Great Loop: Mobile

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November 20th, 2021

We completed our Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway journey!  We arrived in Mobile Alabama with the Grand Mariner Marina on Dog River as our overnight destination.  It was so exciting to segue from the river system to a coastal salt water environment.  We loved our trip downriver, but the coastal environment, warmer weather, sunshine and salt air just make it special.  


Approaching Mobile Alabama


Mobile is a busy working port


Here's a tanker getting the bottom repainted


Littoral Combat Ship under construction 



We arrived just before the start of the Alabama - Arkansas football game.  The marina staff, friends and guests were gearing up for the Game.  Roll Tide Roll!  A boat in the marine was named Troll Tide Troll.  The BBQ was going and grilling shrimp shish kebabs, sausages, fish, and hamburgers.  The big screen was set up outside and chairs were arranged facing the TV.  Are you ready for some Football!  At half time two big trays of beignets emerged from the kitchen and quickly disappeared.  

This was our final night of cruising with our new friends Aliy and Allen.  We will try to reconnect with them after the holidays.  They were flying home to Alaska and returning after the first of the year.  I don't think there were looking forward to the -30 degree temperatures at their home near Fairbanks.  I do hope we can enjoy their company again.

We were seeing first hand the damage that hurricanes inflict.  The storm surge flooded to the top of the first floor, damaged and destroyed docks, boats and anything in low lying areas.  It takes many years to recover and in some cases abandonment is the chosen option.


See the markers for hurricane storm surge water levels


Turner Marine Supply is located just across the channel

We took a walk for some exercise and then hung out with Aliy and Allen.  Also had coffee with them at the "table of wisdom" the next morning.  At least that was what Bill, one of the marina owners, call it as it was the gathering spot for swapping stories and reviewing current happenings.  


The view from the "table of wisdom"


We greatly enjoyed our visit to Grand Mariner Marina.  The staff was terrific and we wish them great luck with their marina.  Thanks for the wonderful visit!  Oh - and they had the best hot showers we've encountered so far!


 
 
Location: Mobile, AL, USA

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