The following is from the CG 8th District (Gulf) NTM 45/11.

The U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary Safety Zone for a portion of the Mobile River. The U. S. Coast Guard COTP Mobile under the
authority of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act is establishing a temporary Safety Zone for a portion of the Mobile River, from Mile 13.0 to Mile
21.0, to include the entire width of the river. This Safety Zone is needed to protect persons and vessels from potential safety hazards associated
with the replacement of the 14-Mile Railroad Bridge pivoting span. This zone will be effective from October 30, 2011 through December 31, 2011.
Exact enforcement dates and times will be broadcasted via a safety broadcast notice to mariners, a minimum of 5-days prior to any restrictions
taking place. During time periods when the Safety Zone is being enforced, all vessels are prohibited from entering the zone unless specifically
authorized by the COTP Mobile or his designated representative. For up-to-date information, mariners can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector
Mobile Waterways Management Branch at (251) 441-5684.

The following is from the CG 8th District (Rivers) LTM 32/11.

Shoaling has been reported between approximate Miles 113.8 and 113.3, RDB, approximately 75 feet off the can buoy line. Depths of 7 to 8 feet have been reported at a flat pool (434.8 MSL 1929). The nun buoy at Mile 113.3 is set in 6.8 feet of water at a flat pool (434.8 MSL 1929). The usable navigation channel in the area is 250 feet. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area.

Ed note: If you’re navigating in this area be alert for tows. This will be a difficult area to pass in given the narrow width of the channel.

The following is from the CG 8th District (Rivers) LNM 32/11.

Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Mile 116.9, Devil’s Elbow, RDB. Depths of 8 feet have been reported at a flat pool (434.8 MSL 1929). The usable navigation channel in the area is 200 feet. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area.

Ed note: If you’re navigating in this area be alert for tows. This will be a difficult area to pass in given the narrow width of the channel.

The following is from the Corps of Engineers Nashville District.

Navigation traffic transiting Wilson Lock may experience delays during daylight hours. Delays are caused by work related to the replacement of wooden fenders on the upper approach wall. Delays are not expected to exceed 2 hours in length. When possible, work will be worked around traffic. Work is expected to continue through December 2011.
The Auxiliary Lock will NOT be available for usage during these delays. Questions regarding this closure should be addressed to the Lockmaster at 256-764-5223

A post back in April of this year reported that a tornado had destroyed Smithville Marina, killing its owner Jesse Cox. This post was partially in error. While Jesse was unfortunately killed, he was at his home at the time the tornado struck. His home was destroyed. The marina was not damaged, is currently operational, and is run by his son.

Ted Stehle, editor
Skipper Bob Publications

5 years ago this morning I had to tell my children that their dad had died. It seems like yesterday but still like forever ago. 5 years ago today I lost the best friend I ever had.

Elaine Reib

Exactly five years ago today, I got out of bed and checked my email and saw
there was one from Skipper Bob. The evening before, I had sent him my
latest batch of updates for the New York Canals book. The email was a
short thank you note from Bob, time-stamped exactly 8 AM that morning. I
could picture Bob sitting at his desk, probably looking forward to doing
some editing on the books that morning.

It turned out sending me that email was the last thing Bob did … and then
he slumped to the floor and died. The email remained on his screen
afterwards.

Bob is a great guy. He wrote the Skipper Bob books to asist the long
distance cruisers, and with the help of his wife Elaine Reib, he did a
mighty fine job.

I first saw a copy of the New York Canals book, on my first visit up here
in 2003. I was amazed how it contained absolutely everything I needed to
know for my cruise, and I got my own copy the first chance I had. Kathy
and I spend many days planning our future trips with the Skipper Bob book
open as the ultimate reference. It wasn’t very wordy, but it was concise
and to the point, the perfect cruiser’s helm reference. I loved the book,
so I contacted Bob and started helping with it.

Since about 2004, I had been sending Bob all kinds of updates and
corrections, so that the book might be correct and complete and benefit
future boaters, as it had done for me. The books are now continued by Ted
Stehle, who continues Bob’s excellent work, and I continue to send Ted
updates for it. Bob is often in my mind as I gather info for the next
updates.

When Bob died, he left a big gap, but I always talk about Bob in the
present tense as he will always be around. He will live on in the memory
of those who knew him, those who worked with him, and his family. Skipper
Bob is out there on the canals and waterways somewhere even now. You may
not see him on your cruises, but he’s out there with you.

Skipper Bob, December 11th, 2006. May he cruise with us forever.

Fred Wehner

As we were entering Pentwater Harbor, Sept. 20, 2011, Michigan on Lake Michigan when we hit bottom. There were 4 to 6 foot waves from the southwest at the time. Our draft is 6 feet. The cruising guide said “well marked and deep channel”

-John Rilett