The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
Jim,
Don't make me walk the plank if I'm wrong, but I'm going to guess fake -- unless you turned the camera, the angle of the eclipse is more like 11/4 o'clock position. Hey, it's still a good fake if it is!
Here's my shots from a very hazy evening after all the rain we had today. Not great definition. Took them at two different speeds.
Don't make me walk the plank if I'm wrong, but I'm going to guess fake -- unless you turned the camera, the angle of the eclipse is more like 11/4 o'clock position. Hey, it's still a good fake if it is!
Here's my shots from a very hazy evening after all the rain we had today. Not great definition. Took them at two different speeds.
Dances with Dolphins... that's my new island boy name. 8)
Had a great day out on the water today... temps in the upper 70s, sunny, blue sky, breezy. And the best part: about a two hour dolphin show on our way home!
And at one point, they were right up next to the boat...
Yeeee-haaaaaa!
Had a great day out on the water today... temps in the upper 70s, sunny, blue sky, breezy. And the best part: about a two hour dolphin show on our way home!
And at one point, they were right up next to the boat...
Yeeee-haaaaaa!
Saturday was the annual owners association meeting on our island... time to vote for new board members and get a "state of the island" report. All the while I was in there, I kept looking out the windows... civic duty aside, the sunshine and comfortable temps (upper 70s) were calling my name.
With the meeting done, we walked back to the house and got Wild Blue ready to head out. Joan decided Molly should go out with us today. As we come and go in our canals, Molly likes to look out the windows...
We cruised out the canal and headed east through the swingbridge. The winds were light and the Laguna was a beautiful blue-green. March 1st is the unofficial start of our Spring Break season here. South Padre Island will see 150,000+ kids over the next few weeks, most of them concentrated during Texas Week (Mar. 7-14, when most Texas schools are on break) and the week after. The music will be pounding, the traffic will be heavy... and it's a good time to be out on the water, where most of the people aren't. :wink: For right now, the excursion boats are showing more youthful figures onboard compared to the last couple months.
We made our way through the jetties, towards the Gulf, looking for dolphins. No joy in this area today, an unusual occurrence. Coming back into the ship channel, we cruised slowly west, just enjoying the ride. As we neared the Y in the channel, we were treated to some dolphins ahead.
And right alongside the boat...
We are not avid bird watchers (don't keep a book/list), but the area is a birder's paradise. We always see egrets, herons, ibis, pelicans, curlews, cormorants, gulls, and various ducks and geese.
You can tell the seasons are changing... the large while pelicans are mostly gone and the flocks of migratory ducks and geese are heading north. Taking their place will be the noisy pink people, whose mating rituals are not as subtle. :wink:
We decided to head in as the sun got low. "Is it really that warm there?" Yeah. Here's proper attire for our sunset cruise...
Joan got sundowners ready on the deck, Molly caught the last rays of the day, and I washed down Wild Blue. A few weeks eary according to the calendar, but spring is here.
Best wishes,
Jim
With the meeting done, we walked back to the house and got Wild Blue ready to head out. Joan decided Molly should go out with us today. As we come and go in our canals, Molly likes to look out the windows...
We cruised out the canal and headed east through the swingbridge. The winds were light and the Laguna was a beautiful blue-green. March 1st is the unofficial start of our Spring Break season here. South Padre Island will see 150,000+ kids over the next few weeks, most of them concentrated during Texas Week (Mar. 7-14, when most Texas schools are on break) and the week after. The music will be pounding, the traffic will be heavy... and it's a good time to be out on the water, where most of the people aren't. :wink: For right now, the excursion boats are showing more youthful figures onboard compared to the last couple months.
We made our way through the jetties, towards the Gulf, looking for dolphins. No joy in this area today, an unusual occurrence. Coming back into the ship channel, we cruised slowly west, just enjoying the ride. As we neared the Y in the channel, we were treated to some dolphins ahead.
And right alongside the boat...
We are not avid bird watchers (don't keep a book/list), but the area is a birder's paradise. We always see egrets, herons, ibis, pelicans, curlews, cormorants, gulls, and various ducks and geese.
You can tell the seasons are changing... the large while pelicans are mostly gone and the flocks of migratory ducks and geese are heading north. Taking their place will be the noisy pink people, whose mating rituals are not as subtle. :wink:
We decided to head in as the sun got low. "Is it really that warm there?" Yeah. Here's proper attire for our sunset cruise...
Joan got sundowners ready on the deck, Molly caught the last rays of the day, and I washed down Wild Blue. A few weeks eary according to the calendar, but spring is here.
Best wishes,
Jim
We've gone out the past few mornings - my favorite time of day. Here's a look as the sun breaks through the morning clouds...
The bay shrimpers are out enforce at this time of day... have to get bait ready for the local shops. It's interesting to see that the pelicans just hang out on the boats, even underway...
Rounding the corner into the Port Isabel Turning Basin, we came across this tug. He's run his load lightly aground intentionally, waiting for another tug to bring his load through the swing bridge just up the waterway.
We waved at the tug captain as we passed and made our way into the ship channel. Coming in from the Gulf was this freighter...
When we were sailors, I believed that powerboats waked us intentionally. Of course, now I know that's not the case... but I'm not so sure about this guy...
They ran by us... then around us... then back across our bow... then up around a sportfisher... then back down the ship channel past us... then a few minutes later, back out the ship channel. 5 or 6 wakes from them in just a couple minutes. Just doing their job. :wink:
Of course, it wouldn't be a Tropical Tip post without some "fricky-dicky" dolphin shots. I debated whether or not to even put these in, but... they make me smile.
These two were playing right off the back of the boat...
All this, and it was still morning; you can see the angle of the sun coming in the cabin windows...
Later coming back to the island we live on...
We are still in the midst of spring break. During this time, we generally avoid heading across the causeway to South Padre Island. Maybe it's the gas prices or the reports of violence just across the border, but the hordes that usually arrive this time of year have been more like hordettes - the crowds are down. Good for those of us who want to get around, but bad for most of the local businesses (tourism and hospitality are the only "industry" on South Padre). No beach shots for you this time, but here's an interesting vehicle...
That big bucks bus has a sign on it for "Good Girls Gone Bad" - apparently bad pays real good. 8)
Back at home, the SunCat sailboat is beside the house, getting a few "spruce-ups" before delivery to her new owner.
It's another beautiful day, we're heading out in a bit on Wild Blue. I love the ides of March. :lol:
Best wishes,
Jim B.
The bay shrimpers are out enforce at this time of day... have to get bait ready for the local shops. It's interesting to see that the pelicans just hang out on the boats, even underway...
Rounding the corner into the Port Isabel Turning Basin, we came across this tug. He's run his load lightly aground intentionally, waiting for another tug to bring his load through the swing bridge just up the waterway.
We waved at the tug captain as we passed and made our way into the ship channel. Coming in from the Gulf was this freighter...
When we were sailors, I believed that powerboats waked us intentionally. Of course, now I know that's not the case... but I'm not so sure about this guy...
They ran by us... then around us... then back across our bow... then up around a sportfisher... then back down the ship channel past us... then a few minutes later, back out the ship channel. 5 or 6 wakes from them in just a couple minutes. Just doing their job. :wink:
Of course, it wouldn't be a Tropical Tip post without some "fricky-dicky" dolphin shots. I debated whether or not to even put these in, but... they make me smile.
These two were playing right off the back of the boat...
All this, and it was still morning; you can see the angle of the sun coming in the cabin windows...
Later coming back to the island we live on...
We are still in the midst of spring break. During this time, we generally avoid heading across the causeway to South Padre Island. Maybe it's the gas prices or the reports of violence just across the border, but the hordes that usually arrive this time of year have been more like hordettes - the crowds are down. Good for those of us who want to get around, but bad for most of the local businesses (tourism and hospitality are the only "industry" on South Padre). No beach shots for you this time, but here's an interesting vehicle...
That big bucks bus has a sign on it for "Good Girls Gone Bad" - apparently bad pays real good. 8)
Back at home, the SunCat sailboat is beside the house, getting a few "spruce-ups" before delivery to her new owner.
It's another beautiful day, we're heading out in a bit on Wild Blue. I love the ides of March. :lol:
Best wishes,
Jim B.
marvin4239
New member
Jim the dolphin shots you get are increditable. We see a lot of dolphins here in NE Florida but they aren't nearly as tame as those in the Gulf appear to be. Rarely do they surface close to the boat.
I would call them more curious than tame. They bow surf the boats and seem to be genuinely interested in what's happening on the "other side" of the water.
For years, it was a running joke on a sailing site where I participate that Joan always got the best dolphin shots. After my whole adult life as a professional photographer, I know timing, lighting and positioning. Just as in professional sports photography, the shooters know when and where to be to capture the peak of the action... I would position the boat to get the best light and position while Joan took the shots. Back then, the delay on the non-pro digitals was painfully slow... we captured plenty of images of "water" (where just a moment ago there had been a dolphin :wink: )
Now, we're just having fun (and take turns at the helm and the cameras).
Best wishes,
Jim
For years, it was a running joke on a sailing site where I participate that Joan always got the best dolphin shots. After my whole adult life as a professional photographer, I know timing, lighting and positioning. Just as in professional sports photography, the shooters know when and where to be to capture the peak of the action... I would position the boat to get the best light and position while Joan took the shots. Back then, the delay on the non-pro digitals was painfully slow... we captured plenty of images of "water" (where just a moment ago there had been a dolphin :wink: )
Now, we're just having fun (and take turns at the helm and the cameras).
Best wishes,
Jim
El and Bill
New member
Great pictures, Jim and we sure have enjoyed looking at them. Do you have any summer cruising plans yet? The fuel costs (both towing) and on the water are a factor for us (and many others, this year) so wondering what you are considering.
Pat Anderson
New member
I know about the camera delay! I had a painfully slow digital camera for which I paid a hefty price before I got my Konica/Minolta Z3 (had a Z1 but I carelessly let it fall on the cabin sole, end of camera), I think there is a thread about the delay phenomenon somewhere a few years ago, most of my whale pix were pictures of holes in the water where whales used to be...
Pat Anderson":om7kl5r8 said:
Last year before heading out for the summer, we bought a Canon S3 to replace our aging Fuji. It's what I consider a point and shoot, but does have a 12x zoom with image stabilization. Very little delay. We also have a Nikon DSLR that I rarely take out - just too much weight to cart around for most circumstances.
Best wishes,
Jim
El and Bill":16xb88lu said:
Hi Bill and El,
Well, we've been holding off talking about this, but since you asked... Joan and I are going back to work this summer! Now, before you get any ideas about us giving up our boating, allow me to explain:
Last summer when we were in Yellowstone, I got to visiting with the lady who manages the marina. During the course of one of our conversations, she asked if I'd like a job there. I chuckled and said that we had only been retired a little over a year and hadn't done enough of that retired stuff to be tired of it, yet. :wink:
Well, Joan and I talked about how much fun it would be to spend an entire season in Yellowstone... years before we retired, we discussed volunteering in some of the National Parks while RVing (this was well before our C-Dory addiction). We left Yellowstone in July, heading for the PNW, but I made a note to check further into their jobs program.
After the first of the year, we applied for very specific jobs there. Sent letters of recommendation. After several weeks, a phone interview, background checks, and more waiting, we have just received our contracts! Assuming everything goes as contracted, I am going to be a captain on the Lake Queen, a 40 passenger excursion boat. Joan is going to work in the marina office. We will have three days a week off to explore the park. Not sure if we will take Wild Blue or an RV - still in the decision stage for that.
So, for 4 months, we are going to get paid to go to camp!
I will get to drive a boat all day, with someone else buying the gas. Joan will be helping marina customers with slips, boat rentals, and tickets for the excursion boat. We are supposed to be working the same days, so we should even get lunch together. There are some nice employee discounts/programs in the park. At this point, we are very excited! (Both about the jobs and the time off there to explore.) I mentioned a while back that we have been taking turns with "what do you want to do next?" Joan wanted to spend some time around home this winter, and it has been a truly lovely season here. Working in Yellowstone was "my turn." Itchy feet and looking for a new experience. I'll post tales of our experience there, if anyone is interested.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Wild Blue in the Yellowstone Marina last summer...
and one of my favorite views in the park...
PS - And if this all works out, Joan will no longer be able to call me "hard core unemployable." 8)
A
Anonymous
Guest
Amazing still can"t believe om clickin on pg. 52. All i can say is thanks for the great stories & pics. cant tell you how much they helped with the winter blues. when your travels decide to take you up north (lower hudson river area) i INSIST on buying you guys dinner & drinks ! , mabey pick your brains with a few questions for a while . thanks again for takin time to share some awsome stories . best of luck where ever the prop pushes you & keep em comming ......... john
Hi Jim,
I think that will be a great way to spend the summer! I think you will make a great tour captain. Did you need to get the license to be the captain for the Yellowstone Queen?
I have seen similar jobs posted for the San Jaun Island area and for a whale watch captain you must have the license.
We have been to Yellowstone once and only for a day. Sure would like to visit again.
Steve
I think that will be a great way to spend the summer! I think you will make a great tour captain. Did you need to get the license to be the captain for the Yellowstone Queen?
I have seen similar jobs posted for the San Jaun Island area and for a whale watch captain you must have the license.
We have been to Yellowstone once and only for a day. Sure would like to visit again.
Steve
seabran":3s4syf0p said:
Hi Steve,
Yes, a 50 Ton Master license is required for this position (the boat is documented as 34 ton). I have had a captains license for 5 years, and was due to renew this year. I upgraded the license with this in mind. Any situation where you are carrying passengers for hire requires a license.
We have been to Yellowstone many times over the years. I am still awe-struck at the variety of Nature's wonders to be found in that park. Here's an interesting quote about the park...
"The park is 63 miles (102 km) north to south, and 54 miles (87 km) west to east by air. At 2,219,789 acres (3,468.420 sq mi), Yellowstone is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Rivers and lakes cover 5% of the land area, with the largest water body being Yellowstone Lake at 87,040 acres (136.00 sq mi). Yellowstone Lake is up to 400 feet (122 m) deep and has 110 miles (177 km) of shoreline. Sitting at an elevation of 7,733 feet (2,357 m) above sea level, Yellowstone Lake is the largest high altitude lake in North America."
When I asked if I would need to memorize these facts for the tour, I was told there would be a naturalist to do the talking, that my job would be the operation of the boat and the safety of the passengers. And there will be two dock hands. And a mechanic. I'm pretty excited about a dock hand who won't try to second guess the captain. :wink:
Best wishes,
Jim
So, I presume we'll get the family discount when we get up there. Right?
Have a great time. I've spent quite a bit of time there and it is wonderful. Though to really experience Yellowstone, you need to do it in the deep winter, snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing around those geysers is really neat and the firehole river in winter has very photogenic clouds rising all the time. Ohhh...wait there's Snow and Ice then...Nahh just do it in the summer. We'll be waiting for pictures of the famous Yellowstone Lake dolphins.
Have a great time. I've spent quite a bit of time there and it is wonderful. Though to really experience Yellowstone, you need to do it in the deep winter, snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing around those geysers is really neat and the firehole river in winter has very photogenic clouds rising all the time. Ohhh...wait there's Snow and Ice then...Nahh just do it in the summer. We'll be waiting for pictures of the famous Yellowstone Lake dolphins.
Pat Anderson
New member
Uh, that would be the "frickie-dickie" Yellowstone dolphins...probably will look suspiciously like Yogi and Boo Boo!
colobear":q2thpmwz said:
El and Bill
New member
Good on ya, guys -- what a great way to spend the summer. Looks like we'll have to plan another trip up to Yellowstone this summer. Seems like an ideal 'job' for the two of you, and lots of free time together to share Yellowstone -- marvelous! We look forward to hearing about your experiences.