Relish

It was an ideal day to cross the vast Mobile Bay.  With mostly sunny skies and little wind, the water was almost glassy.  Being Sunday; we worshipped on board by listening intently to Christian CDs.  We arrived at The Wharf marina at Orange Beach, AL by 1 p.m. (Velsignet will remain at The Wharf until January 1, 2020 while we spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with family and friends in Denver, Seattle and Minnesota).  This evening, we’ve plans to reunite and dine Italian with Dave and Penny (MV “Southern Cross”).  We are “velsignet!”

As we departed the industrial downtown area of Mobile, AL this morning and entered the Bay, the pelicans and dolphins were reminders that we were out of the river systems and back in salt water.  While on the Loop, we ventured into new territory each day and enjoyed the challenges that the unfamiliar brought with it.  However, we find ourselves also basking in the familiar and applauding our return to pelicans, tides, and warmer temperatures.

It took us four days to travel the Tombigbee River from Demopolis to Mobile, AL.  The cell phone coverage was seldom and at best weak.  However, we found anchorages that were quiet and out of the way of the barge traffic.  Although unusually cool weather, we stayed warm inside the salon.

Because we’ve traveled much of the inland river system together with other Looper boats, when we had a signal on our phones we texted to keep updated on their locations and progress.   An interesting aspect of looping is that when Looper boats are together, we care for and look out for each other.  We don’t say goodbye when we part.  Rather, we share our intentions and see each other off.   The underlying understanding that we may never run across each other again is seldom mentioned; our time together is enjoyed in the moment because it’s this moment that we have together.   There’s something to be learned by this and we’re thankful for the lesson.

We left our anchorage on the Tombigbee River yesterday morning to a pleasant sunrise.  The temperatures were still cool, but not enough to create a fog that would delay our departure.

We arrived in Mobile, AL around 4 p.m. and docked at the Convention Center dock across from the Austal plant that builds military ships for the US.

Mobile has a interesting architecture in its relatively small downtown area.  Most action can be found on Dauphin Street where there is evidence of vibrant times before a severe decline. 
The area has been revitalized with several restaurants and theaters.  

As we strolled downtown Mobile, we were impressed by the Cathedral Church.
The first Catholic Parish on the Gulf coast was established at Mobile in 1703, just one year after Mobile was founded. Mobile was relocated to its present site in 1711 and the Parish Church was rebuilt in this site.

Velsignet sat right next to the beautiful Mobile Convention Center where "The Marine's Anniversary Ball" was taking place on Friday evening.  Young men in snappy uniforms with their dates dressed in formal dresses seemed to be having a wonderful time.  It was a treat for us to see them as we walked through the Convention Center to the Dauphin Street.

This fishing boat on the Bay had a beautiful silouette.

This same fishing boat is perhaps the most attractive working vessel we've seen yet on the loop.

Love the birds (especially the pelicans) and the dolphins!

Really...the Bay was glassy!

Jodi and Dan...Val and Bob....this is a campground right along the ICW in Gulf Shores, next to Homeport Marina, near LuLu's.  Let's make some plans!!!

Here's the entrance into the marina and LuLu's.  Jodi and Danny...activities for Silas here!