Port St. Joe, Florida

Warm and humid, but really windy today. We all spent at least part of the day charting out our course for getting to Carabelle and then doing the crossing of the Gulf.  There was a tornado watch for most of the day, but luckily there were none here. Got off the boat and went for a walk this afternoon; boat was really rocking and rolling in the wind. Port St. Joe has a really nice walking trail all along the shore with benches and shelters along the way.

Most of the loopers on the dock went up to the little restaurant for dinner, while we were eating the wind changed direction suddenly. It was a major scramble in the restaurant to get windows closed against the wind and rain. The men went out to check the boats and ended up fixing fenders and adding ropes in the wind and rain. By the time we were done eating, the wind had died down somewhat, but the temperature is cooler.  The prediction was for a cold front to go through, and this must be part of it. We actually consider ourselves lucky that this marina is well protected from wind and waves. Hate to think what kind of rocking and rolling we would have been doing in some of the places we have visited lately.

Port St. Joe, Florida

Nice day today, although the clouds kept passing by and it was windy by times. Good day to be tied to a secure dock in a marina; we look at the weather forecast and plan to stay tied to this secure dock for a couple of days more. Looks like we won’t be moving until Thursday. There are 6 looper boats on our dock, and about 3 more on other docks, all of us waiting for our chance to cross the Gulf. The main topic of conversation is whether to cross from Apalachicola or from Carabelle. The consensus seems to be that the pass out to the Gulf from Apalachicola is apt to be shoaled in and so very shallow, while Carabelle is a longer route out to the Gulf but deeper. Right now everyone here seems to be planning on leaving from Carabelle.


Walked around town today, then out to the point by the marina. Went over to Richard and Jill’s boat, Finally, for cocktails with Nancy and Eddie, and Bobby and Keith from Kim Jo III. One of the best parts of the trip is getting together with other boaters at gatherings like we had tonight. Looks like rain and wind tomorrow, so we probably won’t be going too far.

As we travelled down the Gulf County Canal from the Intercoastal Waterwayto to St. Joseph Bay and Port St. Joe, we passed docks with fishing boats and a few which are no longer fishing.

Port St. Joe, Florida

We moved on today to Port St. Joe, will wait here until it is time to go to Apalachicola and then take off to cross the Gulf. Port St. Joe is a nice protected marina, town is close with several shops, including a grocery store, within easy walking distance. Found some friends here, Jill and Richard in Finally and Tom and Linda in Q's End along with The Old Grouch are already here waiting the chance to do the crossing. Cool this morning, but sunny and a beautiful day to travel. Predictions are for poor weather for the next few days, so we are glad to be in a wel-protected port. Walked around town this evening, will go back tomorrow for some real shopping. Dinner with Eddie and Nancy tonight. We are back in the Eastern time zone, so have changed clocks and watches. With predictions for poor weather, looks like we will be here for a few days.

Panama City Marina, Panama City, Florida

Walked up the street this morning and found a hairdresser/barber who could take us this morning. Both of us got hair cuts; mine is very short but it will grow out. Went to Tom's famous hot dog place for lunch, they have hot dogs prepared with a large variety of toppings, very good. There seem to be line ups at lunch time there every day, and we certainly waited out turn to get our lunch. Then went to another shop for ice cream. Wayne tried deep fried ice cream; he's not sure he needs to repeat the experience.
The manager at the marina here had invited us to attend a private party he was giving to watch the Boat Parade of Lights. There were 19 entries; the boats decorated for Christmas then went from St.Andrews harbour past our marina. We were with the judges, so had a wonderful view of each of the boats. Many had gone to great lengths to decorate the boat, then played music and had people on board cheering, or singing, playing drums. The marina manager provided food and drinks; we had the opportunity to meet other boaters. It was fun. Panama City Marina has turned out to be a great place to stay,

Several of the boats had done a great job with decorating

Wayne, with his new haircut, trying  fried ice cream



Inside Tom's

 Our plan is to move on to Port St. Joe tomorrow, then on to Appalachiacola to wait for a weather window to cross the Gulf. We have spoken with many others also waiting for the weather window, so hope we will be doing the 20 hour crossing with a large group.

One of the boats in the Parade of Lights

Tom's Famous Hot Dogs

Panama City Marina, Panama City, Florida

Spent the day getting caught up on laundry, etc. Wayne did some needed repairs around the boat. Got together with Eddie and Nancy for lunch, went for a long walk around town this afternoon. Weather unsettled, sunny this morning, then passing clouds and quick rain showers, followed by sun, cloud, rain showers etc. Temperature has cooled down this evening, cold front going through overnight so we expect cooler temperatures for the next few days. May have to get out the jeans instead of shorts. Looks like our weather window to cross the Gulf won't happen for a few days, so plan to stay here another day.

Panama City Marina, Panama City, Florida

The group at Greg and Carl's house

Greg and Carl's house from the back.

Thanksgiving Day. We spent the day with Carl and Greg Vernon, at their beautiful home in Watson Bayou here in  Panama city, FL . They had invited any loopers in the area to their home for Thanksgiving and several responded. It was a really nice day, wonderful meal. The weather today was warm, sunny with passing clouds and some breeze. The forecast is for a cold front to go through tonight, so there may be some wind and rain. We will stay here tomorrow and possibly a little longer. Our next big challenge is to cross the Gulf of Mexico to get to the west coast of Florida, and we need to wait for a day when the Gulf is calm. The forecast looks like that weather window may not happen until the end of next week. Many of the boaters we saw today are waiting for the same thing, and many of us will probably get together for the crossing.

Breeze came up today so the men were adding extra ropes; we decided the ropes on Dream Fever looked like a spider's web.

Panama City, Florida

Sunset from the back of our boat.

Fog again this morning, but it cleared out before 8 am, so we left Destin. As we travelled, could still see fog on the Gulf, but had sunshine where we were for most of the trip. Travelled with dolphins on and off all day; they are so beautiful, always fun to watch. Arrived here in Panama City about 3, nice marina, it even has side docks. Went for a walk with Nancy and Eddie to see the town, then came back to the boats for supper. Tomorrow is the American Thanksgiving, and a couple here have invited any interested loopers to their house for Thanksgiving dinner. We plan to attend, will spend the morning make something to bring. Should be fun to get together with these nice people and any other loopers in the area.

Harborwalk Marina, Destin, Florida

The white sand seems to go on forever

Used to be nice cottages with private beach access

We started the morning by getting a rental car with Eddie and Nancy and touring Destin. Eddie and Nancy used to come here for holidays and so know the area, and were anxious to see some of the places where they used to go. We went down to the beach and walked in the sand,got our feet wet in the Gulf of Mexico. As we were walking the beach, the fog came in, stayed all day. The place where Eddie and Nancy used to stay was hit with a hurricane several years ago, and has not been repaired, so is just a boarded up old building along the beach now, rather sad to see. Had lunch along the beach at Pampano Joes, then found an outlet mall. Several of the stores have changed since Eddie and Nancy had been there, but it was still good shopping. Found a few things we had been needing.
Christmas music is playing, people are decorating for Christmas, both at the mall and here at Harborwalk. This is a small tourist area with several shops and restaurants as part of the complex by the marina.
Got ingredients for supper, then went to Dave Dixon's condo, beautiful 4 bedroom condo on the water. Cooked steaks on his grill and had a good visit. He was kind enough to pick us up and return us to the marina. We hope to move on to Panama City tomorrow, but it will depend on the weather, particularly the fog.

Harborwalk Marina, Destin, Florida

A boat we passed along the way; seems to have a few issues.

Pelicans looking for their handout; seagulls overhead are out of luck

Left Pensacola in sunshine this morning, then the  clouds came over.  Ran in and out of rain for a good part of our trip, then it cleared just before we reached Destin. Came by sandy beaches, beautiful houses and condos, although some of the condo complexes looked like they were not being used. Many have boat slips with them,  and many were empty.  Along the way, dolphins were playing beside the boat, always a pleasure to watch. A new experience docking here, there are no side docks, just posts, so we backed in, which is not a problem, but the challenge lies in getting tied off to the posts.  Once we docked, a man down the dock was cleaning fish; he had a whole flock of pelicans in the water behind the boats waiting for their treats. Here in Destin, met a gold looper, Dave Dixon from Family Time, a friend of Nancy and Eddie’s,  who took us to an Italian restaurant for dinner. Destin seems to be a nice town, lots of restaurants, shops. We plan to stay another day here; will rent a car to shop and sightsee tomorrow.

Pensacola, Florida

Spent the day touring this beautiful city. It recently celebrated it's 450th anniversary, making it the oldest European settlement in the new world. One man told us that even though St.Augustine will constest it, this is the oldest settlement, but the settlers left for a few years before others came back. They celebrated the anniversary by having a visit from the King and Queen of Spain, and a tall ship from Spain.
We visited the Naval Air Museum, a place full of retired planes with much historical significance. We learned  that  the first plane landed on a ship in 1911, and they are getting ready to celebrate the 100th anniversary. Early planes used castor oil because they didn't have any other oil that would do the job.
Later we came upon elves decorating a Christmas tree outside city hall; stopped for a look and saw many other character associated with Christmas, some more so than others. Not sure why Elvis was there. Today was the preparation for Winterlude, which is a festival that takes place every weekend from now until Christmas. They have a trolley that takes people around town, and the various characters make up vignettes around town. Sounds like a lot of fun. One lady told us they even have someone doing backflips around the trolley as it travels. Had dinner with Nancy and Eddie, plan to travel to Destin tomorrow.

Yellow planes were used for training, the guide said others knew to stay out of the way

We had lunch in the Cubi lunchroom, looks like it was a soldier's hangout in the Philipines

Wayne says no more room inside than the planes he used to fly

Plane used in China against the Japanese by both Canadian and US pilots before the US entered WW2

Snoopy is getting in the party mood

Elvis is ready for Christmas

The Grinch is looking suitably mean

Palafox marina, Pensacola, Florida

We are finally in Florida! Left Orange Beach Marina this morning, and came over to Pensacola. Watched fishing boats going out to the Gulf, saw a huge boat aground inside the channel right where several of our friends touched bottom as they tried to come into Orange Beach Marina. Also saw several crews working on sand clean-up along the way. Arrived in Pensacola early afternoon, walked up the street to a fish restaurant tonight for a nice dinner with Nancy and Eddie. It is nice to be on the move again. We plan to stay here tomorrow and tour the air museum, then will probably travel again on Monday.

The first blooming magnolia tree that we have seen

Equipment at work on beach clean-up







Some colourful condos along the intercoastal waterway

Sunset over Pensacola Bay



Orange Beach, Alabama

The gentleman from Saunders marine working on our engine

Got news this morning that our part had arrived, but they had sent the wrong one. The correct one would be in the first of next week, so made plans to stay here over the weekend. Then the guy from the repair shop called back and said the part had to come from England, and would not be available for over a week. They were able to get a used injector from Mobile if we would accept that. The mechanic went to Mobile to check it out and brought it back with him, then installed it. So far seems to be working well.
They are cleaning the sand in this area, apparently digging down 4 feet and finding oil in the sand. We have heard many stories about how this area has been devastated by the oil spill. This marina is full of large sport fishing boats, many used to take out charters. Of course, with the oil spill they have not been able to go out. It is red snapper season now, and apparently they have allowed the fishermen to go out just so they can make a living. We see the charter boats coming and going from the marina here, watched them hang up the catch today for the pictures. That particular boat had gone out at 10 pm last night, returned at about 3:30 today.They said they had gone out about 80 miles. They had caught yellow-fin tuna, amberjack, and a couple of red snappers.
As we walk along the street, there are many nice houses and condos. There are also several for sale signs. We hear stories about the loss of value in homes and condos. This area was hit hard by a hurricane a few years ago, and now with the oil spill. This year they are just not getting the tourists. We were the only ones in the restaurant last night; the owner told us how much he appreciated us being there.
Tonight got together with Nancy and Eddie for a nice dinner.

The catch from one charter boat today. The yellow fin tuna are on the top row, the amberjack below.

A typical sport fisher boat here in the marina, one of many

We will go to Pensacola tomorrow if the weather is good.

Orange Beach, Alabama

At lunch at Lulu's last week with Richard and Jill from Finally, Nancy and Eddie from Dream Fever

Pass from Intercoastal waterway out to the Gulf of Mexico

The Intercoastal waterway stretches ahead of us as we travel from Mobile Bay

Lulu's Restaurant as we passed by on the intercoastal waterway

Back from a great few days re-connecting with children and grandchildren at Disney in Orlando. Wayne spent the past week changing oil, changing fuel filters, etc. He found an issue with one injector, so we are waiting on parts for that. The windless had stopped working when we were anchoring at Foscue Creek, so also got that repaired. Our parts will only be in tomorrow, so we are probably here until Saturday. It is a very nice marina, so not a problem to stay here a little longer.

Celebrating Squivot crossing their wake

Mark and Susan in Squivot came in today; they crossed their wake yesterday at the entrance to Mobile Bay, so they are flying their gold burgee. Andrew and Sally-Ann from Freedom, Tom and Linda from Q's End, Eddie and Nancy from Dream Fever, and ourselves all went out to dinner to celebrate with Mark and Susan.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Went out for lunch to Lulu's with Eddie and Nancy from Dream Fever and Jill and Richard from Finally. Jill had to give us another lesson on how to eat crab claws; they were delicious. Went on to West Marine, managed to find several things we needed. I'm preparing to go to Orlando to meet our children and grandchildren for the next few days. Will pick up the blog when I get back. Wayne is staying here to do some boat chores; Eddie and Nancy are also staying here and say they will take care of him in my absence.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Left Eastern Shores Marina about 7:30 this morning. It was cool but sunny and calm. The water in Mobile Bay was as smooth as glass.Travelled with Dream Fever south along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay and caught the Gulf Intracoastal waterway, followed it east to Perdido Bay and Orange Beach Marina. Along the way, we saw a few seagulls, several pelicans, many dolphins playing in the water around the boats. Passed Lulu's, a restaurant owned by Jimmy Buffet's sister. They have a dock, but we came on by, plan to go back by car tomorrow for lunch. The temperature here is in the high 70s during the day, a little cooler at night. Had a late lunch, then walked up to the end of the street and watched the pelicans and dolphins in the bay.
Jill and Richard in Finally came down to Orange Beach later today; they had stopped at Lulu's for lunch. Jill tells us that the crab claws are great, and gave us a lesson in how to eat them. Hope we can remember for tomorrow. You know you are in the south when: you see palm and banana trees, and the washer and dryer at the marina are located outdoors.

Eastern Shore Marina, Fairhope, Al

Quiet day today, got groceries, explored the area. Got my feet wet in the water at the beach beside the marina. The marina is a few miles outside of town, so the courtesy care is needed to go into town. There are several loopers here right now, so the courtesy car is in high demand. We took it this morning for groceries, then were able to get it again tonight to go into Fairhope for dinner. This is a pretty area, neat streets with flower baskets, lights in the trees on the main street in town, lots of flowers along the streets. We noticed that even outside of town, there are street lights and sidewalk, and the sidewalks go around the trees along the road.


Seamoore and 30 Below arrived today. At low tide, Dream Fever with their 5 ft draft was sitting on the bottom at low tide today. We have decided to move on to Orange Beach Marina tomorrow, it is in the Gulf Intracoastal waterway, so will get us started on our trip around the Panhandle

Pelicans sit on the markers outside the marina.

Eastern Shore Marina, Fairhope, Alabama

We got up early this morning to heavy fog again, but luckily, no frost or ice on the decks. Waited until after 8 to start untangling all of the rafted boats and leave the anchorage. As we headed downriver, we heard another boat that had left the anchorage ahead of us calling for the coast guard. They had come upon a small fishing boat, unmanned, running in circles in the river. They started looking for someone in the water or on shore. Another boat spotted a man on shore, put their dinghy down and got him. It was his boat, so by the time we got here, the man was rescued and they were trying to figure out a way to stop his little boat.


As we moved down the river, it got wider and prettier. We saw more industry, many more tows. The banks were mostly sand or mud, very little rock. At mile 22 (so 22 miles above mobile bay) we crossed under the I-65 Bridge, which the locals call the Dolly Parton Bridge. Then we continued south into Mobile, Alabama. The harbor that we were passing through is a busy place. Container ships were being loaded and moved around by tugs, tugs and tows were going in every direction, docks and repair facilities along both sides. Then we were out of Mobile harbor and into Mobile Bay. The weather today was fantastic, calm and clear, with the sun shining brightly. We had seagulls and pelicans, then saw dolphins along side of the boat. Now we feel that we have come south. We proceeded across Mobile Bay to Eastern Shore Marina in Fairhope, Alabama. Will stay here for a couple of days at least, perhaps more. Will leave the boat for a few days while our children and grandchildren come to Orlando and I go to meet them. Wayne will get some repairs done on the boat. Feels like we have been pushing it hard the past few months. Several other loopers are staying at this marina. Good place to rest up before heading around the Gulf Intracoastal waterway, and over to the west coast of Florida. Went out for dinner with Nancy and Eddie from Dream Fever.

Phalarope to the rescue; picked up the fisherman on the shore

Dolly Parton Bridge

Our first dolphin

At Anchor in the Alabama River Cut-off

Have had no internet access for the past 3 days, so will now post what I had written for each day.
Friday, November 5, 2010

Greg from GoneCruzin tying ropes off our rafted boats to the trees on the side at Bashi Creek

Bashi Creek Anchorage

We left Foscue Creek at first light to get through the only lock for the day in good time. The four boats from the barge, and another 9 or 10 from the marina all locked through together, then we started sorting ourselves out in terms of faster boats and slower ones. Some of the faster boats planned to go to Bobby’s Fish Restaurant, a trip of over 100 miles. We slower ones had planned on anchoring here in Bashi Creek. However, none of us knew exactly how many boats could fit in here. Well, we have 10 boats in here, many rafted together. We are on the inside, rafted with GonCruzin. Dream Fever is in the next row, rafted with two other boats. It actually is working quite well. Should be fun to untangle in the morning. Predictions are for cold weather tonight.



Saturday, November 6th, 2010: Bobby's Fish Camp

Got up this morning to frost on the decks and dense fog. Waited until after 8 for the fog to clear, then had to start untangling all of the rafted boats. It actually worked quite smoothly. It was only a 2 ½ hour run down to Bobby’s Fish Camp. There are 7 boats here, three of us rafted off of other boats. We are once again rafting with Dream Fever. The day warmed up a bit, but stayed in the high 50s with wind, so still needed a sweatshirt. We will all head out to the lock as early in the morning as we can safely travel (predictions of frost again tonight, so good risk of fog again).
Bobby's Fish camp is a legend along the river, the only place  to dock in this whole section. It was owned by Bobby Dahlberg; when he  died his daughter took over running the fish camp and the restaurant. They have a gas dock and another dock that is 160 feet long. The restaurant is open only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. We had heard that there was a fire there, and two boats were burned when one exploded while fueling. There were scorch marks on the dock, and a newspaper article in the restuarant about the fire. The article said one person was badly burned and airlifted to a major hospital. However, Bobby's docks are still there and they are still pumping fuel.
Went for a good walk today, nice to get on dry land and stretch our legs. This area seems to be a place for cabins, cottages and nice homes. Good walk up the road through trees, many loaded with Spanish Moss. We all went up to the restaurant at Bobby’s for fried catfish, then early to bed, the time changes tonight.



Sunday November 7th At anchor in the Alabama River Cutoff

We went through our last lock for this stretch today, Coffeeville Lock, just past Bobby’s Fish Camp. It was foggy when we got up, and the decks were icy, so we couldn’t leave until about 8 am. Short wait at the lock, then on down the river. After the lock, the river is open to Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, so the water is brackish and we are subject to tides. In the Gulf of Mexico, there are only two tides every 24 hours, and the rise is only about 2 feet, so a good way for us to learn about them.

Lots of tows today, and a very windy stretch of the river, so it was interesting. Made it down to mile 52.8, which is the Alabama River Cutoff, by just after 3. Anchored here, rafted with Dream Fever. Rambler was already here and had anchored a little further inside the cut. Seamoore and 30 Below arrived shortly after us and anchored and rafted in the mouth of the cut. Then 3 other boats came in and anchored among us; it is getting a little tight. Got together with Nancy and Eddie from Dream Fever for hamburgers for supper. It will be early to bed and and early start tomorrow; if all goes well we will be at a marina in Mobile Bay tomorrow night.

Bashi Creek

Anchored in Bashi creek with 9 other boats last night. No Internet or phone service there. Want to wish my mother a happy birthday

Foscue creek, Alabama

We are tied to a barge in Foscue Creek, just past Demopolis, with three other boats. We all tried to anchor here but were unable to, so made use of this handy barge. Dinghied to the park on shore for a walk, then an impromptu get together for supper on the barge. We will move south tomorrow morning

Demopolis Yacht Basin, Demopolis, Alabama

Cloudy rainy day today, we were glad we had planned to stay here.The men checked engines, I did laundry, then this afternoon we went into Demopolis and did our shopping. By the time we got back, they were again  rafting boats together. There are 4 rafted together on the other dock, two sets of three on our dock, plus the two of us. The tows come in on the other side of the dock here for fuel; we had read that perhaps they would give  tours, so we asked when one came in tonight, and they agreed. This particular tow has a crew of 7, the deck hands and engineers work 21 days on, 21 days off. They have 2x2000 horsepower engines. Wayne and Eddie asked about some other engines they saw, they are for the generators. This particular tow had stopped for a crew change, so people were coming and going. We ate dinner on Dream Fever, then watched a movie, Captain Ron, with our Texan friends, Nancy and Eddie. Still cool, raining off and on. Plan to stay here again tomorrow, then head down the river on Friday.

Demopolis, Alabama

Boats rafted together at Demopolis yacht basin

In many places, the sandy bank is washing away. This house looks like it has lost its front supports.

The white cliffs of Epes, along our way today

A bald eagle watching us go by

We have arrived at Demopolis, one of the major stops along our way down the River system to Mobile. Today we left the Tenn-Tombigbee and have entered the Black Warrier-Tombigbee waterway, just past the point where the Black Warrier River enters the Tombigbee. Left our anchorage before 7:30 this morning, Nancy and Eddie could see on their weather system that storms were gathering around us. Got to the lock about an hour after we left the anchorage, and it started to rain just before the lock. Luckily, it stopped raining just after we were secured in the lock, so we didn't get get holding the rope. The rest of the day was cloudy with a few light showers, but not major storms. Rained again after we arrived, but just briefly. We had thought this was a big marina, but it actually is quite small. When we had called for reservations, they said they could accept us, but that we might need to raft to other boats. When we got here, they put Nancy and Eddie on the fuel dock, and we are rafted on to them. Another boat came in for fuel; he had to raft to a sailboat in front of us, get fueled up, then leave. Another boat came in for the night, and he is rafted off the sailboat now. In front of that, another boat is rafted off of Big Chill, and other boats are rafting at the end of a T-dock. It looks quite crowded, but it does work and we are safely secured for the night. The forecast is for storms for the next couple of days, so we plan to stay here. Then it is supposed to get cold, so we will move on south. We will spend tomorrow re-provisioning again, amazing how often one needs to do that, and doing laundry again, and perhaps a little touring. Went up to the restaurant here for dinner tonight, very good.

Cooks Bend Cutoff, Tenn-Tombigbee, Alabama

A random telephone booth along the river.

The front of this barge is rather heavily loaded.

The water was like glass today

Relaxing on the bow of Dream Fever

We left Columbus Marina at 7:45 this morning; called the lock and they said they could take us at about 8, so we wanted to be there and ready. As it happened, the doors were open and waiting for us, as was the case at the next two locks we went through today. Between Columbus and Demopolis, it is 118 miles, and there is only one marina, 28 miles out of Columbus. So our decision had to be between stopping at that marina, then travelling 91 miles the second day, or travelling further the first day, and making the distance less for the second day. This anchorage is approximately 60 miles from Columbus, so a nice stopping point. When you only travel at about 9 miles per hour, you don’t go anywhere very fast. Got here at about 2:30, anchored and rafted by 3:30, then time to relax. We set up chairs on the back of Nancy and Eddie’s boat and had snacks, then ate the stew I had going all day in the slow cooker. Cool this morning, but no fog, up to 81 F this afternoon and still a warm evening. Forecast is for rain overnight and showers tomorrow, so we may be travelling in wet weather  then. Only one tow today, although we saw a lot of working boats, tows, barges just before one lock. However, they were off to the side and so didn’t bother us, nor did we get in their road. Narrow channel for a lot of the day, trees along both sides, with the occasional open area with some very nice houses. Peaceful here in the cutoff where we are anchored. No houses in sight, but a couple of fishing boats have gone by. Today we started out in Mississippi, then for about 3 miles along the way we travelled back and forth between Mississippi and Alabama depending on how the river curved. Finally we entered Alabama, and we will stay in this state until after we reach Mobile at the Gulf coast.