Oct 25 Decatur Al to Joe Wheeler State Park

Oct 25

The weather prognosticators have been saying to expect some rainy weather and cooler temperatures starting today and despite a very nice “red sky at night” yesterday we woke up to a heavy cloud cover with radar showing rain arriving shortly. 

Red sky at night, sailors delight??? I don't think so...

  We had planned for a short travel day down to the marina at Joe Wheeler State Park.  It’s the site of the AGLCA fall rendezvous.  We attended last year by car so bypassed it this year.  Heard they had a good crowd and a good time.

Just a little over 3 hours cruise today so by leaving  Ingalls Landing at 8 we could be at the marina a little after 11 and hopefully get in before the heaviest rains started.   That plan worked perfectly!!  We had some occasional drizzle and light rain in transit but nothing too bad.  It even let up while we docked.

 I’m not a big fan of boating in the rain but it has it’s advantages.  Pretty much no one else is out except for an occasional work boat.  Leaving Decatur we  had a ship cross our bow which is unusual since we mostly just see tows.  This was the R/V Rocketship making its way to a dock.  Did some internet snooping and learned it is used for transporting Atlas V rockets from Decatur to Cape Canaveral.

R/V Rocketship arriving back at Decatur

 We also passed the tow William Neckel again today.  He was the one Martha passed yesterday.  He had a bigger tow today – assuming he had some additional barges attached overnight in Decatur. Went from a 2x2 to a 3x3.

Passing the tow William Neckel again.

 It is one of those cool damp fall days where temps are staying right at 60 all day.  Forced to wear long pants, socks and shoes, and a sweatshirt to stay comfortable on the flybridge.

Too rainy for outside pics - time for some selfies!!

 I guess one of these days I really should try piloting from the lower helm where it’s dry and warm.   It’s nice to be in a marina hooked to shore power where we can run the heat to take the chill off things.  This state park is pretty elaborate with a marina, hotel, conference areas, restaurant, pool, etc.   Todays dinner special – Prime Rib Buffet!  No cooking on board tonight!!

Heading into the marina at Joe Wheeler

Journey for Oct 25

(only 60 more days until Christmas)