Outer Reef

Friday, February 27

Anchorage near Mile 164 (1/8 mile south of the Intracoastal Waterway between G71 and G 69) Orange Beach, Alabama

Crossing Mobile Bay this morning wasn’t as rough as we’d expected. By early afternoon, we were very glad to have finished three days in rough open water. We were also glad to have a boat with a pilot house, so the big waves that crashed on our deck didn’t drench us. We are very sympathetic for our sailboat friends with open cockpits.

About two o’clock, we pulled off the Intracoastal Waterway about 1/8 of a mile and anchored near Mile 164, between G71 and G69, near Orange Beach, Alabama. We had intended to anchor in Ingram Bayou, but decided this spot offered better protection from the high south winds expected tonight.

Before we got to the anchorage, we passed Lulu’s, the popular restaurant owned by Jimmy Buffett’s sister. Everyone waved at us as we passed. We were surprised at the number of people there. We have passed this restaurant three times, but always just after we’ve eaten.

It finally got warm enough for us to shed our sweatshirts. It’s 79 in the cockpit now. The sun is shining and it is beautiful.

Thursday, February 26

Dauphin Island (Alabama) Anchorage, near Mile 125

We had a mighty struggle to get the boat out of the slip this morning because of strong current and building winds. It took us more than an hour to walk her out foot by foot and then we had to call on the marina guy to help us the last little bit so that Larry could get on the boat before it left. (It would have been a pity for him to miss the rest of the cruise.)

We were glad to get underway again, but we’re not looking forward to increasing winds and seas for the next few days.

Today we were still crossing the Mississippi Sound and could see no land for much of the day. Many people think the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is nothing more than a wide ditch, but that’s not true.

We passed another cruising sailboat today. Pleasure boat traffic is picking up. By the time we get to Florida, there should be a lot. Here’s how to tell if a boat is cruising, as opposed to simply out for a day sail: 1. There’s a bicycle tied to the deck. 2. If it’s a sailboat, there will be extra fuel and water in containers on deck. 3. Everyone on board needs a haircut.

We anchored off Dauphin Island, Alabama. (Mile 125. Turned South at Green Can 27 and went approximately one mile.) We stopped here two times on our last trip. This anchorage is protected from the south, but not the north, so we hope there are no weather surprises tonight.

Wednesday, February 25

Biloxi (Mississippi) Small Craft Harbor

We were hoping to leave Biloxi today, but we needed to get some charts and some oil for the boat.

We took a bus to West Marine to shop for charts. The unfriendly bus driver required us to show our Medicare cards (as if our gray hair isn’t a testament to our age) and she had no change. The fare was 60 cents for seniors and $1.25 for the rest of the world. Naturally, we had no change. The driver was about to turn even grumpier when a lady passenger offered us a quarter. The bus took us to a central location where we had to catch another bus for another 60 cents each. After a leisurely ride around Biloxi, we did eventually reach our destination.

We took a cab back to the bus.

While Larry changed the oil, Terry went to the Beau Rivage Casino to see if her bad luck was still holding. It was.

Our plan is to leave Biloxi tomorrow.

Monday, February 23---Tuesday, February 24

Biloxi (Mississippi) Small Craft Harbor

We had stopped in Biloxi going east on our first long cruise a few years ago, but Hurricane Katrina and other storms have altered the waterfront considerably. The marina where we’re staying now was destroyed, but has been rebuilt and improved, except for the marina offices and laundry. A waterfront restaurant that we enjoyed on our first visit is gone completely.

Monday morning we discovered that Larry’s credit card was missing and immediately after Larry reported its loss, the marina office discovered it in the little card slider machine, where it had been used the night before. It was too late to rescind the loss report, so now we have to wait here until they send a new card.

The Hard Rock Casino, which is next door to the marina, has been built since we were here last. Sadly, our luck hasn’t chanced since we visited the Beau Rivage Casino here in 2005. We had a hamburger at the Hard Rock Café and could hardly have a conversation because of the loud rock music by artists (?) that we‘d never heard of. We left feeling considerably older.

Tuesday was Mardi Gras and we were awakened by a neighboring boat that was taking a group of friends out for a morning cruise to celebrate. The parade was at 1 o’clock and the route turned a corner about a half a block from the marina. With more than 100 floats, the parade was a lot of fun. (See link to photo page on the left) Terry collected beads, but spent much of the time dodging them and other gift missiles. Some of the folks on the floats threw them quite strongly and it was painful to be struck by a string of beads flying at warp speed. A lady on the boat in the next slip over from us had a tooth chipped last year by flying beads.

Many were dressed in Mardi Gras colors. There were a lot of funny hats and everyone had a festive spirit. It was a great day.

We’re hoping to leave on Wednesday. There’s another cold front on the way and we want to be in a safe anchorage.

Sunday, February 22

Biloxi (Mississippi) Small Craft Harbor

Late last night a front came through with high winds. The winds and current caused the anchor to fail and Outer Reef came to rest on a sand bar dangerously close to the derelict structure near the shore (see photo). Larry was sleeping in the pilot house to keep watch and was able to save the day by maneuvering the anchor and setting a stern anchor. All this during high, cold winds. He stayed awake all night making adjustments and keeping watch.

We considered staying another day to rest after the exhausting night, but ultimately decided that the anchorage in high winds wouldn’t be any more comfortable than crossing the Mississippi Sound, which is a big body of open water not to be taken lightly.

It was a rough ride with high winds and big waves. The sun finally came out in late afternoon and was shining directly in our eyes when we made the turn into Biloxi.

We arrived at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor at 6 o’clock, in time to order a pizza and watch the Academy Awards.

Our anchorage near Orange Beach, Alabama.

2/27/09

After we crossed the bay and the Intracoastal narrowed, we were reminded of civilization by the cars zipping by on a busy road next to the waterway.

2/27/09

Almost sundown at anchor near Dauphin Island, Alabama

2/26/09 
Outer Reef about to leave the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor.

2/26/09

You can see right through the first two floors of the old Biloxi Marina, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

2/24/09

 More than 100 floats were featured in the Biloxi Mardi Gras parade.  For more photos, click on the link in the far left column.

2/24/09

A sandbar stopped Outer Reef before she hit this derelict structure when the anchor failed.

2/22/09

 Sunset approaching Biloxi, Mississippi

 2/22/09