A rather short post today, gang. We mostly hung out working on little projects that require some dock time.

As you can plainly see, this was a good day to be “tethered”. The anticipated cold front swept in today. Besides the temp dropping about 25 degrees, a steady soaking rain punctuated what we decided would be one last work day here in iuka, mississippi. We succeeded in topping off our larder of groceries with a trip to town in a marina courtesy van, had some lousy BBQ in Counce, TN, cleaned out a lazzarette, the bottom of which was coated in the better part of a gallon of concentrated boat soap (yuk!!!), scrubbed the furry fuzz off a canvas bucket (mildew from the humidity thrown off that soap-rich lazarrette), took on about 60 gallons of water and changed the oil in the engine’s injection pump. Picked up another half dozen fuel filters from the ship’s store. AND I finally installed the new cockpit speakers we’ve been carrying in a box since we started the trip:

Now all I have to do is hook them up to something. At least, I got rid of that darn cardboard box that was getting pretty limp with humidity! Notice in the pic above our stern anchor rode (white) and dinghy painter (floating yellow, which we have yet to use, although I’ve hacked off 35 feet for an anchor trip line that everybody says we simply MUST use as we transit the upcoming few hundred miles – remember, much of the Tenn-Tom is essentially a flooded river valley, complete with submerged trees and stumps).

I WILL miss the very fast WIFI here at Aqua. And their ship’s store is amazing, although the walk to the showers is an even longer walk than to the clubhouse in Lake City.

Our South African friend, Richard, captain of the 65 foot “Leap of Faith” departed yesterday, as did our friend Captain Larry aboard Adriana.

Last night, interestingly, we met two more captains from South Africa who were driving a newly arrived 84 footer. A very impressive little ship. Unfortunately, I’ve misplaced the photos I took of her. Sorry. 

Also, last night we learned that  the almost new 68 foot Grand Banks moored just across from us that I’ve been lusting after cost a mere $3.5 million. Oh well. Her instrument package up top likely cost more than our entire vessel.   

Tonight Kay is going to cook up some chicken soup with Ramen noodles, veggies, and of course, chicken. Tomorrow we start down the Tenn-Tom with our tuned up engine controls, new back pressure relief system and most of all, even more confidence in Big Red (priceless!) 

I was impressed when we settled all our bills today. It only cost us $180 for the slip for an entire week. Even though we won’t stay an entire week, it certainly was cheaper than paying $55 per NIGHT !! The marinas so far will let you pay whatever the cheaper rate is at the end of your stay, which is nice since sometimes we don’t know in advance how long we’ll be staying (weather, moods, etc.).

That’s all for now, kids. Keep reading and don’t forget to post a message so we know who’d visiting us !!

Later, ‘gators…