Day 136: Pickensville Lake Recreation Area: Alabama
Day 136: December 1: We got UW and cruised for about 10 NM in 1 1/2 hours along Aliceville Lake, a reservoir located in Pickens County, AL. Alabama locals often call it Pickensville Lake. It is impounded by the Tom Bevill Lock and Dam, located one mile southwest of Pickensville and 50 miles west of Tuscaloosa on the Mississippi/Alabama state line (one-third of the lake is located in MS). The dam and reservoir are one of four lock and dam structures situated on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
We had been told to look out for a couple of "fun" landmarks along the banks; a telephone booth in the middle of nowhere and a large rooster propped up near the edge of the river. Being a Twilight Zone fan, I imagined an episode with a telephone booth, not connected to anything, yet able to receive eerie messages from something or somewhere unknown. Rod Serling would have loved it. As far as the rooster goes, perhaps he acts as a guard dog.
The scenery has certainly changed over this narrow stretch of the Tombigbee; not many houses, lots of fallen trees, erosion along the edge, muted colors and not much wildlife. I think the prettiest aspect is the many inlets; they sure are inviting, beckoning boaters to enter. However, the wise captain knows better, wary of what might be hidden underneath the still water. There's a reason these are not recommended anchorages on Navionics or Waterway Guide.
We zigzagged between Alabama and Mississippi for 3 miles beginning at Mile 313.5 before entering Alabama for good at mile 310.8 and arriving at Pickensvill Recreation Area boat ramp. We entered the anchorage, cruising slowly past the boat ramp on the south shore. We traveled deeper into the large body of water, on the lookout for deadheads or submerged stumps. Plenty of depth, a little too much in spots; the anchor did not grab the first time but the second time was successful in about 15 to 20 feet.
We read that the lake is best known for its largemouth bass and crappie fishing. There were lots of pelicans flying around so we figured they must be finding something to eat. John trolled around for awhile and I cast my line from the boat but we didn't even get a nibble.
Later in the day another Looper (Sea Gem) arrived. I watched while they rode around the lake, trying to find a good spot; I'm sure they were having a bit of trouble given how much the depths change; one minute you are in 30 feet, the next 15. We had seen Sea Gem at Bay Springs Lake where 6 Looper boats were anchored. They locked through the Jamie Whitten Lock with us on November 25th and we have noticed them here and there but haven't had a chance to meet them.
Mona and Frank on Summer Fling traveled from Dewayne Hayes anchorage in Columbus, MS to meet up with us here in Pickensville. It was fun watching their travels on NEBO; easy to see they would be arriving at around 3:00. Sure enough we saw them approaching right at that time; rather than attempt to anchor, they rafted to us. It was great to see them!
We took the dinghy to shore to check out the camp area and to throw a bag of garbage into an available trash can. As we approached the small dock to tie up, Darin and Susan from Sea Gem were just leaving the park on their dinghy. We had planned on riding over to their boat to meet them and exchange cards so the timing was perfect. As Loopers do, we chatted for quite some time, sharing stories about our travels. From Washington, they had started their voyage in 2022 but had to stop for awhile; they are now in the process of completing it.
Dinner was chili and rice on Summer Fling!
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