drop.  I was getting some intense piloting practice as we battled the wind and the tide to get anchored.  Finally after two more attempts we were successful.  How long did it take us? Well, when we were finally set, I made a pot of coffee and we watched the sun come up!  After a little breakfast we talked and I admitted that I was not really comfortable with our anchor spot.  Since we were staying a second night in the Canot Tom wanted me to be comfortable sooooo we pulled up anchors again and moved to an area that was wider and more open.  Once anchored, again, we took care of some inside jobs as the wind was cold and nasty.  About 2pm the wind settled down, the sun came out and we enjoyed the evening listening to some very loud owls.  It was an early night for us after a very long day.  We woke to a beautiful mist coming across the anchorage. I enjoyed watching the sun shine through the mist, thinning it as the rays warmed the air. We were pleased with ourselves as we had not moved since our final anchoring the previous morning.  What we didn't know until now was WHY we didn't move!  How bout being anchored to a 40 foot tree that had fallen over into the water!  Each time we moved the end of the tree bounced up and down on shore. It took a few manuevers but we were able to break loose without loosing the anchor. 

Bobby's Fish Camp to Alabama Cut Off

Still filling in a few gaps in our trip;   On November 7th we pulled anchor and headed for the infamous Bobby's Fish Camp.  The tow traffic was heavy and the scenery fascinating. Beautiful white bluffs, sandy shores, and thick forests all in one day.  I had read about the Indian settlements and battles that had taken place along the river, in fact one of the bloodiest Indian battles took place at Bashi Creek, a popular anchorage.  My mind wandered, forming a picture of what life might have been like living and traveling along the river back then. For a moment or two I was lost in the history of my surroundings and thankful that I had the opportunity to pass through.  We arrived at Bobby's Fish Camp and were pleased that there were only two other boats there. This meant there was room for us because Bobby's is nothing more than a very long dock.  I wondered around the grounds a little and peeked in the windows of the restaurant. It's only open on weekends. Soon after we arrived another boat filled the remainder of the dock.  We visited with the other boaters, Mike, Tom and Sara Ann ( a retired 5th grade teacher) and returned to our boat for the night.   November 8th - The weather was changing and rain was heading our way.  We had a great day on the river and anchored out at the Alabama Cut Off.