Lock, Stock and NOT

"Big wheel keep on turnin'
proud Mary keep on burnin'
and we're rollin', rollin',
rollin' down the river."
                                            Tina Turner - "Proud Mary"

On his continued journeys through Alabama, NOT decided to take time to visit the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway, a 234 mile, man-made system of locks and canals connecting the Tennessee River to the north with the Tombigbee River (and access to the Gulf of Mexico) to the south. While NOT agrees with his friend Russ that this is an environmental nightmare, some 16 states have benefited from the billion dollar project. 

The Tom Bevill Visitors Center greets all those who travel to the Tom Bevill Lock & Dam, and NOT struck a pose with J.J. on the porch of this lovely southern home turned welcome station. 

Inside the center, visitors are treated to maps of the waterway, a history of the project, and a diorama of native Alabama wildlife. NOT decided to take part in the natural setting, though he was uneasy sitting so close to the unfortunate grouse. 

Docked at the lock is the MV. Montgomery, a retired paddle wheel work boat. NOT wondered what it was like on the old ship, knowing how hard he would have to paddle to do what it did. 

After a hard day of sightseeing, NOT retired to Russ's apartment, and in festive spirit donned his very own cheesehead for this rare photo opportunity. 

Photos and Text courtesy of Russ Minton

Last Updated December 2001