RIVER SYSTEM: DAYS 118: Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht Marina - Waterfall - Goat Island (PLANNING MOBILE BAY)

Aqua Yacht to the waterfall: 6.7 mph; 5.0 miles; 0:45 hours

Grand Harbor Marina (fuel stop): 6.1 mph; 2.9 miles; 0:29 hours

Waterfall to Goat Island: 6.2 mph; 3.1 miles; 0:30 hours


This was a really short day so we could explore some of the area. 


We needed to finish laundry and boat chores and left the marina mid-day. Tons of Loopers are docked in either Grand Harbor or Aqua Yacht marinas waiting to travel to the Joe Wheeler Fall Rendezvous. On their route, one of the Lock’s walls has fallen and the Lock Master will only grant passage to PCs at 5:30 AM. That should be a show with so many boaters on route. 


We ran into Side Piece; really like those two folks.


After topping off our fuel at Grand Harbor Marina, I think I would have liked to have stayed here instead of Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht Marina. The internet worked, they offered 3 courtesy cars, and the staff seemed a little more not he ball and welcoming.


The waterfall: Leaving the marina - heading to Pickwick Lake - hang a left and go about 5 miles

Tiny anchorage with terrible holding; the mud is under multiple layers of beer cans and ’stuff’. The waterfall is very pretty and a ton of people visit. Small boats only - we were like a hippo in a tu-tu.


Goat Island:

Small anchorage with good holding - threw the stern anchor (just 'cause that’s what I do now). There are feral goats on the island - not many. People come from all over to feed them and these goats are NOT SHY. They climbed on the kayak, paddle board, nibbled on the life jackets, and wanted to eat the plastic bread bags - they're goats! They will eat anything.


The island is a quick hike and, because of the goats, there isn’t a lot of undergrowth. Poison ivy is still present so there’s that to deal with. It’s a cute little island with cute little goats - what more is there to say?


PLANNING AHEAD TO MOBILE BAY: 

I learned this lesson late so I am adding it here. 

Every marina in Mobile Bay is booked with Loopers on the move, Loopers waiting to move, Loopers who can't move, Local boaters stored for the cooler months, and commercial vessels. There is also a LOT of shoaling so some marinas aren’t available to boats with a deeper draft. You really need to plan ahead of time.


EAST BANK OF MOBILE BAY: Fairhope Docks Marina (shoaling problems); Fly Creek Marina;

WEST BANK OF MOBILE BAY: BeachComber Marina; Dockside Marina Dog River

ANCHORAGE: East of Fort — at 144 EHL Edith Hammock

BOAT NEEDS: West Bank of Mobile Bay: Turner Marine Supply; Dog River Marina Boat Works

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