ICW TEXAS COAST SHREVEPORT, LA TO BROWNSVILLE, TX

B

Bill and Brenda Russell

New member
DATE: MARCH 2008


DAY 1 LAUNCH AT TEAGUE PARKWAY PUBLIC LAUNCH RAMP SOUTH IN SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER, LA. THE FIRST DAY WILL BE A SHORT CRUISE DOWN THE RED RIVER TO A HIGH BANK SANDBAR FOR AN OVER NIGHT.

DAY 2 DOWN TO COFAX, LA FOR ANOTHER OVER NIGHT STAY AT THEIR VERY MODERN DOCK AND FACILITIES.

THE CRUISE TO THE ICW AT MORGAN CITY COULD TAKE FOUR DAYS AND TO COMPLETE THE ADVENTURE TO BROWNSVILLE, TX MAY TAKE A TOTAL OF THREE WEEKS.

THE RED AND ATCHAFALAYA HAS NO FUEL ON THE WATER SO THE 5 GALLON CAN WILL BE USED TO TRANSPORT FUEL AT ALEXANDRIA AND MELVILLE, LA ON THE WAY TO RIO FUEL DOCK, MORGAN CITY, LA NEAR THE ICW. MARINE FACILITIES ALONG THE ICW HAS BEEN CONVENIENT ON OTHER CRUISES, KEY WEST, GULF COAST GATHERING, AND THE MISSISSIPPI.


OUR SON WILL BE POSTING ON THE C-DORY SITE WITH LOCATIONS LISTED DAILY IF ANOTHER BOAT WANTS TO JOIN THE CRUISE ALONG THE WAY. JUST POST A MESSAGE THAT WILL BE RELAYED BY CELL PHONE SO THAT CONTACT CAN BE MADE.



BILL AND BRENDA RUSSELL 870-904-0708 BRENDA'S CELL
 
It will be interesting to see how you enjoy this run. We have done it a couple of times in diesesl powered boats to and from Clear Lake--only picking up fuel at Moragan City. There are some stretches without many marinas--just pull off to the side of the channel when you anchor, because of the oil rig crew boats going out in the middle of the night.

Also don't miss Avery Island--The Tobasco plant tour. It is about 4 to 5 miles off the ICW, but worth the trip.

Have fun!
 
Hi Bill and Brenda,

That's a great trip. In November I pushed a 110' crane barge for Pensacola to Brownsville. At 6mph it took 9 days. There is some great scenery at spots along the way. This would be a good time to go. Do you have any exact dates. My wife and I have been trying to conjure up a trip with the RV and c-lover. So, might hook up with you for a couple of days.

Roger and Mary Jo
 
Looking at the charts that might be a great trip for us. My wife is from Franklin, La . We could hook up with you in Morgan City and go as far as the Charention Canal (icw mm 123). Then we could go north and pick Bayou Teche. Then go down the Teche stopping in Franklin and end up back in Morgan City.

Roger and Mary Jo
 
Hi Bill & Brenda
That sounds like a great cruise would like to join yall, but we are in Fort Myers Beach Fl. till the end of March.
We will be looking for you Post on the Cruise.
Jim & Sandy Jessup
 
DATE: MARCH 2008

THE DATE IS STILL ON HOLD BECAUSE WE ARE HOPING THAT AHOTHER BOAT WILL JOIN OUR ADVENTURE WHEN WE LAUNCH AT SHREVEPORT. ANOTHER THING IS THE FLOW RATE OF THE RED RIVER AT SHREVEPORT IS NOW 53,000 CFS (DANGERIOUS) SO WE ARE HOPING FOR A SLOWER RATE BEFORE LAUNCHING.

OUR GRANDSON CAME OVER AND SHOWED THIS OLD MAN HOW TO INSERT A PICTURE. THE ARKANSAS RIVER AT LITTLE ROCK, AR. IS IN THE BACKGROUND.

BILL AND BRENDA RUSSELL 870-904-0708 BRENDA'S CELL
 
Cathy and I are hoping to either launch with you two or catch up some where along the way. At this point I still can't drive or even move around much without some pain. I was told to day by a friend that they always do big cuts when they do surgery on the lungs or kidneys. I'm not sure if that is always true but this dude gave me about a 12" long smiley face cut. I'll keep you updated on my progress but for now I'd have to say I'm very disappointed and don't know when I can come out to play. :roll:
 
We are at the far end of your proposed trip, in Port Isabel; the ICW actually ends here (at a turning basin near our home), not at Brownsville. No pleasure craft are allowed in the Port of Brownsville. Let us know when you firm up some dates... we can provide local information or perhaps meet up with you.

Good luck with the plans - keep us posted.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Hey Bill, what's up with Jim? I thought we were all staying at his house and he was grilling steaks. :lol: Then we would all get portraits made of our boats with the moon in the back ground. :moon
 
Jeff Brigner":2ch8zird said:
Hey Bill, what's up with Jim? I thought we were all staying at his house and he was grilling steaks. :lol: Then we would all get portraits made of our boats with the moon in the back ground. :moon
Click to expand...

OK, I didn't want to invite myself. :wink: I could come up with a couple dock spaces near ours. The house is small (as in one bedroom), but we did manage to sleep 6 in there when Brent and Dixie (and her sister and brother-in-law) came to visit. I'd love to grill steaks... Joan doesn't let me eat as much red meat as I'd like these days. And portraits? Well, I can sure shoot some images, but you'll have to add your own moon. I'm retired from that biz. 8)

There is a better than even chance that we are going to be out of the state in late March into April, so keep me posted.

Best wishes,
Jim

At the end of the ICW, where it's going to be 86º today. But, a cold front is coming in tomorrow and Wednesday... dropping the daytime high all the way down to 70º or so. :hot
 
Hello Benda &Bill. Capt Jim here. I work in New Iberia, La. near the Port of Iberia.The Port is just off the ICW and has a public landing. Let me know if I can be of help in any way. Phone is 337-364-7141.
Good Luck!
 
DATE: Holding

Capt. Jim Cajun Dory
The Red River is just below flood stage flowing at a rate of 50,000 to 40,000 fps at Shreveport, and no improvement considering the recent heavy rains which presents a risky down river cruise. I am good to go but Brenda thinks it is dangerous.
We want to tow our C-Dory down to the ICW if we could find a marina or a place to store our tow vehicle and trailer. Capt. Jim do you have local information?

Jeff and Kathy, C-Pearl
Brenda and I were looking forward to cruising with you however I understand from experience that recovery from surgery is unpredictable and boating together will need to be another day. Possibly we can join Byrdman on one of his adventures this spring in Alabama or Tennessee.


Bill and Brenda Russell 870-904-0708 Brenda's Cell
 
For those of you who would like a few 'armchair' glimspes of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, you might want to click on:

http://www.geocities.com/bill_fiero/

Scroll down to our Chapter 6, The Gulf Coast, and you can read a few tales and see some pictures of Intracoastal tales. We have made the trip, down and back, and it is a great adventure. Good luck, Bill and Brenda -- we'll be following your posts.
 
DATE: Holding

Bill and Ell ----"Halcyon"
Thanks, this is very good information for new comers to this boating experience and I have printed the Texas, Louisiana sections to take with us on our ICW Texas adventure. I admire your ability to depict your adventures using the language of an old salt.

I read your "Cruising America - Halcyon Days" before I purchased "Falcon" and it was one of the guiding factors for choosing a C-Dory, if you have one then it must surly be a wise choice. A wise choice it has been with no problems.


Bill and Brenda Russell 870-904-0708 Brenda's Cell
 
Bill and Brenda -
Thanks for the kind words -- sure glad it has been the right choice for you two -- have a great trip -- we'd love to be 'in tandem' with you folks.
 
Bill and Brenda,

It was great meeting you in Seattle for the boat show. I am glued to this site looking forward to your adventures. Fair winds and low waves to a wonderful couple.

AKjack
 
Bill and Brenda,
Port of Iberia has a backdown ramp with public parking but I would not leave my vehicle there. Perhaps I could find secure parking and shuttle you to your boat and back. PM if you are interested.
 
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