Southern Hospitality

The Methodist Church Bazaar was buzzing with activity. Besides lunch being served and for “take out,” a silent auction, baked goods and housewares were on display for sale.   We (Mike and Brenda, Mark of SV “Orion” and Deb of MV “Saltaire”) were invited to join Demopolis natives Chuck and Billie Marie (whom Mike and Brenda had met last Christmas) at their table for a noon meal and lively conversation. We were warmly welcomed as Billie and Chuck introduced us to several friends who stopped by the table (Billie seems to know and be loved by EVERYONE and, as Chuck confided in Mike, "Billie Marie is at the top of the social ladder!").  As we each got to know one another better,  Billie Marie shared that she is confident that she can help (in her very Southern way) Mark (who is single) find a woman…”just let me know what you’re looking for—how old you want her to be and how much money she needs to have!”  Our laughter continued as Billie (now the center of attention) stated that, should something awful happen to her husband, she herself will NEVER marry again….”I’d be a nurse or a purse…and I'd prefer to be neither!”  

Kingfisher Marina in Demopolis, AL

“Welcome back! How have you guys been?” Harbormaster Anna Marie called over the VHF radio to Velsignet last Saturday as we entered the Demopolis Kingfisher Marina basin and crept carefully towards Slip B9.  It felt good to be back to this familiar place.  People on the docks—including Van and Tara (MV “CCGG”) were walking and talking and helping each other out.   Many Loopers (on boats we know and others we don’t) were here and more were coming in.  We reflected on how Velsignet docked here during the 2018 hurricane season and how we’d returned to her to begin the Loop.  Mike’s sister, Carol, was aboard on the first day we “set sail” on this adventure. 

After 5 days at Kingfisher Marina to fuel up, pump-out, fill the water tanks and do some maintenance work on the bimini, Velsignet departed Demopolis this morning.  We entered the first and only lock of the day with 12 other vessels, rafting onto one another as necessary.  For the next 3-4 days, we will be cruising down the Tombigbee River towards Mobile, AL.  From Mobile, we will turn east to get to Orange Beach, AL where we have reservations at The Wharf.

This Petti, John, Brenda and Mike aboard Velsignet.  There's always a reason to celebrate with these folks!  On the way to Columbus, we anchored near a lock.  At Columbus, Petti will leave John and RuMbo for a couple of weeks to visit her daughter who is facing some health challenges.

Meet RuMbo--Captains:  John and Petti

While anchored near downtown Columbus, we walked into town for an evening meal.  This was our first stop:  The home of famous playwright Tennessee Williams.  We were given a very nice introduction to the home/visitor's center prior to a self-guided tour.

The merchants in the small town of Columbus do a nice job of decorating their downtown streets.  Every street corner held season appropriate displays such as this.

We arrived in Demopolis on Saturday and so worshiped at the United Methodist Church on Sunday.  The "Carol's Choir" sang for us during the service...an all girls choir (Brenda was told that there is one little boy who sings with the girls, but he wasn't in church this Sunday to do so.)

Many Loopers and boaters are moving south to warmer weather and Demopolis is a good stop for food, fuel, and water.  We got together late Monday afternoon; it's always an opportunity to meet someone new and get reacquainted with others you've met before.

This sign initiated much conversation for us on the dock. 

Demopolis was a good place for us to reinforce the bimini and replace a couple of panels with new vinyl.  We were careful to time our outside work with the falling temperatures that were hitting the entire midwest of the country.  Kingfisher shut off the water when temps were predicted to hit a record-breaking low of 20 degrees one evening.

While Velsignet is equipped with a heating/air conditioning unit, several boats are not and so must use other means to keep warm.  There are also boaters who, like winter campers, dress up to grin and bear it!

This is Brenda and John at the United Methodist Church Bazaar luncheon. 
On Monday evening, we enjoyed a  delicious home-cooked dinner at the home of Billie and Chuck Reynolds, natives of Demopolis (who took us to a Christmas Eve party last December when we were here). 
John and his wife, Jane, were also at Billie and Chuck's home. 
John and Jane are members of UMC.  John was there with his young grandson and Jane was downstairs volunteering in the "take out" lunch department.

Billie is the blond between Mark (MV "Orion") and Brenda. 
Even though Billie and Chuck are members of the Christian Assembly Church (Chuck's grandfather was one of the founding members), Billie worked all day at UMC as a volunteer and Chuck hosted our table. 
Billie and Chuck have been invited to become members of UMC several times over the years by
friends and members of UMC. 
Billie's response?
 "When I decide not to be a Christian anymore, I'll be glad to join the United Methodist Church!"

NOTE:  This was late in publishing due to sketchy and sparse cell phone coverage on the Tombigbee River.  We are nearing Mobile, AL this afternoon which improved our situation for reaching out to family and friends again.