Lights from 187 boats sitting in the predawn darkness, waiting for the start of the American Bass Anglers National Invitational Tournament 
Dawn breaks before the start of the Tournament
. . . and there off
Our friends aboard "Falkor" a 36 foot trawler enter the Wilson Lock.
The doors close behind us.
Looking ahead at the front doors holding back Wilson Lake
This is the outflow area for the next lock (Joe Wheeler). Millions upon millions of gallons of water are drained from the lock so we may enter for our lift..
Our morning began EARLY! Pat started getting up and looking out the boat windows at 3:30 a.m. to see what was going on with the boat launching. 187 bass boats were being launched in three waves, and things were really moving along by 5 a.m. SUVs or pick-up trucks were quickly backing trailers with bass boats into the water in record speed. By 5:20 a.m. we were dressed in our warmest clothes and with portable chairs and our cameras in hand we walked to the adjacent park to get a prime spot for the kick-off of the tournament.
When we got to our location we were delighted to make the acquaintance of Jim Bevis, a Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Board Member, who went out of his way to make us comfortable and welcome at this event. He then introduced us to Mayor Bobby Irons and his wife, who also were delighted that we were visiting their city. Mind you, all these conversations were taking place in the dark and prior to dawn. We cannot say enough about the true warmth of these hospitable people.
The formal ceremony began at 6:30 a.m. with a parade of flags representing the United States, Alabama, and various branches of the military being walked in accompanied by the song, "God Bless the U.S.A.". Following this moving song (which brought tears to many eyes), the "Star Spangled Banner" was played and sung.
Picture 187 boats with fisherman standing at attention holding hats or helmets (80% of the participants are retired or active military personnel). Then the president of the organization addressed the group, going over rules and return times. However, because of the "sea smoke" condition again this morning, he would not call the start until he felt conditions were safe.
Finally at 7:23 a.m. he called the very organized start which was called by number. This organization does not play games! Boats were stopped if they did not have proper running lights, etc., and he was the one who released each and every boat. Were we impressed!
We eventually walked back to our boat and called the lock-tender at Wilson Lock about three miles above our marina. He told us not to get to the lock until about 10:30 a.m., since he had a big tug with barge coming through south-bound. Our timing was great, and by the time we arrived, we only had a short wait while the barge passed us and we entered the lock for our 93 foot lift.
That went very smoothly and we traveled 15 more miles to Joe Wheeler Lock, but when we called this lock-tender at 12:45 p.m. he told us that he would not be able to let us enter until 3:30 p.m.! "Falkor" managed to tie off to the wall at the old side of the lock, and we were able to raft up to her.
We remained tied up like this for several hours until a southbound tug with a number of barges passed through, and we were finally notified that we could enter for our 48 foot lift. Luckily, Joe Wheeler State Park Marina was only about 3 miles past the lock, and we entered our slip where "Reflection" will stay for the next month by 4:30 p.m. Our assigned location in front of the lodge was absolutely beautiful, and we were truly happy to be here.
When we got to our location we were delighted to make the acquaintance of Jim Bevis, a Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Board Member, who went out of his way to make us comfortable and welcome at this event. He then introduced us to Mayor Bobby Irons and his wife, who also were delighted that we were visiting their city. Mind you, all these conversations were taking place in the dark and prior to dawn. We cannot say enough about the true warmth of these hospitable people.
The formal ceremony began at 6:30 a.m. with a parade of flags representing the United States, Alabama, and various branches of the military being walked in accompanied by the song, "God Bless the U.S.A.". Following this moving song (which brought tears to many eyes), the "Star Spangled Banner" was played and sung.
Picture 187 boats with fisherman standing at attention holding hats or helmets (80% of the participants are retired or active military personnel). Then the president of the organization addressed the group, going over rules and return times. However, because of the "sea smoke" condition again this morning, he would not call the start until he felt conditions were safe.
Finally at 7:23 a.m. he called the very organized start which was called by number. This organization does not play games! Boats were stopped if they did not have proper running lights, etc., and he was the one who released each and every boat. Were we impressed!
We eventually walked back to our boat and called the lock-tender at Wilson Lock about three miles above our marina. He told us not to get to the lock until about 10:30 a.m., since he had a big tug with barge coming through south-bound. Our timing was great, and by the time we arrived, we only had a short wait while the barge passed us and we entered the lock for our 93 foot lift.
That went very smoothly and we traveled 15 more miles to Joe Wheeler Lock, but when we called this lock-tender at 12:45 p.m. he told us that he would not be able to let us enter until 3:30 p.m.! "Falkor" managed to tie off to the wall at the old side of the lock, and we were able to raft up to her.
We remained tied up like this for several hours until a southbound tug with a number of barges passed through, and we were finally notified that we could enter for our 48 foot lift. Luckily, Joe Wheeler State Park Marina was only about 3 miles past the lock, and we entered our slip where "Reflection" will stay for the next month by 4:30 p.m. Our assigned location in front of the lodge was absolutely beautiful, and we were truly happy to be here.
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