The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...

JamesTXSD · Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2013 9:07 am Post subject:

Hi Harvey,

Good to hear from you. Sorry we couldn't make the Sidney gathering - I was playing for the Ranger Tugs gathering in Anacortes at the same time. I followed the posts here - sounds like you all had a good time.

It is always a delight to see the whales. We did some cruising after we left Anacortes... saw some whales on the way north, with a couple excursion boats heading towards them... we went on by. It was a great summer, especially getting that "trifecta" on my last day... a good way to finish the viewing.

Hope you get some beautiful fall weather for boating.

Best wishes,
Jim

hardee · Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 12:09 pm Post subject:

Thanks Jim,

Looking forward to seeing you all back next summer. Be safe and take good care of the boat kitty.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

dotnmarty · Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 1:20 pm Post subject:

Jim- I know how carefully you plan your long journeys while trailering the boat or the 5th wheel trailer. As one who always stops in motels, I was wondering if you use any particular site to find lodging on this trip. Since I don't have a smart phone and because of glaucoma I limit my night driving. I used to stop in a McDonalds about 3pm and with my laptop search for a room primarily using the AAA travel site. Anyway, have a safe comfortable trip. I Look forward to seeing you next year.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 11:22 pm Post subject:

Hi Marty,

We travel without hauling much like we do when hauling: watch the weather and a couple hours before we're ready to be down for the day, look for options. Joan used Google on her iPhone to see what local info was available along the way... pick a town, check out the lodging. If there were a couple options she liked, we planned to make that a stop. Knowing we were spending a night and not moving in, we looked for mid-range places. We drove by one and both said, "Not a chance," and laughed. Other than specific destinations, we don't sweat the enroute places. Internet access gives us quick reference for motels and reviews... and the important stuff, like: do they allow pets?

We keep our route options open, too. The most direct route to our daughter's place would have been through Page. The fastest route was through Vegas. We didn't decide that portion until that morning.

When hauling the boat or RV, we use AllStays or Passport America apps. Joan is very proficient with her iPhone, I am usually driving. We swap occasionally, but she is a more efficient navigator... if I get on the internet while she's driving, I'll just likely spend time here. Very Happy

We also use apps like Next Exit or similar to see what's ahead on the road (meals, rest areas, etc). We have a paper copy of that book, but it is several years old. Staying flexible works for us. I'd rather not be traveling in the dark, either - it limits options.

Hope you're staying warm and dry! Not sure what next summer looks like for us, but assuming the PNW, we'll look forward to seeing you.

Best wishes,
Jim

JamesTXSD · Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 4:46 pm Post subject:

A "Chamber of Commerce Day" in the Tropical Tip. Yep, I miss the boat, but still enjoyed some time on the water today...

http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2013/10/ok-so-i-was-wrong.html

And, for my buddy, Pat...

I guess there are some fricky-dickie dolphin photo opportunities to be had.
Wink

Best wishes,
Jim

JamesTXSD · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 5:10 pm Post subject:

Wass SUP?

Been a while since I've posted any updates here. We spent the last couple months in the desert southwest (RV), now back in the Tropical Tip. Wild Blue is 2,800 miles away still, but Joan ordered something for water playing...

http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2014/04/paddleboarding-what-workout.html

Best wishes,
Jim

dotnmarty · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 8:29 pm Post subject:

Hey welcome back, I missed you. I thought you, Homeland, and Mad Men were on hiatus.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 8:48 pm Post subject:

Hey Jim-

How many horsepower does the main power plant on that thing have?

Do they sometimes have twins?

How about a get-home kicker?

Does your Sea-Tow insurance policy cover this new addition?

( Also, I know a life insurance agent if Joan is interested.)

Give 'em your stand-up routine as long as you can!

Joe. Teeth

colobear · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 9:00 pm Post subject:

So Jim, How long before Joan will let you put it in a kiddy pool, and how long after that before she lets you get both feet on the board?? Twisted Evil

JamesTXSD · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 10:44 pm Post subject:

Regarding some of the questions...

Power: less than 1 horse power. I have no doubt that some of you have already decided which part of the horse. Twisted Evil

The only kicker will be me... possibly a screamer, too. Sea Tow? I plan to be in water no deeper than my chin, and easy access to land. Life insurance? I don't want to be worth more dead than alive.

Stand-up routine - that's funny, I don't care who ya are!

Kiddie pool? Where we live isn't a 55+ community, but it's kinda defacto. Both feet is the plan, right off the bat... none of that fancy one-foot stuff stuff... well, assuming I am able to get upright on it. I'll let you know.

On the bright side: the water is a LOT warmer here than the PNW! Cool

Best wishes,
Jim

Hunkydory · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 11:17 pm Post subject:

Jim, last fall at lake Powell, Donna of Secret of Life, let me try out her board. For sure, fore sure, Keith & her make it look so easy. I found myself in the water with a bleeding big toe very quickly following stepping aboard, though I did mange to paddle it around very shakily for a short there after. From watching Keith & Donna having good times on their boards it appears they'er lots of fun once your past the learning curve. I hope that part goes quickly for you. Fast or slow, I think you have already & will continue to make a good tale of it well worth the reading.

Jay

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 2:20 pm Post subject:

Update.

A break in the wind (not to be confused with...) -

http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2014/04/baby-steps.html

I think this has some fun potential! Cool

Best wishes,
Jim

potter water · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 2:23 pm Post subject:

I'm thinking I'd call it a "kneeling pr lying on paddle board" if I was on such a thing!

JamesTXSD · Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 10:34 pm Post subject:

Back to the boat...

2,700 miles from south Texas to Anacortes...

http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2014/05/made-it.html

We have a few days of prep work to do on the boat (fresh bottom paint, engine service), so we won't make it to the Friday Harbor gathering. Have fun in Friday Harbor, C-Brat buddies!

Best wishes,
Jim

chromer · Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 10:56 pm Post subject:

Jim,

Two things after reading todays blog.
Why not catch the ferry to the gathering?
Fill out employment app THIS YEAR for http://www.sanjuanvineyards.com

Can the cat bodycheck a dog? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6FvHif8l0w