Sunday, November 06, 2005

11/06/2005 – Mobile River

Launch: Public boat ramps in the middle of the Causeway on the North side. Launch Cost: Free. Route: Cross the Tensaw River, across Delvan Bay, up Spanish River, down Mobile River, around Choctaw Pass, and then back up to the Causeway via Tensaw River. Distance: 19.0 miles. Average Speed: 3.5 mph. Time: Approx 5.5 hrs. Pace: Leisurely. Weather: Misty and very humid 65 degrees in the morning and a warm 77 degrees by afternoon with very little wind.

(1) Above left. There is always something magical about sunrises as the morning hues splash across the awakening waters. (2) Above right. Across the Tensaw River, Coot were abundant on the lazy hazy waters as shown in this skyline photo.

(3) Above left. Further up along the edge of Spanish River, with the humid haze still clinging to the air, Coots went about their business while keeping a watchful eye on this passing kayaker. Trees in the background were filled with Ibis. (4) Above right. Along the upper part of Spanish River’s mud flats, Ibis were keeping a nose out for their breakfast.

(5) Above left. The first sign of the recent hurricanes came in Mobile River. Between Spanish River and the Cochran Bridge, barges can be seen beyond the banks of the river on the other side of the railroad tracks, nestled against a tree line. (6) Above right. Not only are barge companies faced with a monumental dilemma, many dream boats have gone where no boats have gone before.

(7) Above left. I like kayaking down Mobile River because there you can see different things every trip down the river. Have you ever seen a barge hauling railroad cars? You would think the cars could roll off or tip over if the barge rocks. (8) Above right. Sea gulls line the rim of barges. They must enjoy watching the boat traffic.

(9) Above left. Shot of the RSA building under construction as it towers over the huge multi-story cargo ship unloading at the State Docks. (10) Above right. The storm surge in Katrina caused the USS Alabama’s moorings to break and as a result the waters moved the ship and eventually left it tilted a few degrees. How are they ever going to move it back? One of the reasons I stay in Mobile is because of days like this in November – nice, sunny, warm, 75 degrees, wonderful!

1 comment:

  1. dear bro: someday, before we are both dead in the water (hahahaha)you have GOT to take me for a kayak ride around all these places. Promise! Thanks! love from seestah Nannie.

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