Carol Kirwan wrote asking for info re Mobile area marinas for next December yet! Wow, that's planning ahead! Friends of mine 'planned' their loop trip and 'did it' in 4 months! First people I ever heard of even doing the loop. She was a librarian and had that kind of 'organized' mind. Since neither of them was in good health then, both dead now, I guess that's the way they had to do it, but what a shame to be more intent on The Plan than the wonderful experience and the mere fact that you are NOT tied down to a schedule. While it's nice to be as informed as you can be, it seems such a mistake to have a schedule for something that should be the epitome of FREEDOM to roam at will! But then, who am I to tell others how to live their lives? I agree with Skipper Bob, forget making plans for anything south of Demopolis until AFTER the hurricane season! In fact, you may end up leaving your boat there for the winter, like it or not! It's a great place to buy CLEAN fuel since it's where all the tow boats have to refuel and they pump an incredible amount of fuel/month! Dog River Marina, south of Mobile, is in operation now and across the Bay, my favorite, Eastern Shore Marine on Fly Creek in Fairhope is in full operation. Don't try to stop at the public docks at Mobile's convention center as all the tankers and container ships pass by 24/7. There are no facilities there anyhow. If you ask for it at Demopolis, you can get a small chart of the Bay showing compass points for getting into either Dog r. or Fly creek. You can't just cross the spoil banks any old place! There is a new marina on the ICW east of the Bay where the Rt. 59 bridge crosses over to Gulf Shores named Homeport. Right next to LULU's restaurant. Lulu is Jimmy Buffett's sister and it's a fun place to eat. Call me if you opt for the eastern shore, i live a mile from the marina and Bev has my number! Marge Griffith Cinderella Linssen GS 410