The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
The Love Shack has landed! We had a good hour of driving (no wind, no precip, some actual sunshine), a less than stellar hour of driving (20 mph headwind, occasional spit of rain), and an hour of "clearing the pass", where the snow on the sides of the road was over the top of the truck! What I have been hearing is true - they have WAY more snow here than last year.
The good news: we are in our site in the park (they cleared it out with a Bobcat before we got here).
The bad news: we still had to shovel a lot of snow to make room for the slideouts, and to find the water spigot and the sewer. The really bad news: no water at our site for a while. "A while" is an indeterminate time - they are trying to clear the snow around some of the bathrooms in the campground, but it is like concrete; and the plumbers aren't coming out until they can get to every bathroom.
The REALLY bad news: our landing gear motor took a dump (that's the two big legs that come out of the front of a 5th wheel), and we are a half-bubble out of level. Go ahead, make the wise crack; you won't be the first. Hopefully on Monday, I'll be able to call the factory and get some guidance from them. I tried to crank the gear down further with the manual crank... heard a big CHUNK and I stopped. Oh, and due to the snow at the back of the coach, we can't get our rear stabilizers down... so we have a bit of a spring in our walk, especially at the back of the coach.
And back to the good news: we are here; and in one piece. Joan has to check in before me, since she's a manager. The lake level is so low that we won't be launching any boats until at least mid-June. I guess I'm fortunate - all indications are they will have other work for me, with getting things set up in the marina. They have asked one of the other captains to not check in until late June. I believe this means I will not be putting in killer overtime like last year, so I may have the opportunity to get out more and enjoy some free time. My manager apologized for that... "Yeah, I'll be OK with that," I told him.
Joan has to check in tomorrow, and starts work on Monday. I will be a "house-husband" until Thursday or Friday. I may get an apron, bake a cake, and have a good meal ready for her when she gets home from a hard day at work.
----------------
So, I'll be doing boat time this summer, but not on Wild Blue. Just an update, since circumstances have kept me off the water much of the last few months. Besides getting paid to drive the cruise boats (assuming the water level rises as fast as they're predicting - they let water out anticipating a HUGE runoff from all the snowfall), I'm hoping for some time on our kayaks in the lakes and rivers around here. If any C-Brats find themselves on Jackson Lake or passing through Grand Teton National Park, look me up at the Colter Bay Marina.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Photos later when I get a chance. Oh, and it's after 6:00 here, and the world didn't end. I would have really been pissed if the last thing I did on this Earth was shovel snow. :roll:
The good news: we are in our site in the park (they cleared it out with a Bobcat before we got here).
The bad news: we still had to shovel a lot of snow to make room for the slideouts, and to find the water spigot and the sewer. The really bad news: no water at our site for a while. "A while" is an indeterminate time - they are trying to clear the snow around some of the bathrooms in the campground, but it is like concrete; and the plumbers aren't coming out until they can get to every bathroom.
The REALLY bad news: our landing gear motor took a dump (that's the two big legs that come out of the front of a 5th wheel), and we are a half-bubble out of level. Go ahead, make the wise crack; you won't be the first. Hopefully on Monday, I'll be able to call the factory and get some guidance from them. I tried to crank the gear down further with the manual crank... heard a big CHUNK and I stopped. Oh, and due to the snow at the back of the coach, we can't get our rear stabilizers down... so we have a bit of a spring in our walk, especially at the back of the coach.
And back to the good news: we are here; and in one piece. Joan has to check in before me, since she's a manager. The lake level is so low that we won't be launching any boats until at least mid-June. I guess I'm fortunate - all indications are they will have other work for me, with getting things set up in the marina. They have asked one of the other captains to not check in until late June. I believe this means I will not be putting in killer overtime like last year, so I may have the opportunity to get out more and enjoy some free time. My manager apologized for that... "Yeah, I'll be OK with that," I told him.
Joan has to check in tomorrow, and starts work on Monday. I will be a "house-husband" until Thursday or Friday. I may get an apron, bake a cake, and have a good meal ready for her when she gets home from a hard day at work.
----------------
So, I'll be doing boat time this summer, but not on Wild Blue. Just an update, since circumstances have kept me off the water much of the last few months. Besides getting paid to drive the cruise boats (assuming the water level rises as fast as they're predicting - they let water out anticipating a HUGE runoff from all the snowfall), I'm hoping for some time on our kayaks in the lakes and rivers around here. If any C-Brats find themselves on Jackson Lake or passing through Grand Teton National Park, look me up at the Colter Bay Marina.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Photos later when I get a chance. Oh, and it's after 6:00 here, and the world didn't end. I would have really been pissed if the last thing I did on this Earth was shovel snow. :roll:
Some photos from today.
Crossing Togwotee Pass (yes, the snow on the sides of the road is higher than the truck)...
Our first view of the Tetons, coming down the other side of the pass...
Shoveling snow at our RV site...
I am missing Wild Blue, but looking forward to a fun summer.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Crossing Togwotee Pass (yes, the snow on the sides of the road is higher than the truck)...
Our first view of the Tetons, coming down the other side of the pass...
Shoveling snow at our RV site...
I am missing Wild Blue, but looking forward to a fun summer.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Levitation
New member
Hey Jim,
I come from the 1950's - not just reading about it - and besides having a clean apron on when she walks in (hide the one with the spilled gravy on it in the wash), with dinner timed for 30 minutes from now, you need to have a cold martini ready and put it in her hand, have the foot stool in front of the chair, take her coat and hang it up while she is sipping her martini and getting settled in the chair with her feet up, then ask how her day went "So, how was your day honey?" while you are gently massaging her neck and shoulders...
This is how it was! If you are going to be a 1950's house frau, ya gotta do it right...
I come from the 1950's - not just reading about it - and besides having a clean apron on when she walks in (hide the one with the spilled gravy on it in the wash), with dinner timed for 30 minutes from now, you need to have a cold martini ready and put it in her hand, have the foot stool in front of the chair, take her coat and hang it up while she is sipping her martini and getting settled in the chair with her feet up, then ask how her day went "So, how was your day honey?" while you are gently massaging her neck and shoulders...
This is how it was! If you are going to be a 1950's house frau, ya gotta do it right...
Levitation":i7vn6hwv said:
Nah, I plan to be a modern house-husband. I will take the cat out for a jog (her in the buggy, me running), make reservations for supper out, and I'll go get a pedicure while she's "at the office." :wink: Or not.
Your post reminds me of a book I found at a book sale a few years ago: "How To Be A First Rate First Mate." It was written in the early 70s as I recall, and told women how to "support" their boating husband... by having hors d'oeuvres ready, a drink, and whatever else they could do to make the man's roll as the captain of the ship easier. I thought it was kinda funny, in a boy-is-that-outdated kinda way.
Oh, do you think I should wrap my self in cellophane to get the door when she comes home from work? :lol:
Best wishes,
Jim
PS I know this has nothing to do with C-Dory stuff, a big part of why I haven't posted here much lately. I'll be missing Wild Blue and will look forward to others' posts with their summer boating to keep me pumped.
Pat Anderson
New member
OK, let's see here...
One brick short of a load.
The wheel is turning but the hamster is dead.
The light is on but nobody's home.
The elevator does not go to to the top floor.
One neuron short of a synapse.
and now
Half a bubble out of level!
One brick short of a load.
The wheel is turning but the hamster is dead.
The light is on but nobody's home.
The elevator does not go to to the top floor.
One neuron short of a synapse.
and now
Half a bubble out of level!
20dauntless
New member
I was in that area visiting friends in Jackson Hole and Dubois in March and was amazed at how much more snow there is this year than last. Driving over Togwotee Pass one day in a whiteout, the small, orange (bamboo?) poles offered the only hints at where the road was. Hopefully summer will come soon for you!
20dauntless":huq4wuh2 said:
Yep. I'm told the snowpack is 140-150% of normal, and the water content of that snow is 200% above normal. If those figures are accurate, that is a lot of runoff to contend with. While I'd like to have enough water to launch a cruiseboat, I sure understand the predicament. We'll see how it all plays out. There is a flash flood warning for the entire area due to anticipated heavy precip and runoff on Monday and Tuesday.
Crossing Togwotee Pass was very telling of the amount of snow (and the Tetons apparently have received even more) - those orange post extentions (about 10' tall) were completely covered in places.
Here's an update from today:
A look around...
We had time to day to check out the area - yep, there is a lot of snow here, still. The details: http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2011/05/look-around.html
And a preview...
The campground:
The marina:
Best wishes,
Jim B.
potter water
New member
Because we live in Northern Utah, we hang out in the Tetons and Yellowston areas a lot. We make an outing to Jackson Lake every year. Unfortunately this year we haven't had time to get a spot at the RV park. I guess we'll take out chances and try to get some time in July. I usually make reservations by March. We've done lots of canoeing and sailing, in that area, including a lot of runs down the river from the Jackson lake dam. That never gets old. We've put our West Wight Potter sail boat on the lake many times. It is a gorgeous sailing venue. We've not put our DC 22 Still Crazy on that lake, but we'll probably get around to that next summer. It sounds like you have the perfect job. (Yeah, I know, there is no such thing).
Good luck with the snow!!
Good luck with the snow!!
Hi Susan and Harry,
Not sure what the water situation is going to be this year on Jackson Lake... they're sure letting water out a lot fast than it's coming in right now. I keep hearing about all the snowpack north of here - anticipation of major runoff on the snake. Sure hope the folks who control the dam are guessing correctly. If you find yourself around Colter Bay, stop in for a face-to-face meeting.
I've got some time on Potter 19s - great little boat. And you're SO going to enjoy your C-Dory! Last year, there was one moored at Leek's, and we had several traveling through that put in on Jackson Lake.
We enjoy our "fun summer jobs" here. From the sounds of it, I may get a little more time off this year to have fun around here. We brought kayaks and look forward to getting them out... well, when it warms up a bit. :wink:
Hope to see you this summer.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Not sure what the water situation is going to be this year on Jackson Lake... they're sure letting water out a lot fast than it's coming in right now. I keep hearing about all the snowpack north of here - anticipation of major runoff on the snake. Sure hope the folks who control the dam are guessing correctly. If you find yourself around Colter Bay, stop in for a face-to-face meeting.
I've got some time on Potter 19s - great little boat. And you're SO going to enjoy your C-Dory! Last year, there was one moored at Leek's, and we had several traveling through that put in on Jackson Lake.
We enjoy our "fun summer jobs" here. From the sounds of it, I may get a little more time off this year to have fun around here. We brought kayaks and look forward to getting them out... well, when it warms up a bit. :wink:
Hope to see you this summer.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
potter water
New member
we will look you up for sure
Been a while since an update. The lake level is still too low to launch a cruise boat, but we've been keeping busy. The water level is on the rise (HUGE runoff expected, so the dam has been kept open for as long as possible).
A day off, and a trek to the summit of Rendezvous Peak.
The details: http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2011/06/su ... -peak.html
And a preview...
Best wishes,
Jim B.
(sorry - no C-Dory content)
A day off, and a trek to the summit of Rendezvous Peak.
The details: http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2011/06/su ... -peak.html
And a preview...
Best wishes,
Jim B.
(sorry - no C-Dory content)
A tough day on the water...
Two men overboard, two engine fires at separate times, a cabin fire, a fuel leak, and then on the way back in, another man overboard, an electrical fire, the boat taking on water, and all topped off by the captain having a heart attack. What's that old saying about a good day at the office vs a bad day on the water? The above were all drills for new first mate and dock hand crew. We put the cruise boat in the water yesterday, crew training today. They learned how to deploy the lifeboat, how to use a Lifesling in conjunction with a davit, fire fighting, passenger safety, MOB, and each got hands on the helm in open water and docking. It was a good workout.
We start scenic cruises tomorrow; hoping for meal cruises by next week, water depth allowing. The lake has been rising 4 to 10 inches a day.
We did see two C-Dorys (a 22 and a 19) on mooring balls at Leeks Marina. I talked to the 22 owner last year, don't know who has the 19 here in the Tetons. I'll be looking for them out on the water.
Mother Nature isn't keeping up with the calendar - barely made it into the 50s today... chilly on the back deck doing MOB.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Two men overboard, two engine fires at separate times, a cabin fire, a fuel leak, and then on the way back in, another man overboard, an electrical fire, the boat taking on water, and all topped off by the captain having a heart attack. What's that old saying about a good day at the office vs a bad day on the water? The above were all drills for new first mate and dock hand crew. We put the cruise boat in the water yesterday, crew training today. They learned how to deploy the lifeboat, how to use a Lifesling in conjunction with a davit, fire fighting, passenger safety, MOB, and each got hands on the helm in open water and docking. It was a good workout.
We start scenic cruises tomorrow; hoping for meal cruises by next week, water depth allowing. The lake has been rising 4 to 10 inches a day.
We did see two C-Dorys (a 22 and a 19) on mooring balls at Leeks Marina. I talked to the 22 owner last year, don't know who has the 19 here in the Tetons. I'll be looking for them out on the water.
Mother Nature isn't keeping up with the calendar - barely made it into the 50s today... chilly on the back deck doing MOB.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Captains Cat
New member
JamesTXSD":ob03jlfx said:
Hey Captain, how about putting the part about drills first, rather than later unless you're trying to give the rest of the Brats a heart attack of their own!
Sure glad you're back on the water, know you've missed it. Hope you have a great summer, keep the pictures coming!
Charlie
Joan told me that Jay stopped in the marina store yesterday... sorry I missed you, Jay. Yesterday was one of my "blue shirt" days, so I was likely out on one of our fishing guide boats after getting him set up. Or, maybe on Elk Island, doing a repair to our dock there.
But, today was a "white shirt" day, meaning I was driving the cruise boat all day. An absolutely spectacular day in the Tetons today: we reached a high around 80º, the warmest we've seen so far this season. Our second cruise boat was refit and is on the way back to where she belongs... we have been running at capacity on the other cruise boat, and having to turn folks away. I will be very anxious to get the second boat back and in the water. The Coast Guard inspection is scheduled for the 6th, meaning pages of check-list items to be gone through before the CG inspector arrives.
We are in full swing for our meal cruises and scenic cruises; we have water, and it's increasing daily. And, there's still plenty of snow up on the mountains. Here's a look back from Elk Island towards the cruise boat...
Best wishes,
Jim B.
But, today was a "white shirt" day, meaning I was driving the cruise boat all day. An absolutely spectacular day in the Tetons today: we reached a high around 80º, the warmest we've seen so far this season. Our second cruise boat was refit and is on the way back to where she belongs... we have been running at capacity on the other cruise boat, and having to turn folks away. I will be very anxious to get the second boat back and in the water. The Coast Guard inspection is scheduled for the 6th, meaning pages of check-list items to be gone through before the CG inspector arrives.
We are in full swing for our meal cruises and scenic cruises; we have water, and it's increasing daily. And, there's still plenty of snow up on the mountains. Here's a look back from Elk Island towards the cruise boat...
Best wishes,
Jim B.
potter water
New member
That is why I'm glad I live in Northern Utah. Relatively quick drive to get to that gorgeous playground. Can't wait to get Still Crazy up there on your lake.
You know how I appreciate the advantages of having a boat that is trailerable...
About 3:00 today, we got a call that our other cruise boat was just passing through Jackson. We drove to where the driver was going to bring the boat, waited for him to make his way through the heavy holiday traffic, and got our first look...
I spent about an hour photographing details for our Coast Guard inspection and going through the boat to see what was updated, changed, and repaired. The Teewinot is now our newest old boat, since our other cruise boat was completely refit last year. She looks good for 30 years old. Other than getting the life boat mounted on top, there wasn't time to get a real start on the extensive checklist. Tomorrow morning, she goes in the water. I'll be driving the other cruise boat all day, so one of the other captains will get to pull her off the trailer. I'm anxious to get her back to work. Other than the Diamond Sea Glaze windows, she doesn't have a lot in common with our C-Dory... personally, I think Wild Blue is much better looking. :wink:
Early morning view in the marina today - we have water and boats!
Best wishes,
Jim B.
About 3:00 today, we got a call that our other cruise boat was just passing through Jackson. We drove to where the driver was going to bring the boat, waited for him to make his way through the heavy holiday traffic, and got our first look...
I spent about an hour photographing details for our Coast Guard inspection and going through the boat to see what was updated, changed, and repaired. The Teewinot is now our newest old boat, since our other cruise boat was completely refit last year. She looks good for 30 years old. Other than getting the life boat mounted on top, there wasn't time to get a real start on the extensive checklist. Tomorrow morning, she goes in the water. I'll be driving the other cruise boat all day, so one of the other captains will get to pull her off the trailer. I'm anxious to get her back to work. Other than the Diamond Sea Glaze windows, she doesn't have a lot in common with our C-Dory... personally, I think Wild Blue is much better looking. :wink:
Early morning view in the marina today - we have water and boats!
Best wishes,
Jim B.