Good Morning early risers!!  We got up early this morning for another long day down the rivers.  Today we are going to Columbus, MS.  59 miles and 4 locks.    We cruise in and out of Mississippi and Alabama as we go down the Tenn-Tom today.

Early Morning in Midway Marina

Stumps in the early morning light

Sunrise leaving Midway Marina

The first lock of the day is right around the corner from Midway.  The Dock Master recommended we call the Lock and verify when they would be able to allow a couple of ‘pleasure craft’ to go lock down.  If we go through the Fulton Lock easily, then we should have no problem with the rest of the locks today.  The Fulton Lock will call the other locks and let them know we are on our way.

Fulton Lock is open for us!!

Leaving the Fulton Lock – down 26 feet

Stumps after the Fulton Lock

Tow going North

The next lock is open and ready for us to enter and get ready to go down!  How exciting!  These floating bollards making locking a breeze.  Going down also makes an easy transit.

Entering Wilkins Lock – Down 25 feet

Leaving Wilkins Lock

The Amory Lock is filled and the doors open for us.  We have been blessed with great timing today.  Thanks to the Lock Masters!!

Approaching Amory Lock – 25 feet down

We come to the Aberdeen Lock a mere 14 miles southward .  It is also ready for us.  One of the interesting events that takes place when we go into these locks, the doors close and a siren sounds.  The siren tells us the lock doors are closed and should tell the whole community that the lock is being used.  The signs at the base of the lock indicate there may be turbulence when the lock is emptied.  A very good communication system.

Approaching the Aberdeen Lock – going down 28 feet

When the lock is lowered and the doors open, another horn is blown to let us boaters know  it is now safe to exit the lock.

Leaving the Aberdeen Lock

We see floating plants!  They are all sorts of clumps of floating plants that we need to steer around.  More on these plants later.

We arrived at Columbus Marina early evening for a couple of days after a 9 hour cruise day.  We are expecting a bit of weather tomorrow so we are planning on recuperating while here at Columbus.