We left Midway Marina around 8:30 am - 52 degrees and light breeze - sunny. Walked the docks enjoying the beautiful morning while having our cup of coffee. Our first lock of the day was Rankin Lock - Rick called ahead and the lockmaster said we needed to hurry because they where holding the lock open for a priority boat. Hurry is not something we can do - anyway we managed to get to the lock before the priority boat and ended up sitting and waiting for them for 20 minutes. No wait at Montgomery Lock and couldn't believe it but no wait at the Jamie Whitten Lock either (85 foot lift). Our plan was to make an anchorage at Bay Springs Lake and by golly we made it!

Montgomery Lock & Dam @ Fulton, MS

This is what we have to tie up to - to be raised/lowered in the locks - they are called bollards. This just happens to be a nice clean one (most are not).

When you approach the 85 foot Jamie Whitten Lock from downstream, it is a most imposing structure.

It get's pretty dark in here when the big door closes.

Turned out to be a nice smooth ride. Each Whitten Lock cycle involves the transfer of more than 46 million gallons of water. It is amazing how fast they fill it.

Bay Springs Lake is so noteworthy it should be considered a cruise destination in itself. The water is a clear green and the shores are high and forested.

Broulee at Anchor in one of the well protected coves at Bay Springs Lake