Demopolis, Alabama

November 6, 2011

Demopolis, Alabama is the big city on the Tenn-Tom and the Demopolis Marina is a must stop for pleasure boats and tow boats. Every day this marina pumps 70,000+ gallons of diesel fuel. An average size tow boat down here carries up to 60,000 gallons of diesel. And, believe me, they never run near the empty end of the dial. The marina also has a pump to remove the tow boat’s bilge water, which can run around 12,000 gallons/boat. The tow can’t pump it overboard because it has oil in it. So, the marina pumps it out and runs it through a separator to recycle the fuel and clean the water. The gas dock is open all night. Tow boats float in and out 24 hours a day.

One of the big boys getting fueled.
They also load food that is delivered to the marina
and, they may change crews while here

November of 2009 we were stuck here for nine days while a tropical storm pounded Mobile. Besides raging high water, all of the anchorages and marinas were full south of us – no place to go – everyone was staying put until the river calmed down. Even though we are in what is considered a big city -- in this part of the world (it does have a Wal-Mart Super Store) it’s not big enough to have a car rental or reliable cell service. Just want you to have a little perspective on how isolated we are.

No Diet Coke yet ---hopefully only a couple of hours away! We need to wait to use the loaner car.

Pink arrow is the start of the Tenn-Tom.



Green arrow is Demopolis.






Blue arrow is Mobile Bay

Don't ever think that you are unique.  We just met Joe and Mary Jo Boyle from Stillwater, MN.  They sold everything, are living on their Marine Trader trawler and have no itinerary or schedule.  We even have mutual friends.  Need I say...small world. 

Time for a little history: 
The city of Demopolis was founded in 1817 by a few officers from Napoleon’s army.  They planned to establish a Vine and Olive Colony using the land grants that they were given.  The plan was a complete disaster because the French officers didn’t know anything about raising grapes or olives and the climate and soil were completely inappropriate for those crops.  Next came the plantations with cotton and huge homes.  Three of the local mansions are on the National Register and a portion of the commercial area downtown. 
Ok, our big excursion today was to the Wal-Mart Super Store.  And, YES, I got Diet Coke.  Three 24 packs are now stowed in my food locker.  I'm not sure it is enough, but I'm going to try and show a little restraint -- maybe get down to six cans a day. 

Gotta Smile -- we're lovin the ride!