The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
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I hear the hurricane discussion frequently. Especially from friends who don't live where it's warm. The temperature where my Mother lives in South Dakota is MINUS 18 this morning. It's 55º here right now (just before 6:00 am); supposed to get into the low 70s, sunny and windy. We originally came here in the winters for the warmth and the year 'round sailing (including all winter).
I've also had friends say, "You're gloating," when we discuss the temperature differences between here and north. Absolutely not, just like they're not gloating when they say they don't have hurricanes. It's about choice.
The ideal isn't a new idea that I came up with: go where the weather/climate is what you like. John, you know I love the Tetons and that whole area (including Yellowstone). BUT, I don't want to be there right now, when the temp is around ZERO and there's a 50% chance of snow. And that condition exists for MONTHS. Beautiful to look at? Sure. So are beautifully manicured lawns... or 100+ foot yachts... or polar bears in their habitat... well, you get my point: something that is pretty to view for a short time may not be something you want to have to maintain or be involved with all the time. Getting back to the Tetons: there is no historical evidence that the native population ever stayed there in the winter... they moved to less harsh climates and then came back when the weather was better, the game more plentiful, and the water was liquid. And that's my answer to remaining reasonably sane: going where the weather suits me.
"But, Jim, you have hurricanes." No, I don't. The area is certainly in a hurricane "zone." The area is occasionally impacted by hurricanes, even had a direct hit (historically, once every 28 years or so). I'm not here if there's a hurricane coming. That's part of why a wandering lifestyle suits me (and, fortunately, my lovely wife; the cat goes where we go, but she likes warm better than cold, too :wink: ). I will guaran-damn-tee you that the frozen northland gets more days of bitter cold and snow than the hurricane zones get hurricanes. Did I mention something about going where the weather is good?
Now, I also get that sometimes life (family, school, job, obligations, etc, etc) keeps us in one place. BUT, when you do have the options (as in: being retired), wandering isn't such a bad way to go. So John, consider taking your wife someplace warm during February... you know, just to see if either of you like that.
We've had some cold weather here recently; again, that's relative. We're going to have northers blow in during the winter... the occasional one might keep us indoors for a day or two. But, considering the Continental US, it's pretty darn moderate here. That's not a gloat, it's a weather fact. I haven't found any place that is always perfect... but wandering about gives one better odds. 8)
Let's face it - some people don't want to wander, and I think that's great when they know that and are happy in one place. It was the mid-80s when Joan said to me, "Take me someplace warm," one winter. I didn't necessarily agree, but I do like to make her happy. That changed our outlook and our lives. I'm sure not saying everyone should do what we do... but, if you haven't tried it, how do you know it won't suit you? Some of us like being where it doesn't hurt to go outside, where you can wear shorts pretty much year 'round, where you don't have to wait for months to get out on the boat.
Don't like hurricanes (and who does??) - don't go to hurricane zones during the season. Don't like to be ass-deep in snow? Don't go to the frozen northland during the winter.
Stay warm, John... only 3 1/2 more months before the ice is out on Yellowstone Lake. 8)
Warm wishes,
Jim
PS, after writing that, I'm heading out on my boat to watch the sun rise. :hot
I've also had friends say, "You're gloating," when we discuss the temperature differences between here and north. Absolutely not, just like they're not gloating when they say they don't have hurricanes. It's about choice.
The ideal isn't a new idea that I came up with: go where the weather/climate is what you like. John, you know I love the Tetons and that whole area (including Yellowstone). BUT, I don't want to be there right now, when the temp is around ZERO and there's a 50% chance of snow. And that condition exists for MONTHS. Beautiful to look at? Sure. So are beautifully manicured lawns... or 100+ foot yachts... or polar bears in their habitat... well, you get my point: something that is pretty to view for a short time may not be something you want to have to maintain or be involved with all the time. Getting back to the Tetons: there is no historical evidence that the native population ever stayed there in the winter... they moved to less harsh climates and then came back when the weather was better, the game more plentiful, and the water was liquid. And that's my answer to remaining reasonably sane: going where the weather suits me.
"But, Jim, you have hurricanes." No, I don't. The area is certainly in a hurricane "zone." The area is occasionally impacted by hurricanes, even had a direct hit (historically, once every 28 years or so). I'm not here if there's a hurricane coming. That's part of why a wandering lifestyle suits me (and, fortunately, my lovely wife; the cat goes where we go, but she likes warm better than cold, too :wink: ). I will guaran-damn-tee you that the frozen northland gets more days of bitter cold and snow than the hurricane zones get hurricanes. Did I mention something about going where the weather is good?
Now, I also get that sometimes life (family, school, job, obligations, etc, etc) keeps us in one place. BUT, when you do have the options (as in: being retired), wandering isn't such a bad way to go. So John, consider taking your wife someplace warm during February... you know, just to see if either of you like that.
We've had some cold weather here recently; again, that's relative. We're going to have northers blow in during the winter... the occasional one might keep us indoors for a day or two. But, considering the Continental US, it's pretty darn moderate here. That's not a gloat, it's a weather fact. I haven't found any place that is always perfect... but wandering about gives one better odds. 8)
Let's face it - some people don't want to wander, and I think that's great when they know that and are happy in one place. It was the mid-80s when Joan said to me, "Take me someplace warm," one winter. I didn't necessarily agree, but I do like to make her happy. That changed our outlook and our lives. I'm sure not saying everyone should do what we do... but, if you haven't tried it, how do you know it won't suit you? Some of us like being where it doesn't hurt to go outside, where you can wear shorts pretty much year 'round, where you don't have to wait for months to get out on the boat.
Don't like hurricanes (and who does??) - don't go to hurricane zones during the season. Don't like to be ass-deep in snow? Don't go to the frozen northland during the winter.
Stay warm, John... only 3 1/2 more months before the ice is out on Yellowstone Lake. 8)
Warm wishes,
Jim
PS, after writing that, I'm heading out on my boat to watch the sun rise. :hot
toyman":3qx4nkvc said:I don't think he finished the last line.
PS, after writing that, I'm heading out on my boat to watch the sun rise , and gloat . :hot
Nah... gloating would be rubbing your nose in it. I am just spreading a bit of sunshine. I believe in karma, and if you gloat it will come back to bite you in the ass. When I was out in the desert last month (or even worse: on the frozen tundra of southeast South Dakota the month before), I poured through the posts here, hoping for a bit of mental floss.
The sunrise this morning was spectacular...
For those who would rather be hiking through the mountains on snowshoes, or stomping in puddles like Gene Kelly (Singing In The Rain), these photos won't mean much. For those like me, who require a daily dose of sunshine (are you out there LocalBoy?), this is what keeps us going. It's not a gloat, Dave - it's a public service. 8)
Best wishes,
Jim
Yellowstone
New member
Jim - Thanks for your comments. I'm going to have to hide your recent posts from Edna. Last summer Yellowstone really never warmed up. We had about 6 days of really nice weather at Bridge Bay and that was it.
It hit -20 this morning, By the way do you berth your 25' or trailer to the launch site? Also, you have picked Texas - tropical tip. What city is close by?
Don't sense you gloating about the weather. Just telling it like it is. Getting roots in Montana after leaving a beautiful home and small orchard in Oregon reduced our boating season to about five months. Not enough.
And since I have quit hunting, no reason to hang around in the fall.
A major copper deposit is going to be mined fifteen miles away, and the housing market ought to pick up here in White Suffering Springs as folks begin to move in.
Take care,
John
It hit -20 this morning, By the way do you berth your 25' or trailer to the launch site? Also, you have picked Texas - tropical tip. What city is close by?
Don't sense you gloating about the weather. Just telling it like it is. Getting roots in Montana after leaving a beautiful home and small orchard in Oregon reduced our boating season to about five months. Not enough.
And since I have quit hunting, no reason to hang around in the fall.
A major copper deposit is going to be mined fifteen miles away, and the housing market ought to pick up here in White Suffering Springs as folks begin to move in.
Take care,
John
Steve Grover
New member
Jim,
I sold my 16' and 19' C-Dory because Pat didn't enjoy boating with Sydney and me. While I had the Dories I had many great adventures with the C-Brats. Lake Powell, Catalina, PNW, SF Bay, Alaska are a few.
We purchased a smaller Winnebago Class "A" motor home last January and Pat loves it. Now Sydney and I have a traveling partner but our adventures are now a bit different.
We left Tahoe after four weeks of snow in January and headed south down the California Coast ending up in Palm Desert and then on to Borrego Springs. Warmer weather at last! We are now back at Tahoe planning our next trip to warmer weather. The Tahoe weather has been OK but this morning "it hurts to go outside".
At the RV "Resorts" and parks we stayed in, it was interesting to find so many people like us leaving the cold snowy regions north to enjoy shorts and sandals in January. There are some beautiful expensive motor homes out there. I guess it is a lot like boats.
It was difficult for me to give up the C-Dorys but I can not give up reading your posts to the C-Brats. I'm with ya all the way in this quest for warm weather.
I hope our paths cross again sooner than later.
Steve Grover
I sold my 16' and 19' C-Dory because Pat didn't enjoy boating with Sydney and me. While I had the Dories I had many great adventures with the C-Brats. Lake Powell, Catalina, PNW, SF Bay, Alaska are a few.
We purchased a smaller Winnebago Class "A" motor home last January and Pat loves it. Now Sydney and I have a traveling partner but our adventures are now a bit different.
We left Tahoe after four weeks of snow in January and headed south down the California Coast ending up in Palm Desert and then on to Borrego Springs. Warmer weather at last! We are now back at Tahoe planning our next trip to warmer weather. The Tahoe weather has been OK but this morning "it hurts to go outside".
At the RV "Resorts" and parks we stayed in, it was interesting to find so many people like us leaving the cold snowy regions north to enjoy shorts and sandals in January. There are some beautiful expensive motor homes out there. I guess it is a lot like boats.
It was difficult for me to give up the C-Dorys but I can not give up reading your posts to the C-Brats. I'm with ya all the way in this quest for warm weather.
I hope our paths cross again sooner than later.
Steve Grover
Hey Jim,
Yeah, the snowbird lifestyle appeals to Caryn and me. Like Mark, I came from a warm weather city long ago but still miss the sun and my need for it seems to increase more each year. The RV route might be the way to go. I guess we have 12 years to figure out how we're going to git 'er done. Actually, earlier would be better. :wink
Thanks for sharing. I don't take it as gloating either. Like you said, it's all about choices...
Yeah, the snowbird lifestyle appeals to Caryn and me. Like Mark, I came from a warm weather city long ago but still miss the sun and my need for it seems to increase more each year. The RV route might be the way to go. I guess we have 12 years to figure out how we're going to git 'er done. Actually, earlier would be better. :wink
Thanks for sharing. I don't take it as gloating either. Like you said, it's all about choices...
Yellowstone":1b36bw2n said:
Hi John,
Wild Blue stays in the water when we are at our home; the house is on a canal, so our dock is right out the patio door. We are across the ICW from Port Isabel; the nearest big city is Brownsville (18 miles west). We spent a lot of winters traveling across the south, from California to Florida. Texas just kept calling us back. If you want to find out more info about the area, do a search on South Padre Island - it is right across the Laguna Madre from our island.
We settled here for the weather, the sailing, the laid-back feel, the culture (I sometimes call it "Mexico Lite."), and the really great place to keep a boat. For the cruisers, deep south Texas is a LONG ways from everywhere. Unlike Florida, there isn't an interesting coastal city every 15 miles. That is IMHO what keeps this area from becoming a major cruising destination: you have to go a long ways to get here, and then it's a long ways to get anywhere else. But, as I write this (noon), the sky is blue, the palm trees are swaying in the breeze, and it is pushing 70º. Pretty typical for this time of year.
We are at latitude 26º. About the same as Naples, Florida. WAY further south than the Panhandle of Florida. WAY further south than San Diego (lat. 32.73). A lot of people think of Dallas or Houston when you mention Texas... WAY south from either of those. When you pull out your atlas, follow the Texas Gulf Coast as far south as it goes... yep, that's us.
If I were going to suggest a place for cruising on the Texas coast, I'd recommend Corpus Christi, Rockport, or Port Aransas. They all have boating facilities and interesting places to poke around. Then, it's another 140 nautical miles south to our area. Joan had family in the Corpus area... our winter temps are generally a few degrees warmer.
Have you ever taken Edna on a cruise? And by that, I mean on a cruise ship. Get away from the cold for a week, eat good food, see some interesting ports of call in the Caribbean. Drink icy adult beverages with little umbrellas in them. Be barefoot.
I understand the desire to escape the cold. We did our "recon" via years of RVing. As my friend Steve will attest, it is completely different from boat cruising... and in most circumstances, easier and less expensive. That's not an endorsement of the RV lifestyle over the boat cruising lifestyle. They have a lot of similarities and some very unique differences. We enjoy both and find that both are more enjoyable when the weather isn't extreme (hot or cold). We find the most enjoyment in the journey as opposed to being focused on a destination.
Do what you can to keep that lady happy (and warm). 8)
Best wishes,
Jim
Steve and Peter - always a treat to hear from you. I totally get the appeal of Lake Tahoe AND the PNW. You both live in spectacular areas. We felt the same about the beautiful Black Hills for many years... and a little change of scenery ain't a bad thing, either.
A long day on the water in the Tropical Tip, but not on Wild Blue. My buddy, Herb (Ranger Tug owner), and I ran the committee boat for sailboat races today...
Herb Stark photo, used with permission.
A bit of a drifter, with very light winds. This is a real work boat - loud and raw. (It belongs to the local TowBoatUS operator, who was one of the racers). Interesting to run another boat now and then... and really makes appreciate even more the quiet comfort on our boat.
I think our 10 days of winter are gone - sunshine and temps in the 70s!
Herb Stark photo, used with permission.
A bit of a drifter, with very light winds. This is a real work boat - loud and raw. (It belongs to the local TowBoatUS operator, who was one of the racers). Interesting to run another boat now and then... and really makes appreciate even more the quiet comfort on our boat.
I think our 10 days of winter are gone - sunshine and temps in the 70s!
Yellowstone
New member
Evening Jim - Thanks for that interestng information about southern Texas. I can see by the maps that you are a long way from other places.
Edna and I did a cruise from Seattle to Skagway a few years ago but that was during the summer. Edna now has a new grandchild with her son and his wife down in Gainsville, Fla. so I believe our travels down south will be in that direction.
I have been tied up with too much volunteer work, the latest on a county hospital district board. Nothing but headaches in the medical arena. And we have been tied up with too many pets, but recently lost a cat after nineteen years and my faithful dog at age 15, but still have another cat which is on the down hill side, When she is gone, we will probably be more mobile.
Our weather has moderated with strong winds, the classical Chinooks devouring snow but leaving ice everywhere by early morning. Tomorrow forecast is for over 50, a real heat wave here, but a series of Pacific fronts are moving in with snow showers. Still several months away from any threat of below zero weather.
Take care.
John & Edna
Edna and I did a cruise from Seattle to Skagway a few years ago but that was during the summer. Edna now has a new grandchild with her son and his wife down in Gainsville, Fla. so I believe our travels down south will be in that direction.
I have been tied up with too much volunteer work, the latest on a county hospital district board. Nothing but headaches in the medical arena. And we have been tied up with too many pets, but recently lost a cat after nineteen years and my faithful dog at age 15, but still have another cat which is on the down hill side, When she is gone, we will probably be more mobile.
Our weather has moderated with strong winds, the classical Chinooks devouring snow but leaving ice everywhere by early morning. Tomorrow forecast is for over 50, a real heat wave here, but a series of Pacific fronts are moving in with snow showers. Still several months away from any threat of below zero weather.
Take care.
John & Edna
Hi John,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss of two pets. That is tough and you have my sympathies.
A new grandbaby in Florida? Well, that sounds like a perfect reason for an "extended visit."
Hope the groundhog was right and you get more breaks in the weather, John. Take care - may see you this summer.
Best wishes,
Jim
I'm sorry to hear about your loss of two pets. That is tough and you have my sympathies.
A new grandbaby in Florida? Well, that sounds like a perfect reason for an "extended visit."
Hope the groundhog was right and you get more breaks in the weather, John. Take care - may see you this summer.
Best wishes,
Jim
hardee":2rvgwn0t said:Good Morning Jim, and thanks for the beautiful sunrise. Had a bit of rain in Sequim over the weekend, but also had blue sky. Temps in the low 50's and chance of the same ahead. Enjoy.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
You're certainly welcome, Harvey. I have a couple house projects to get done this morning, then hope to get some boat time on Wild Blue - sunny, light breeze, high is supposed to be in the 70s again today. "Blue sky" is a good thing (that was on my list of potential boat names years ago... a bit of play on business assets and that other thing that makes us sun worshipers happy).
After that long day on the water yesterday, I slept really well last night... and I don't have to tell you how important that is!
You have a great day!Best wishes,
Jim
Jim,
I sympathize with you watching the slow sailboat race. Here's one that had a surprise ending on Sequim Bay recently. :roll:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aItlWWY75AM
I sympathize with you watching the slow sailboat race. Here's one that had a surprise ending on Sequim Bay recently. :roll:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aItlWWY75AM
Dreamer":2iw0a789 said:
Roger-
So did the boat with the help from the helicopter win in the end?
Was it protested?
What was the outcome?
Yikes! Unfair advantage! Hand me the protest flag!!!
Disallowed means of propulsion!
See ya' at the Yacht Club! (At the Protest Meeting!)
(I have a Sequim Bay Yacht Club Burgee on my den wall!)
Joe. :teeth :thup
Yellowstone
New member
Jim - Thanks for your understanding about pets. I was raised under circumstances where pets weren't allowed. My wife always had Boston Terriers and a few pond dogs sprinkled in. Shortly before my first wife passed on (diabetes) and contemplating retirement, I decided to get an upland game dog and settled on a male Brittany Spaniel, called K.C.
He was out of field trial stock, in fact his grandfather on his mother's side was an all breed national grand champion. HIs genetics were pretty impressive, and he was so incredibly athletic, he would break point over pheasants and occasionally catch them. But he wanted to hunt for himself, a habit I was never able to break. Adverse conditioning just made him sulk. A great roamer, he would go out so far and go on point that I couldn't catch up with him for two to three minutes and then he would break point.
I had professional trainers work with him to make him more staunch on point. The last trainer paid the price. He had a tethered pigeon which he used for training and was making progress in getting him to hold point.
His final test was to hold point while the trainer thrust the pigeon in his face while holding the poor bird between both hands. On the third thrust, K.C. broke point and nailed the pigeon, But he also slashed the trainer's fore fnger to the bone leaving a two inch gash down the side. End of lesson.
But in spite of his imperfections, I loved him dearly, and he was my constant companion for fifteen years.
I haven't decided whether I'm going back for the entire summer at Yellowstone, but if I do, and you are back at Jackson Lake, our paths may cross.
Take care.
John
He was out of field trial stock, in fact his grandfather on his mother's side was an all breed national grand champion. HIs genetics were pretty impressive, and he was so incredibly athletic, he would break point over pheasants and occasionally catch them. But he wanted to hunt for himself, a habit I was never able to break. Adverse conditioning just made him sulk. A great roamer, he would go out so far and go on point that I couldn't catch up with him for two to three minutes and then he would break point.
I had professional trainers work with him to make him more staunch on point. The last trainer paid the price. He had a tethered pigeon which he used for training and was making progress in getting him to hold point.
His final test was to hold point while the trainer thrust the pigeon in his face while holding the poor bird between both hands. On the third thrust, K.C. broke point and nailed the pigeon, But he also slashed the trainer's fore fnger to the bone leaving a two inch gash down the side. End of lesson.
But in spite of his imperfections, I loved him dearly, and he was my constant companion for fifteen years.
I haven't decided whether I'm going back for the entire summer at Yellowstone, but if I do, and you are back at Jackson Lake, our paths may cross.
Take care.
John
I saw a couple folks by our house this afternoon, taking photos of Wild Blue... and got to meet Dave and Karin, from the CD-22 Little Toot. We visited about camperbacks, C-Dorys, cruising, and did some "show and tell" on the boat. Seems that they have been renting here on our island for the last couple months, but are heading out tomorrow. Had they stopped earlier, there would have been time for some dolphin watching before they head out.
I may have talked them into bringing their 22 down here with them next winter.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
I may have talked them into bringing their 22 down here with them next winter.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Montana Kev
New member
Count me in for next winter. Where do I find the winter rental listings?
Kevin
Kevin
Montana Kev":2reczkem said:
Hi Kevin,
There is a rental office on the island...
http://www.longislandvillage.com/
Each property here is privately owned and many of the owners who do rent out properties do so privately, not through the rental pool. There isn't one place to go for those rentals. If there is a specific type of unit you are looking for, I can check the owners' bulletin board for you. No two homes, park homes, or sea cottages are the same here. Most places have docks on the canals, but there are some sites that are inland only (no water access).