Great Loop: Decatur Alabama

On our way downstream from Chattanooga, we stopped in Decatur.  We tied up to the free dock in Ingalls Harbor, a much better location than where we stayed, at Riverwalk Marina, on the up bound trip.  Riverwalk is on an island in the middle of the river and there was no easy way to cross the bridge to town without an automobile.  We couldn't walk or bike as it just wasn't safe.  So we made an effort to stay at Ingalls Harbor on the return trip.  The compromise was we didn't have water or power.  We were OK with this as our solar would top off our batteries and we had 40 gallons of water on board.

Beth at Ingalls Harbor

Amy Marie and Mike in Decatur Alabama

We had made plans to meet friends, who were boarding our truck and trailer for the next year,  for dinner in Decatur.  They suggested Simp McGhee's a restaurant which exuded old fashioned charm while offering fresh Cajun seafood and beef selections sure to please any palate.  Beth and I both ordered fish, however they were prepared in two different ways.

Beth had "Winston's Catch" which was blacked Red Fish with sautéed vegetables and lemon beurre blanc sauce.

I had the "Crab Florentine" which was blackened Red Fish served over grits, sautéed spinach,  covered in crabmeat, hollandaise sauce and red pepper puree. 

We were pleasantly stuffed and returned to the boat happy campers. It was a most memorable meal that ranks among the best seafood meals we've ever had!

The Story of Simp McGhee

There are many tales told of Simp McGhee, the infamous river boat captain of Decatur at the turn-of-the-century. His boisterous ways, unconventional operations, and blustering manner made him a most picturesque legend of the Tennessee River.

Tales are told of Simp's pet pig that drank beer with him at his bar on Bank Street; of pranks he played on fishermen and hog drovers to acquire free food for feasts aboard his boat, and how every Thursday as he steamed into town he would blow the steam whistle as a signal to Miss Kate that he had arrived.

Simp, a Master Pilot, was as skillful and competent as the best. But in the Spring of 1917, Federal Agents lifted his license for "the reckless shooting of the rapids" near Chattanooga. No longer allowed to pilot his riverboats, he returned to Decatur and died at Miss Kate's house, June 16, 1917, at the age of 58...

William Simpson McGhee was buried on the bank of the Tennessee River near Guntersville.

Meow Mix

Now for our feline friends we have a special treat.  Decatur is the home to Meow Mix cat food!  I'm sure you are all singing the little TV commercial ditty for Meow Mix.  Yes, it leaps immediately to mind and then sticks around for a while.  The components of this feline delicacy arrive by barge and rail car, is carefully mixed, blended and prepared so it is the tantalizing concoction loved by cats everywhere.

 

Covid Booster

The next day I decided it was time to get my Covid booster shot.  So I started calling local pharmacies that were nearby.  We found one just over two miles from the boat, so we decided to walk as it was a pleasant morning.  As we neared the pharmacy is was a bit difficult to spot.  As we drew closer we saw that we were heading toward a combination Pharmacy/Gas Station.  Very similar to a set up where there are gas islands in front of a convenience store.  The Pharmacy portion was clean, well stocked, and the staff was helpful, so I had the shot administered.  We hiked back to the boat and headed out to our next stop at Joe Wheeler State Park.

The Drug store where I received my Covid Booster Shot