Midway Marina to Columbus, MS

As the previous blog showed, it was COLD, COLD, COLD when we left the Midway Marina. It was so cold that a hair dryer had to be used on the isenglass windows to melt the ice off of them and make them pliable enough to roll up so that we could see from the flybridge. Hopefully that will be the one and only time we will need to do that this trip!

With four locks to transit today and 60 miles to travel it was important that we pass through the locks as quickly as possible. Armory Lock, our third for the day, was just starting to lock through a tow and several barges when we arrived to lock through. Before the gates closed we talked with the lock master and requested permission for us and our traveling companion, POURHOUSE, to lock through with the tow. After several discussions between the tow Captain, the Lockmaster and us as to positioning and safety rules, we were allowed to enter the lock and tie up at the stern of the tow. All went well and we locked down with the tow and barges.

Carolyn and Harry in POURHOUSE, tied up on the opposite wall of the lock.

Spot the bird in the lock with us?

A Great Blue Heron looking for lunch as the waters in the lock recede.

We had to stay tied to the wall until the tow and his barges had completely cleared the lock.

Between the Amory lock and the last lock of the day, the Aberdeen lock, POURHOUSE had mechanical problems and had to stop at Aberdeen for the night. They caught up with us the next day in Columbus.

One of the sights to see in Columbus, MS is the old plantation house called Waverly that is located about ten miles out of Columbus. Built in 1852, the house has only been owned by two families since it was built. The second owner and his family currently reside in the house. The original plantation had 2000 acres, all planted in cotton, and was worked by 180 "field workers" and 20 "domestic workers". Apparently this is now the Politically Correct term for slaves, according to the tour guide.

The path leading out to the main gate.

The largest and oldest Magnolia Tree in the U. S. Estimated to be 250 years old.

One of the documented stories pulled from the original owners letters was the many balls that the Confederate owner held in the main foyer, while the orchestra would play from the balcony of the second floor. It was not hard to imagine the Confederate Calvary officers in their dress uniforms dancing with their ladies in the large foyer.