Florence, Alabama

Today we traveled 44 miles from Grand Harbor to Florence, Alabama, mostly in the rain. We drove from our lower helm for the first time ever, and it was fine- dry and comfortable. 

Errante with Linda and Robert was a mile or so ahead of us, and When I'm 64 led the way. We pulled into the Florence Harbor around 1:30pm and were warmly welcomed by the owner, Eva, and Linda and Robert on Errante. We parted company with Island Time and Young at Heart, as Steve, Gina Glenn and Brenda headed down the TennTom and we returned to the Tennessee. We traveled with these 2 boats for a month, so it was hard to go our separate  ways. We plan to meet up in Florida this winter, however. 

Shortly after arriving we walked to a nearby hospital so that Mark could donate blood. He has too much iron, and giving blood is the best treatment option. Mark declared this would be a 5-6 block walk, but I was not a bit surprised when it actually turned out to be 2 miles. Hey, we need the exercise. I chose not to donate, thinking that one of us should be at full strength. The ladies at the blood center could not have been more congenial! We all know that Mark can sweet talk just about anyone, but even I was surprised when both of us were presented with 'Bama tshirts and hats! Can't wait to wear it- "I bleed Crimson and White"!! They didn't have any Iowa Hawkeye shirts, although I could have chosen Auburn. 

Eva from the marina picked us up and gave us a tour of Florence. We saw the birthplace of W.C. Handy and the beautiful campus of the University of Northern Alabama, as well as downtown Florence. 

We met with most of the 8 other Looper boats for dock tails- Errante, Summerland, Halcyon, Navigator, Average Looper, When I'm 64, Jet Stream, and TaTa. One of the local guys showed up to fire a small but very loud cannon at sunset. Another memorable day!