The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
Big Bad Ben
New member
Be prepared for:
July snow
August snow
September snow
and October (the beginning of winter) snow.
Yellowstone has a VERY unusual climate but soon the sun will come out and you will be Amazed! at the beauty. You will have a great spring/summer (and snow every month).
If you need anything in Bozeman, let me know.
July snow
August snow
September snow
and October (the beginning of winter) snow.
Yellowstone has a VERY unusual climate but soon the sun will come out and you will be Amazed! at the beauty. You will have a great spring/summer (and snow every month).
If you need anything in Bozeman, let me know.
starcrafttom":3qcpzmwb said:
OK, Tom and Barry... there was never a gloating dolphin photo submitted by this island boy. The "frozen snot encrusted lip" discussion was over a year ago and is now beyond the statute of limitations for karma. 8) I knew some of you would think: he's getting what he had coming to him. :twisted: But, this is all part of the adventure.
I stopped by the marina office this afternoon; it was snowing and blowing, but the visibility was at least a half mile, often times even more. The other captain said, "I don't suppose you want to go out today?"
"You suppose right."
The weather is supposed to get better on Friday (I've learned to not completely trust the forecasts around here), with sunshine and temps in the 50s.
But, for today: there's about 6" of new white stuff out there, and that 31º that I mentioned earlier was the high for the day. On the bright side, I don't get winded chasing Joan around this small trailer, but all those layers are wearing me out! :wink
Best wishes,
Jim
Here's a look at one of the bison we saw in the snow today...
Hopefully, there's no karma-stuff happening there, either... I had bison stew for lunch! :xnaughty
And here's where we had lunch - in the Lake Lodge Dining Room (casual dining with a view).
drjohn71a":1mmrdsdq said:
Thanks, Dr. John. Working on a boat isn't as serendipitous as cruising. There is paperwork (squawk sheets, fuel burn calculations, passenger numbers, hour logs), company policy, and passenger safety/comfort to be considered on every run. Weather and visibility considerations, and of course, dealing with all the different personalities of staff and guests. Wild Blue gets what she needs anytime she needs it. Working for a large corporation means going through channels to get things done... I've been waiting for almost 3 weeks for a 12 volt recepticle and I'm not allowed to "fix" anything myself. Getting some things done is like mating elephants: done at a high level, a lot of noise gets made, and it takes a long time for the results.
Joan and I are used to a different level of efficiency.The weather has been tough since we got here... but goodness knows it's been tough all around the country. My shift starts again tomorrow and it's supposed to be nice for my 3 1/2 days on. I am really looking forward to some VFR conditions! I coordinate my route with the interpreter - sometimes Park Service Rangers, sometimes our employees.
The marina manager is a great guy; very safety conscious and supportive of the captains. Great at following up, but he has to work within the structure of a large company.
This morning, my day off was interrupted by a mandatory safety meeting (spill training). We stood in the cold, looked at fuel hoses and valves, and discussed "what ifs".
The surroundings are beautiful, the people are fun, and within the next couple days, the marina is going to turn into a real beehive of activity - all the rentals and fishing guide boats start running on the 15th.
Pushing 34 tons of boat around is certainly a change from the C-Dory. The responsibility of that many passengers and crew takes a different mind-set; we are the biggest boat on the lake. I know that there are folks onboard who know nothing about boats, may fear the water, but want to have this experience. Odds are I'll never see them again, but I really want them to have a good time. The lake is a grand experience and has been something different everytime out.
Thus far, it's been a real treat.
Best wishes,
Jim
Dreamer":38mvvmly said:
Thanks, Roger. I'll be looking forward to some photo essays on your trip north. Hope Janet has fully healed and all goes easy and smooth with your cruising.
You can be sure that we will be back your way - Wild Blue was born there, and occasional "homecomings" are important.
And regarding that "career"... come September, I'm re-retired again. We'll see what's next. 8)
Best wishes,
Jim
I am generally not a superstitious guy... but yesterday was Friday the 13th. It was a long day at work - I did 7 cruises then took the boat to the shop dock for some maintenence.
But what a glorious day: the sun was shining and it made it up to the 50s! (My how my perspective has changed, after all that snow the last two weeks). You could see every mountain ringing the lake, including Mt. Washburn to the north and the Tetons to the south... over 80 miles apart.
On one of the afternoon trips, while in the middle of the lake, the interpreter I had onboard said, "Look, a fire!" I gotta tell you, that got my attention! :shock: After my head snapped back, I could see that she was pointing to the north - a plume of smoke behind the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. I immediately called it in on the radio, giving location and wind. By the time we were headed back north on that trip, the plume of smoke was greatly diminished. Later that afternoon, we heard that the fire had been intentionally set on one of the hiking trails... about 1/4 mile from employee dorms in that area. I will never understand the nature of a person who could do something like this. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished.
The rest of the day was uneventful, but beautiful. It was a treat to see how the light changes the beautiful views as the sun made its run from east to west.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Looking forward to lots more... knock on wood. :wink
But what a glorious day: the sun was shining and it made it up to the 50s! (My how my perspective has changed, after all that snow the last two weeks). You could see every mountain ringing the lake, including Mt. Washburn to the north and the Tetons to the south... over 80 miles apart.
On one of the afternoon trips, while in the middle of the lake, the interpreter I had onboard said, "Look, a fire!" I gotta tell you, that got my attention! :shock: After my head snapped back, I could see that she was pointing to the north - a plume of smoke behind the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. I immediately called it in on the radio, giving location and wind. By the time we were headed back north on that trip, the plume of smoke was greatly diminished. Later that afternoon, we heard that the fire had been intentionally set on one of the hiking trails... about 1/4 mile from employee dorms in that area. I will never understand the nature of a person who could do something like this. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished.
The rest of the day was uneventful, but beautiful. It was a treat to see how the light changes the beautiful views as the sun made its run from east to west.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Looking forward to lots more... knock on wood. :wink
Jim,
Just to let you know, like many others I enjoy your every word and picture of your experience at Yellowstone (and everywhere else for that matter!). I know I won't be able to make it up there this year, but it is definitely going on "The List." Thanks so much for taking the time to post and give us such a candor view of that place in the world.
Just to let you know, like many others I enjoy your every word and picture of your experience at Yellowstone (and everywhere else for that matter!). I know I won't be able to make it up there this year, but it is definitely going on "The List." Thanks so much for taking the time to post and give us such a candor view of that place in the world.
Got to get to work, so combining this week's Captain Jim with a short update...
Anybody been there? :wink:
Things have "warmed" here in Yellowstone... that's in quotes because it's a very relative term... made it to the low 60s yesterday, and there's been 3 days of beautiful VFR weather.
I brought the boat in from my last run last night, with a thunderstorm converging on the marina... almost made the dock before the gust front hit, switching the winds from 10 on the dock to over 30 off the dock! Made for an interesting arrival. Got a round of applause from the 40 passengers onboard... then put the boat to bed... put an extra line on... and was treated to a full rainbow right over the marina.
Nice to have 900+ horsepower when the winds turn against you. (and a fresh pair of underwear :shock: )
Best wishes,
Jim
Anybody been there? :wink:
Things have "warmed" here in Yellowstone... that's in quotes because it's a very relative term... made it to the low 60s yesterday, and there's been 3 days of beautiful VFR weather.
I brought the boat in from my last run last night, with a thunderstorm converging on the marina... almost made the dock before the gust front hit, switching the winds from 10 on the dock to over 30 off the dock! Made for an interesting arrival. Got a round of applause from the 40 passengers onboard... then put the boat to bed... put an extra line on... and was treated to a full rainbow right over the marina.
Nice to have 900+ horsepower when the winds turn against you. (and a fresh pair of underwear :shock: )
Best wishes,
Jim
Hi Warren,
No thrusters. As Steve mentioned, there are 3 310hp engines, each with two counter-rotating props. The thrust is much more than Wild Blue. I can rotate the boat within its own length, but the bow is wide and high, and the boat is almost all cabin, making for a lot of windage. At 34 ton gross, it still can be moved by the wind. At slow speeds, the boat is more maneuverable by using differential steering with the engines as opposed to using the steering wheel. Within a couple hundred yards of the dock, I center the steering and stand in front of the throttles to steer, using just throttles. Reverse thrust stops the boat in very short order.
Depending on wind conditions (prevailing wind is usually on the dock), I bring the boat in at 45º or greater, pin the bow to the dock, a dockhand ties off the bow, I bring the stern in with the outside engine in reverse, then another dockhand ties the stern off. The bow is so high that I can't see the dock when I'm within about 5 feet... we rely on hand signals and the dockhands are instructed to "show hands" when they get the bow tied off.
At first glance, the three motors with 6 props turning seems over-complicated, but it is very impressive in performance and surprisingly nimble for its weight. The boat will jump up on plane in a couple seconds. The boat is just over 44 feet long and almost 16 feet wide; it draws just under 5 feet.
I really enjoy running the boat; the passengers have been mostly interesting. Dockhand training is frustrating, because each new hand thinks they can "wrestle" this boat at the dock (because they have a small fishing boat at home :roll: ); we have to explain to them that that kind of thinking is dangerous. I have seen many creative ways of improperly tying a cleat knot. :disgust
Two days ago, I met John and Edna onboard Far West - nice folks, but the long days on the boat haven't given me a chance to visit with them much, yet. I hope we can connect before they head out.
Today was a "half day" for us... we only put in about 7 hours. It was a nice day, so we came home to get in a motorcycle ride before it cooled off. Each turn of the road here is another beautiful view... much like the views from the boat. We first came to Yellowstone in 1973 and have been back many times since; the beauty and diversity is amazing. Working here is a completely different experience.
I've been asked if it gets old, running these scenic cruises... well, the light is different, the weather is different (and warm and sunny REALLY beats cold and snowy), each interpreter presents their own perspective... I work hard to give the passengers a good ride - their safety and comfort dictates each move I make on the boat. I brief new interpreters (the Park Service seems to have an endless supply) before we head out and let them know that I will try to put the boat where it will make the most sense for their program. There is some give and take with the presentation with most of them, and I will add comments. Some of the younger ones have their presentation memorized, and if I point out a bald eagle, you can see the panic on their face as they try to remember where they left off. The interpretations I enjoy the most are when they tell the story of the lake and allow the magnificant scenery to be the star... the ones that make it seem like a "history lesson" are the least interesting - both for me and the passengers.
Probably more than you wanted to know. 8)
Best wishes,
Jim
No thrusters. As Steve mentioned, there are 3 310hp engines, each with two counter-rotating props. The thrust is much more than Wild Blue. I can rotate the boat within its own length, but the bow is wide and high, and the boat is almost all cabin, making for a lot of windage. At 34 ton gross, it still can be moved by the wind. At slow speeds, the boat is more maneuverable by using differential steering with the engines as opposed to using the steering wheel. Within a couple hundred yards of the dock, I center the steering and stand in front of the throttles to steer, using just throttles. Reverse thrust stops the boat in very short order.
Depending on wind conditions (prevailing wind is usually on the dock), I bring the boat in at 45º or greater, pin the bow to the dock, a dockhand ties off the bow, I bring the stern in with the outside engine in reverse, then another dockhand ties the stern off. The bow is so high that I can't see the dock when I'm within about 5 feet... we rely on hand signals and the dockhands are instructed to "show hands" when they get the bow tied off.
At first glance, the three motors with 6 props turning seems over-complicated, but it is very impressive in performance and surprisingly nimble for its weight. The boat will jump up on plane in a couple seconds. The boat is just over 44 feet long and almost 16 feet wide; it draws just under 5 feet.
I really enjoy running the boat; the passengers have been mostly interesting. Dockhand training is frustrating, because each new hand thinks they can "wrestle" this boat at the dock (because they have a small fishing boat at home :roll: ); we have to explain to them that that kind of thinking is dangerous. I have seen many creative ways of improperly tying a cleat knot. :disgust
Two days ago, I met John and Edna onboard Far West - nice folks, but the long days on the boat haven't given me a chance to visit with them much, yet. I hope we can connect before they head out.
Today was a "half day" for us... we only put in about 7 hours. It was a nice day, so we came home to get in a motorcycle ride before it cooled off. Each turn of the road here is another beautiful view... much like the views from the boat. We first came to Yellowstone in 1973 and have been back many times since; the beauty and diversity is amazing. Working here is a completely different experience.
I've been asked if it gets old, running these scenic cruises... well, the light is different, the weather is different (and warm and sunny REALLY beats cold and snowy), each interpreter presents their own perspective... I work hard to give the passengers a good ride - their safety and comfort dictates each move I make on the boat. I brief new interpreters (the Park Service seems to have an endless supply) before we head out and let them know that I will try to put the boat where it will make the most sense for their program. There is some give and take with the presentation with most of them, and I will add comments. Some of the younger ones have their presentation memorized, and if I point out a bald eagle, you can see the panic on their face as they try to remember where they left off.
The interpretations I enjoy the most are when they tell the story of the lake and allow the magnificant scenery to be the star... the ones that make it seem like a "history lesson" are the least interesting - both for me and the passengers.Probably more than you wanted to know. 8)
Best wishes,
Jim
JamesTXSD":3lorjmxo said:
Can't answer for Warren, but must say I enjoyed the detail explanations and appreciate you taking the time to share them. Having been on the Queen and only listened to one interpreter your explaining the differences along with the other detail was very interesting to me.
thanks,
Jay
Hi Jay,
Looking forward to meeting you next time you're here. Joan tells me there are 4 or 5 C-Dorys with reservations in August. Should be fun.
-----------------------------
Well, what a difference a week makes. The snow is gone, and while it's still in the 30s in the mornings, it's shirt-sleeve weather mid-day.
Not quite shorts weather for me (though I've seen plenty of tourists in shorts), and Tom and Pat will be happy to know that my tan is fading fast. :wink:
My shift this past week was delightful VFR weather, with deep blue skies, visibility over 80 miles (apparent from the mountains we can see), and not having to run heat on the boat. The cruises are mostly full, to the point of having stand-by passengers. The marina is in full swing - the rental boats are all in the water, the fishing guides are booked up, and the customer slips are filling. Getting the Lake Queen in and out of the marina takes a bit more time with all the smaller traffic. I smile and wave... sometimes laugh to myself as I watch the antics with the rental rowboats.
WIth the warmer weather, time off is more fun... we have been getting out on the motorcycle. There is still snow in the passes, but the roads are dry and clear. The snow line is above the 9,000 foot level.
If people are staying home this summer, it isn't apparent here... the hotels, lodges, cabins, and campgrounds are full. The roads in the park are all two lane, with a 45 mph maximum speed limit. I shake my head when I see people passing on a solid yellow line, trying to beat traffic... only to find a "bear jam" around the next corner, with nothing moving... cars parked not quite off the road with all four doors open... people out photographing the wildlife. This is not the place to be in a hurry. I have reined back my Type-A behavior, and enjoy the slower pace. The new motorcycle is perfect for this place - easy to maneuver, comfortable and nimble; a great sight-seeing platform.
Yesterday we did a loop of just over 100 miles, playing tourist. Lunch at Canyon Village, crossing the Continental Divide several times, sight-seeing, even saw Old Faithful erupt. Ice cream at the General Store by the Lake Hotel.
The bike is getting almost 65 mpg with the low speed limit here. Just right with gas around $4.20/gallon.
We are having fun with our summer jobs, but the time off in this special place is great. I miss sunsets in the cockpit of Wild Blue, but sundowners under the awning of the RV are almost as good.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Looking forward to meeting you next time you're here. Joan tells me there are 4 or 5 C-Dorys with reservations in August. Should be fun.
-----------------------------
Well, what a difference a week makes. The snow is gone, and while it's still in the 30s in the mornings, it's shirt-sleeve weather mid-day.
Not quite shorts weather for me (though I've seen plenty of tourists in shorts), and Tom and Pat will be happy to know that my tan is fading fast. :wink: My shift this past week was delightful VFR weather, with deep blue skies, visibility over 80 miles (apparent from the mountains we can see), and not having to run heat on the boat. The cruises are mostly full, to the point of having stand-by passengers. The marina is in full swing - the rental boats are all in the water, the fishing guides are booked up, and the customer slips are filling. Getting the Lake Queen in and out of the marina takes a bit more time with all the smaller traffic. I smile and wave... sometimes laugh to myself as I watch the antics with the rental rowboats.
WIth the warmer weather, time off is more fun... we have been getting out on the motorcycle. There is still snow in the passes, but the roads are dry and clear. The snow line is above the 9,000 foot level.
If people are staying home this summer, it isn't apparent here... the hotels, lodges, cabins, and campgrounds are full. The roads in the park are all two lane, with a 45 mph maximum speed limit. I shake my head when I see people passing on a solid yellow line, trying to beat traffic... only to find a "bear jam" around the next corner, with nothing moving... cars parked not quite off the road with all four doors open... people out photographing the wildlife. This is not the place to be in a hurry. I have reined back my Type-A behavior, and enjoy the slower pace. The new motorcycle is perfect for this place - easy to maneuver, comfortable and nimble; a great sight-seeing platform.
Yesterday we did a loop of just over 100 miles, playing tourist. Lunch at Canyon Village, crossing the Continental Divide several times, sight-seeing, even saw Old Faithful erupt. Ice cream at the General Store by the Lake Hotel.
The bike is getting almost 65 mpg with the low speed limit here. Just right with gas around $4.20/gallon.
We are having fun with our summer jobs, but the time off in this special place is great.
I miss sunsets in the cockpit of Wild Blue, but sundowners under the awning of the RV are almost as good.Best wishes,
Jim B.
Ashley Lynn
New member
Hi Jim, Joan, and Molly
I also enjoy listening in on your adventures and have been following along for awhile now.
My curiosity got the best of me, so I'll ask: what is Joan and Molly doing while your out on the Lake Queen?
Again, I enjoy your tales and this C-brat wishes you all well on your adventure.
I also enjoy listening in on your adventures and have been following along for awhile now.
My curiosity got the best of me, so I'll ask: what is Joan and Molly doing while your out on the Lake Queen?
Again, I enjoy your tales and this C-brat wishes you all well on your adventure.
Ashley Lynn":3m1av57j said:
When I told Joan that I was considering this captain job, I asked if she'd want to work here, also. She said, "Well, I don't want to sit around all day while you work... so, sure." I filled out an application for her. She asked what job I put her down for, and I said, "Cleaning toilets and washing dishes." :twisted: She is working in the marina office, helping boaters with slips, renting boats, booking fishing guide trips, and selling tickets for the cruise boat I run. My hours are a bit longer than hers, but we are both 3 1/2 days on, 3 1/2 days off, and yes, we have the same days on/off. There are quite a few couples who work in the park, and this company is pretty good about coordinating schedules.
Molly said she wasn't interested in working, so for the most part, she hangs out in the RV while we are at work. The employee RV park isn't far from the marina, so she still gets her usual 4 meals a day and plenty of belly-rubbing. Since we are in bear country, she isn't allowed to be out without us... Joan insists on having her on a leash, I am a bit more lenient, but I keep my eye on her. Molly has adapted well to RV life... but, we all miss staying on our boat. All three of us are in agreement that we will be heading back out on Wild Blue as soon as we are done here. Still working on details and locations. Molly said to tell you "hi".
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Evicted!
Yesterday morning, day off, we were having a relaxing morning, when there was a knock at the door. Bethany, the RV park manger asked, "Can I ask you two to vacate your site?"
Must have been the loud rock 'n roll music and dancing naked on top of the RV?
No, there is a tree near our trailer that is leaning our way. Joan asked me about it last week, and I said, "Nahhhh, no problem." Apparently Bethany thought it was.
this shot is from the spot we moved the trailer to... that tree is leaning towards where we were.
So, we weren't being evicted, she just wanted us to move long enough to have the tree-cutting crew come in and chop it down. Our part took longer than theirs... after being in one place for a month, moving even a couple hundred yards is like pulling up stakes and moving on. We unhooked all the utilities, moved the satellite dish, put stuff down in the trailer, hooked it up to the truck, and moved out of the way. The tree crew had the tree down, chopped, and cleaned in less than 15 minutes. Then, we moved back in.
Free time on days off. Where does it go? :wink: As it worked out, we moved the trailer a foot or two over from where it was originally parked (when we were dodging snowbanks :disgust ), and picked up a bit more room on our patio. All's well that ends well.
And for those of you who worry about Molly and this big "move"... Molly and Bethany are buddies... Bethany gave Molly plenty of belly-rubbing while we were waiting for the tree-cutting crew. And here's a look at Molly during the actual move:
Yeah, she was fine with it.
Today is sunny and cool... and we're back to another day at "the grind." :wink: Happy Summer Solstice!
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Yesterday morning, day off, we were having a relaxing morning, when there was a knock at the door. Bethany, the RV park manger asked, "Can I ask you two to vacate your site?"
Must have been the loud rock 'n roll music and dancing naked on top of the RV?
No, there is a tree near our trailer that is leaning our way. Joan asked me about it last week, and I said, "Nahhhh, no problem." Apparently Bethany thought it was.
this shot is from the spot we moved the trailer to... that tree is leaning towards where we were.So, we weren't being evicted, she just wanted us to move long enough to have the tree-cutting crew come in and chop it down. Our part took longer than theirs... after being in one place for a month, moving even a couple hundred yards is like pulling up stakes and moving on. We unhooked all the utilities, moved the satellite dish, put stuff down in the trailer, hooked it up to the truck, and moved out of the way. The tree crew had the tree down, chopped, and cleaned in less than 15 minutes. Then, we moved back in.
Free time on days off. Where does it go? :wink: As it worked out, we moved the trailer a foot or two over from where it was originally parked (when we were dodging snowbanks :disgust ), and picked up a bit more room on our patio. All's well that ends well.
And for those of you who worry about Molly and this big "move"... Molly and Bethany are buddies... Bethany gave Molly plenty of belly-rubbing while we were waiting for the tree-cutting crew. And here's a look at Molly during the actual move:
Yeah, she was fine with it.
Today is sunny and cool... and we're back to another day at "the grind." :wink: Happy Summer Solstice!
Best wishes,
Jim B.
marvin4239
New member
Jim I'm really enjoying your reports especially RV living. I lived in various RV's part time while working all over the country from 1976 until 2002 when I retired. I even had a cat named Popeye who traveled with me and looked much like Molly. I really enjoyed that lifestyle no grass to mow! Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Monday, June 23rd. This has nothing to do with running the boat, but just a joyous day for us - our daughter and son-in-law have come to visit.
Here is Joan, waiting on the porch of the Lake Lodge for the kids to arrive...
The Lodge is one of our favorite places here... great views of the lake, a wonderful atmosphere, nice cafeteria with reasonable prices, and these great rocking chairs on the covered porch.
Steph and Dan checking into their cabin. Yes, this is the Dan who pens the Captain Jim cartoon strip.
There were hugs and tales. We came back to our RV and Joan made supper; it was warm enough to eat outside on the patio. Just great to be together again. And the best part: they brought gifts!
On the way back to their cabin, we planned to stop for ice cream (Moose Tracks at the Lake General Store - my favorite). Steph said she was disappointed that they hadn't seen any bears yet. We aim to please... in less than a mile and a half, we saw 5 bears... two mommas and three babies! One sow and her two cubs were "up close and personal".
So, now can we go get some ice cream? :wink:
We are off to play tourist for the next few days.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Here is Joan, waiting on the porch of the Lake Lodge for the kids to arrive...
The Lodge is one of our favorite places here... great views of the lake, a wonderful atmosphere, nice cafeteria with reasonable prices, and these great rocking chairs on the covered porch.
Steph and Dan checking into their cabin. Yes, this is the Dan who pens the Captain Jim cartoon strip.
There were hugs and tales. We came back to our RV and Joan made supper; it was warm enough to eat outside on the patio. Just great to be together again. And the best part: they brought gifts!
On the way back to their cabin, we planned to stop for ice cream (Moose Tracks at the Lake General Store - my favorite). Steph said she was disappointed that they hadn't seen any bears yet. We aim to please... in less than a mile and a half, we saw 5 bears... two mommas and three babies! One sow and her two cubs were "up close and personal".
So, now can we go get some ice cream? :wink:
We are off to play tourist for the next few days.
Best wishes,
Jim B.