January 17-21, 2011

Monday we finally got a car from Enterprise.  Early Tues. a.m. we headed to Iuka, MS to pick up our car.  After 6 hours, we did a turn about and started right back to Mobile.  We stopped in Columbus, MS for the night, got up early and drove straight through to Mobile.  Returned the rental car and drove off in our own car for the first time in weeks. 

Thurs. (20th) the boat was hoisted out of the water and the bottom examined for painting and possible repairs.  Much to our astonishment, the starboard propeller was indeed damaged and had streaks of green paint on it.  It was determined we hit a sunken buoy in the Tenn-Tom.  The strut is also loose on that side, causing a slow leak.  It makes me a little weak in the knees to think what we could have endured.  Like sinking?  Well maybe not that drastic, but it could have been worse.  We were on a desolate, deserted river in the middle of BFE! 

A worker at the marina said he was retired from the Coast Guard and they are responsible for accidents such as we experienced.  John contacted them and we are waiting to hear from the specialist who handles such matters.  Hope they come through since we have a high deductible on our boat insurance. 

Once the boat was propped up on land, we went to the Waffle House for the first of many breakfasts we'll be eating out.  It'll take a week or so before the boat is back in the water.  Next, checked into the LaQuinta.  We frequent this motel since they are pet friendly.  Since we'll be staying several days, we were upgraded to a mini-suite so are quite comfortable.

Thursday we drove to Fairhope.  We definitely have to go back.  John checked out a couple of antique stores, but I want to get into the quaint shops.  There will be plenty of time to explore the area.

Today (Fri.) we drove to Dauphin Island.  Quite disappointing. Rather bleak looking this time of year. The ferry was not running, why we don't know.  We looked all over the place for a restaurant which proved to be as scarce as hen's teeth before happening upon a bakery/cafe.  It didn't serve the seafood John has been seeking, but did have delicious sandwiches, and of course fresh baked goods.

Ordering pizza for this evening.  I love the "no washing dishes" aspect of motel living, but do miss preparing our own meals.  Tomorrow we have to find a seafood restaurant for John.