Columbus, MS

 We left Smithville for Columbus, MS a distance of 42 miles and 3 locks.  Columbus is the home of a large airforce base.  It was a beautiful day, light winds and about 80 degrees though a strong front is predicted tomorrow.  We decided to book two nights at Columbus a protected marina to hunker down.

 We saw much wildlife as we motored down the waterway, including deer, eagles, white pelicans, and a water moccasin snake swimming across the channel.

We were about 30 minutes out from the third lock so I called the lockmaster on the phone.  He said 5 other boats were entering the lock but he was going to hold if for us.  We sped up to not delay the folks. I needed to blow out the diesels anyway.  Turned out there were 12 other "loopers" at the marina all heading south.  The marina folks are very accommodating.  They even had a great BBQ meal of pulled pork and all the fixins for us at no charge.  

We have traveled 328 miles from Green Turtle Bay, KY and traversed 8 locks.