SUPER LOOP 2009

[flrockytop]

On May 9, 2007, I planed to begin my Super Loop Grand Adventure in a CD-16. Due to a sudden twist of fate that plan was aborted on Feb 17, 2007. Here it is now May 8th 2009. and I’m ready to start again in my CD 22, C-Lover. Actually, I’ve kinda started because I had to get to my beginning point. I decided to add an extra leg to the Loop. I’m adding the entire Gulf Coast ICW leg starting at Brownsville, Texas. It just doesn’t seem right to not start at the US- Mexico border. So it’s really Super Loop Plus.

I left Pensacola April 28. I’ve been 846 miles to get to my starting point. I’m at the very end of the turning basin of the Brownsville Ship Channel. It is GIWW END Mile 682 WHL. (The beginning not the end for me) I thought for sure I’d find a commercial dock at the end that I could tie up to. I was about to give up when I spotted what looked to be a very small boat ramp tucked away at the Western most Point of the turning basin. (25 56.958 N 097 24 115 W) I put the nose of C-Lover in and tied off. I’m going to get the grill out and fix Surf & Turf. Texas Ribeye and fresh Texas Table Shrimp.

As always you can track me on SPOT

[Captains Cat]

Great start, we look forward to your trip. Keep us all posted!

Charlie

[BRAZO]

Have fun -- look forward to reading your posts.

[toyman]

Good on ya Roger. You certainly picked a good time to visit S. Texas - record breaking high temps !

How long do you figure it will take you to complete the "loop" ?

[thataway]

Are you going to do the St. Lawrance SeaWay too? That makes it the "great super loop" I don't know of too many boats which have done the St Lawrance...except some much larger boats. There are also several "short cuts, or long cuts" one can take. If anyone can do it you can. I keep laughing at the 3 legged dog on the moped trip across the US! Good luck on finding a 3 legged alligator!

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Flrockytop,

You're in my neck of the woods, but I'm about 1700 miles away right now. If you are actually in the Port of Brownsville, you are about 15 miles west of the actual start (or end, depending on your orientation) of the GIWW, which starts at the turning basin in Port Isabel. Recreational vessels are not allowed in the Port of Brownsville. Thus, the reason you did not find a dock to tie up to. You may want to contact the Brownsville Harbormaster on 16 (then, you'll be switched to 12). Recreational vessels need permission to enter, and you will then be told "no photography" beyond a certain point. By the time you get just east of the shrimpboat basin, look behind you to the south and you will see the sign saying "No Recreational Vessels".

Heading out of the Brownsville Ship Channel, you will come to "the Y"; there is a short channel there (Port Isabel Channel on your charts) that will lead you to the Port Isabel Turning Basin. Heading out of the turning basin, you will see Long Island on your starboard - that's where I live. The swingbridge connecting Long Island to Port Isabel is contacted on channel 12. If you call them "Port Isabel Swingbridge" (as it used to be marked on old charts), they will NOT respond to you. Call them "Long Island Swingbridge". They open for recreational traffic on the hour during weekdays, anytime on weekends. Even if it's on the hour, you have to call for an opening.

After you pass the swingbridge, there is a port sweeping turn; it's shallow on both sides, so be sure to stay between the markers. Under the causeway and you're on your way to Corpus Christi (140 nm NNE). There are green markers for the starboard side, but the reds are every 5 or 6. Don't let yourself drift to the red side between those markers, 'cause it shallows out pretty quick (where they toss the spoils).

If you are using a Campbells Cruising Guide, it is pretty dated. Things have changed some since the last hurricane season. After Port Isabel, you can get fuel in Port Mansfield (35 nm up the ICW) and then no fuel until just south of the Kennedy Causeway south of Corpus.

You should see plenty of waterfowl along the ICW; the Atascosa Wildlife Refuge borders the Arroyo Colorado. There are fishing cabins along that area; according to Texas law, you can tie off to their dock, but if it is posted "No Trespassing", you're not supposed to go onto the dock. Some are abandoned; some are just pilings since Hurricane Dolly came through.

You'll likely come across barge traffic. I like to give them a call on 16 just to make sure which side to pass. The ICW gets narrow in this area, and with no reds on your port side, you'll want to watch your depth. The bottom is mostly soft mud/sand/muck until you get in the vacinity of the Baffin Bay, where there are some rocky areas just west of the marked channel (where there may not be a lot of red markers).

Hope that helps. Wish we were there to share some local knowledge in person, share some stories, and help you with some dock space.

Have a great time on your trip - we wish you safe travels.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

[flrockytop]

[JamesTXSD]

[SeaSpray]

Hi Roger,

What a trip! I hope you have a great time and I will be following with your spot.

Sounds like Mary Jo is not with you. Are you doing the entire trip in one go and by yourself? Or are you going to do sections and hop-scotch with the tow rig?

Look forward to seeing your posts - maybe a new blog,

Steve

[Walldog]

Well, we just missed you. As with Wild Blue, we also are at the End Of Texas. We live on the "Island" of Port Isabel, across the ICW from Jim. But we have left in our motorhome and are on the way toward Florida to see some C-Dorys and Ranger Tugs up close and personal. We look forward to seeing your posts so we can live your trip with you. Have a great time.

[Doryman]

So, is this a Great Loop trip or ??? I couldn't tell from the chartplotter pix.

After hearing about your coast-to-coast ride on a moped nothing you do surprises me any more! Good luck!

Warren

[flrockytop]

[toyman]

What are you using for internet connection?

[flrockytop]

[JamesTXSD]