The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...

Bear Jam, Moonset, and Cantori...

We are watching Hurricane Alex from 2,000 miles away... the Weather Channel, Weather Underground, and Crown Weather. One has to step away, and a drive through the park is a good way.

Here's the details: http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2010/06/st ... ntori.html

And a preview...

MoonOverMoranE.jpg

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Something today made me think of your son-in-law and Captain Jim, etc. Wondering what happened with the comic strip, his career, etc?

Warren
 
Doryman":2nkgl7e3 said:
Something today made me think of your son-in-law and Captain Jim, etc. Wondering what happened with the comic strip, his career, etc?

Warren
Click to expand...

Hi Warren,

Dan (our son-in-law) is plenty busy with his teaching career and doing graphic artist work. He has been designing sports logos, business logos, and has recently started work on illustrating a children's book. The Captain Jim comic strip is on hold because Dan has a lot of other stuff going. No idea if or when it may be resurrected.

I haven't posted a lot about our experience here (but, we're enjoying it :D ) , 'cause I figure it's not really C-Dory related. Although, we did get a visit today from Dr. Bob, Marie, their daughter and grandkids. They're having a good RV vacation... and it was a delight to see them. The time was short, but Joan and I were pleased that they took the time to come by the marina on their way through.

The summer is going by fast.

Best wishes,
Jim
 
JamesTXSD":2bth4v2w said:
I haven't posted a lot about our experience here (but, we're enjoying it :D ) , 'cause I figure it's not really C-Dory related.
Click to expand...

IMHO, it is C-Dory-Owner-related, and thus all grist for the mill! So, post away! We want to hear what you are up to...

Warren
 
Doryman":26jw98kh said:
JamesTXSD":26jw98kh said:
I haven't posted a lot about our experience here (but, we're enjoying it :D ) , 'cause I figure it's not really C-Dory related.
Click to expand...

IMHO, it is C-Dory-Owner-related, and thus all grist for the mill! So, post away! We want to hear what you are up to...

Warren
Click to expand...

Ditto...Ditto
 
Jim said:
"..........The summer is going by fast."

Jim, I just learned that her in the great PNW our summer doesn't really start until after July 4th, but we are getting there. Predictions for Seattle and area, =75 to 85 for the next l0 days. Chance to warm up for a while, and maybe my grass will quit growing with all the heat.

Good to hear you survived the bear mace. That stuff is potent. Sounds like you handled that one well. Your passengers were in good hands.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Hi Harvey,

When your summer DOES come, it is spectacular!

Summer here in the Tetons is pretty amazing, as well. It's cool and crisp in the morning, shirt-sleeve weather by noon.

When we first went out to the PNW, I was very impressed with the amount and size of the recreational boating. You have an endless array of incredible cruising waters. By contrast, this lake is small, but the boaters here are a pretty active bunch with some very nice boats. Still, a 38 foot trawler on a 16 mile by 8 mile lake seems like a bit of overkill... but, there are a lot of folks here who use their boats as their "cabin on the lake." And what a view when you wake up in the morning and step out in the cockpit.

Heck, I just enjoy boats, boat people, and interesting places. This is less about a job and more about a summer adventure. When September rolls around, I'm sure I'll be ready to move on... but that's more about my itchy feet than feeling like I'm tied to a schedule.

Hard to believe it's been three years since we were in the PNW, Harvey. Every time the photos come up on our digital frame, it brings back the great memories we have of cruising in your home waters. Post some photos and stories - it's always a treat to read.

Best wishes,
Jim
 
Jim,

Thanks for the kind words about our PNW waters. I do love it here for that. I have lived in the high country and do appreciate the cool nights and sunny warm days. I worked l2 years, just south of you in Logan, UT, and loved it there. Close to your parks and beautiful scenery. Even sailed on Bear Lake, but the view is not the same as where you are, or here. But it was water under the keel.

Enjoy your vacation from your va........ oh, I think we went there once already. Take care and thanks for sharing Jim.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
After several days off, I was anxious to get back on the boat today. I did take a motorcycle run up to Yellowstone yesterday... I have to say the roads in the Tetons are more scenic. 8)

Coming off an afternoon cruise today, I got a call on the radio from my manager - "We've had a fuel spill; I need you to come to A dock right away."

I should clarify things: we did not have a spill; someone launched a boat at the ramp and must have had their tank too full. The slope allowed fuel to spill out their vent. Of course, they didn't tell anyone and got out of there right away... leaving us to deal with it.

We've trained for this and went right into action. We put crew out on boats and kayaks to move booms to contain the spill. It all worked just like it's supposed to, and by the time the Park Service folks got there, we had the situation well under control.

That took a good deal of the afternoon for much of our crew. Other than that, it was a beautiful day in the Tetons. Nice folks on the boats; great weather.

The marina manager asked me if we'd consider staying longer than we originally contracted, to help close down the marina in the fall. Joan and I didn't have to talk long to agree to it. So, we'll be here well into September.

There is a pride amongst the marina folks and a real spirit of comradery. The work can be demanding, but we are having a good summer season.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Willie and I were wandering around in Grand Teton National Park and look who we ran across. We got the nickel tour. Looks like they are having a blast. I have a great shot of his office which I will post later.
Day%2019%20144.jpg
 
What a nice evening! Herb and Wilma came over for drinks, snacks, and lively conversation. We really enjoy these two.

I felt bad when they stopped by the marina today... it was my "blue shirt" day, which means I am "Mr. Mechanic." I had barely shown Herb and Wilma around the marina, the boats, and the shop, when one of the dock hands came to me and asked if I could fix the pump out. Poop waits for no one. :roll: So, I had to excuse myself and go deal with a crappy situation. :wink: It took me about 15 minutes to isolate the problem with the pump at the big ol' holding tank and get it fixed. Pretty sure Herb and Wilma thought I'd be covered with poop by the time I was done, so they got out of there! :mrgreen: I didn't even need those rubber gloves I put on.

And that was my day today: dealing with a few fix-it things on the cruise boats, wiring one of our fishing boats for downriggers, the pump out situation, a bilge pump on another fishing boat, dealing with a nest of critters in the shop... ah, yes, the fast paced, fun filled life of a seasonal boat captain. 8) And it totally doesn't suck.

Tomorrow, Herb and Wilma will be going on our breakfast cruise. They'll get to see my "real" office and a view at a "white shirt" day... and one of the prettiest views in Grand Teton National Park.

While we've made lots of new friends here, it was really nice to see our friends from home.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Sunday, July 18th... You say it's your birthday... :note :note

HerbWilmaE.jpg

It was a long working day today. But, a truly beautiful day: sunny, a bit of breeze, a few puffy white clouds, almost no humidity, and a high around 80º. Our friends, Herb and Wilma, from Port Isabel, were on the breakfast cruise this morning - a real treat. My first mates had the passengers on the rest of the cruises today sing "Happy Birthday" to me. When I got off the boat after my last cruise this evening, one of the guys on the dock greeted me with a cake. Everyone on the marina staff signed a card that one of the girls made... "Happy 106th Birthday, Jim!" I'm sure I look that age to a couple of my young first mates.

While it's only the second time in the past twenty years or so that I had to work on my birthday, it was a darn nice day. We did "birthday stuff" on Thursday (day off), since we knew we'd be working: a float trip on the Snake River, some motorcycling, and a very nice meal at the Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge (fancy-eatin' food with ritzy service).

After putting in a 13 hour day today, I'm going to have a piece of cake and go to bed.

I appreciate the nice birthday greetings.
 
Jim,

Nobody, but maybe one of those young whipersnappers, would believe you are l06. :wink

Cheers,

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Don't look a day over 90!! :mrgreen:

Charlie
 
hardee":2r200isf said:
Jim,

Nobody, but maybe one of those young whipersnappers, would believe you are l06. :wink

Cheers,

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Click to expand...

Harvey, you do know the definition of "old", don't you? It is 15 years older than whatever age you are right now. When you're 10, 25 sounds really old. When you're 25, 40 is old. When you're 40, 55 seems mighty far into the future. When you're 55, 70 seems old but not so far away. Etc. My dear ol' Mother is 89. I've encouraged her to try out the Senior Center where she lives... "I would, but it's just a bunch of old people." :mrgreen:

The two first mates that wind up on my boat most frequently are in their 20s. I have socks older than those kids. By the end of a 13 hour day, everyone's butt is dragging, but I never let it show... "Come on, youngin's, perk up! One more cruise to go - there are NO BAD DAYS on this boat!" :D The difference is: when we're done, they go out to party, I go home and crawl into bed. :wink:

Best wishes,
Jim
 
Wrapping up the work week...

And a surprise visit from our friends Leonard and Doris, from Port Isabel! They are our neighbors there, and Ranger Tug owners. The same ones who were spotted in Moab a while back. There are no transient slips available here, so after a couple nights, they are heading to Yellowstone. What a treat to get to see them!

The details: http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2010/07/en ... -week.html

And, a preview...

LeonardDorisE.jpg

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Well, when we all get back to Port Isabel, we will have to have a block party. Willie and I look forward to meeting Leonard and Doris. Sorry we missed you in Moab. See yall in Port Isabel in October or so.
 
Wednesday, July 21st. The only town we've seen since coming to the Tetons is Jackson, Wyoming. It is close (40 minutes or so, depending on traffic), has decent restaurants, and two good grocery stores. A person could go all season and get almost everything you need in Jackson. But, there is no Carino's Italian restaurant... it's one of our favorites when we're home, and I've been missing it. So, we planned a trip to the big city of Idaho Falls... with a Wal-Mart, a Sam's Club, a Best Buy, AND a Carino's.

Plugging all those into the GPS, it not only told us where, but gave us the most efficient routing and order. Heading to Idaho Falls, we took the road over Teton Pass... beautiful views of the valley, and a 10% grade up and down! Glad we weren't towing the 5th wheel and cargo trailer over this pass.

Lunch at Carino's was as satisfying as I had hoped. The food was excellent, our waiter had a good sense of humor. We had received an e-mail certificate for my birthday for a free dessert... what's not to like? Wally World and Sam's had all the toiletries and supplies we needed, and Best Buy took care of my iPad search.

The ride back was via another route, mostly along the Snake River... equally beautiful, not as steep as over Teton Pass. It's a 3 hour drive to the "big city," so this won't be a regular trek... but it was a welcome change of pace and a beautiful drive.

Mother Nature put on a lightning show both over and back. We saw one bolt strike one of the peaks on our way home. We later heard about the helicopter rescue to get climbers off the Grant Teton...

http://www.kpvi.com/story.php?id=23497&n=15206

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
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