Slow News Day Here, Not So Quiet At Home

Day 144  |  Iuka (MS) to Florence (AL)  |  5.6 Hours  |  38 Miles

Fall arrived overnight and our spell of unseasonably warm temperatures and high humidity was replaced with cool, dry air. We pulled out of Aqua Yacht Harbor clothed in multiple layers to combat a brisk breeze. As soon as we pulled out of the harbor and back into Pickwick Lake, we felt the effects of the wind-driven waves. Luckily we were surfing right along the tops of crests and the ride was smooth.

We crossed into Alabama (state No. 14) and Pickwick Lake began to settle down and shallow out. Lush green grasses sprouted up from the shoreline. Sandbars rose proudly from the water just outside the channel. We spotted the unusual lighthouse at McFarland Park and turned left into Florence Harbor. After a quick pumpout, we tied up to the T-head, cleaned up our lines, and Barry checked in at the office and picked up a package for us.

I enjoyed an hour reading on Fiberglass Beach as Barry helped usher in several more Loopers that followed us into the marina. We then walked over to the Florence Visitor's Center and spent a while chatting with Linda, the Visitor Experience Specialist. She was delightful and we joked that we may return there tomorrow just to chat some more. We walked backed to the riverfront and enjoyed the view of the O'Neal Bridge while sitting in front of the lighthouse.

We walked into town for dinner with Chris and Roger from Miss Utah. We ate at Flobama where Travis Wammack, the "Fastest Guitar Player in the South," was performing. Although a bit loud for a comfortable conversation, we had a great dinner and visit. Wammack, who was Little Richard's band leader for 11 years, was excellent so we didn't really mind shouting over the music ... too much. The close to three-mile round trip walk was a good stretch of the legs and an excellent opportunity to chat with Chris. Barry and I will make that walk again tomorrow morning as we head back into town and do some exploring. We've already identified a few places to visit and are excited to learn more about this eclectic area.

While our day was "just another one," that was not the case back home. Family in both North Carolina and Virginia were dealing with heavy wind and rain from Hurricane Michael. I have not been far from my phone, checking the radar and texting for updates. As I finish this post, 100+ mph winds are roaring through our home port and dear friends are riding it out on their boat. Although hundreds of miles away, I probably won't sleep well either. I'm praying for quick passage and that all will be OK when morning breaks.