The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
Tom - Molly was reading over my shoulder as I read your post. She is normally quite soft-spoken, but I think I heard her say, "Oh, the humanity" and then something about a powerwasher enima for some guy in Washington.
Mike - Thanks for catching the "{" instead of a "[". At first I thought, "My buddy in Florida has become Rainman, with this repeating stuff." Then I looked back and saw the error of my ways. :wink: I have edited the post, so most folks will still think you are Rainman.
It was a lovely evening here on the prarie (jeeze, now I sound like Garrison Kealor). The rain let up and we were treated to a pretty sunset... I just enjoyed the spectacle without thinking to pick up my camera. At the same time, live music played in the background; must have been a wedding reception in a large white tent that was set up a block or so away. You could make out the songs, but it wasn't loud. It went away as darkness settled in (dude, you call that a party?). We replaced that with a Jimmy Buffett concert replay on Radio Margaritaville.
A nice way to spend the evening on Wild Blue... where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the cats are above average.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Mike - Thanks for catching the "{" instead of a "[". At first I thought, "My buddy in Florida has become Rainman, with this repeating stuff." Then I looked back and saw the error of my ways. :wink: I have edited the post, so most folks will still think you are Rainman.
It was a lovely evening here on the prarie (jeeze, now I sound like Garrison Kealor). The rain let up and we were treated to a pretty sunset... I just enjoyed the spectacle without thinking to pick up my camera. At the same time, live music played in the background; must have been a wedding reception in a large white tent that was set up a block or so away. You could make out the songs, but it wasn't loud. It went away as darkness settled in (dude, you call that a party?). We replaced that with a Jimmy Buffett concert replay on Radio Margaritaville.
A nice way to spend the evening on Wild Blue... where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the cats are above average.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Jim.... I truly appreciate the dinner table talk. Great stuff... :xnaughty
I too have gotten that "your to young to retire" line.... I once answered ...."maybe...but you too old to still be working ..." I felt bad for about a day and a half after that comment. The guy was about 12-15 years older than me, has everything paid for, but still chasing the dollar...and putting off travel "for a few more years"... But simply too often folks put off travels and dreams thinking we have some type of guarantee for tomorrow.... but we do not. Then too, I see our wonderful friends on a cruise ship...wandering around lost as bat $hit... they could be at Wal-Mart and not know the differance...but, the great part...is they are still out there getting it and traveling. Ya gotta love it.
I love your post and your travels. Truly hope our paths cross soon. Thanks God each day for our blessings and our health.
Byrdman
I too have gotten that "your to young to retire" line.... I once answered ...."maybe...but you too old to still be working ..." I felt bad for about a day and a half after that comment. The guy was about 12-15 years older than me, has everything paid for, but still chasing the dollar...and putting off travel "for a few more years"... But simply too often folks put off travels and dreams thinking we have some type of guarantee for tomorrow.... but we do not. Then too, I see our wonderful friends on a cruise ship...wandering around lost as bat $hit... they could be at Wal-Mart and not know the differance...but, the great part...is they are still out there getting it and traveling. Ya gotta love it.
I love your post and your travels. Truly hope our paths cross soon. Thanks God each day for our blessings and our health.
Byrdman
starcrafttom":2yd2k7v0 said:
The Victum
Tom-
You are fortunate that you now longer drive that cement mixer and cannot be stuffed forthright into it's churing guts by the Cat Lovers of the World!
As a small but justifyable pennance, you are ordered to dedicate your boat, the Susan E, to the use of the nightborhood cats for the next year for exclusive use as their Pissing Parlor.
Kitty Litter 3" deep shall cover all the floors, and no other use, such as fishing, boating, camping, or "hiding out in the doghouse" will be allowed until the alloted year has passed. You will, of course, daily remove any solid indcidentals from the sand and tidy up the bed and other cushions for your guests.....
Congradulations, Genius! You've bought yourself a fishing vacation, so to speak! Now go write a fitting penance message on the chalkboard and hope this is the end of it for now!
That is all for now...
The Cat People
john schuler
New member
Good to catch up on your trip. Kathy and I did purchace the Selene 36 in Seattle. A nice couple are comming up from Lake Tahoe next week to buy
Clara. I will miss her and all my C-Dory trips this is a whole new thing and is going well. It started out very bad we had our hauler truck stolen in Seattle.
I've always loved Seattle and now I can't wate to get out of here. I will be going to Anacortes after a little fitting out and a few shake down runs in Lake
Union and Washington. All my C-Dory friends are always WELCOME and I
hope to always be one of the C-DORY clan.
BE SAFE OUT THERE
:smiled john :smiled
Clara. I will miss her and all my C-Dory trips this is a whole new thing and is going well. It started out very bad we had our hauler truck stolen in Seattle.
I've always loved Seattle and now I can't wate to get out of here. I will be going to Anacortes after a little fitting out and a few shake down runs in Lake
Union and Washington. All my C-Dory friends are always WELCOME and I
hope to always be one of the C-DORY clan.
BE SAFE OUT THERE
:smiled john :smiled
Pat Anderson
New member
Congrats, John! What's her name? I assume she will be moored in Anacortes? It's a tough cruise in a Selene 36 from Montana!
john schuler":10rpalbx said:
Congratulations John and Kathy. Hopefully you two will fondly remember your last voyage in the C-Dory on Lake Powell. It was certainly our pleasure to get to know you. We wish you all the best with your new big boat... if you tire of traveling the same waters, keep in mind that there are plenty of people who have more than one boat and you will always be welcome back into the C-Dory cult... er, brotherhood. :wink
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan
Monday, June 4th. The last few days at Yankton were a treat. We enjoyed cruising the lake, and there is a real sense of community at the docks... we certainly didn't sense any of the sailers vs powerboaters that you see at some places. Wild Blue received a lot of nice comments from both sectors. We visited with some old friends and made quite a few new ones. This is definitely our favorite (even though it's the smallest) of the Missouri River lakes in South Dakota.
Yesterday was one of those perfect summer days: it reminded me of that old Chicago song "Saturday In The Park." There were people walking, riding bikes, groups of motorcyclists going by on the road outside the park, kids flying kites, Hobies sailing off the beach, people grilling out, and (of course) some lovely time on the water for us. When we came back to the slip late afternoon, it was more visiting, Radio Margaritaville, and adult beverages while lounging in the cockpit.
Molly is delighted to be back on the water. With the boat in a slip, she can walk around the deck, hop off onto the dock, and go for a walk in the grass whenever she wants. Still, naptime is her favorite time of the day...
One visitor came up to Wild Blue and said, "Word on the dock is you two are retired photographers." He looked familiar... we found that he had been to a couple of our programs when we were doing seminars. A nice visit, and we didn't feel obligated to discuss work (he has a sailboat here). We had different company until 10:30 - way past our bedtime. We got some great cruising destination ideas from the various folks.
This morning, it was time to think about hitting the road again. Early morning at the dock:
After showers and breakfast, we got Wild Blue ready to go back on the trailer, pumped out once more, and motored to the ramp. This boat is a breeze to load, and in a few minutes we were driving west.
Our destination for today is the Black Hills, our previous home for almost 30 years. We are owners at a gorgeous RV resort... that does NOT allow camping in a boat. When I made the reservation, I agreed to go into the "primative" area (tenting)... grudgingly, since we really could use power, water, and cable tv for Wild Blue (not available in the primative area). When I got to the resort, the young lady who checked us in was working for us: she called the manager (a friend of ours) to the desk and we "negotiated" a loophole to the rules: you can have a boat on the site if it is with another camping unit. We offered to put a tent on the RV site (that would be considered a "unit"), and then could have the boat there. A very nice solution to a stupid rule. So, Wild Blue has power, water, and cable tv (and we have not been "shunned" to the tenting area that rarely even gets used).
Check out the tent in the above photo. We picked it up at Wal-Mart for less than $17... no, we won't stay in it, but now we are "legal". When we get ready to leave, I'll see if there are any kids nearby who want a tent. :wink:
The next few days will be busy with doctor appointments (routine check-ups), a trip to the vet for Molly, and lots of visiting with old friends.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Yesterday was one of those perfect summer days: it reminded me of that old Chicago song "Saturday In The Park." There were people walking, riding bikes, groups of motorcyclists going by on the road outside the park, kids flying kites, Hobies sailing off the beach, people grilling out, and (of course) some lovely time on the water for us. When we came back to the slip late afternoon, it was more visiting, Radio Margaritaville, and adult beverages while lounging in the cockpit.
Molly is delighted to be back on the water. With the boat in a slip, she can walk around the deck, hop off onto the dock, and go for a walk in the grass whenever she wants. Still, naptime is her favorite time of the day...
One visitor came up to Wild Blue and said, "Word on the dock is you two are retired photographers." He looked familiar... we found that he had been to a couple of our programs when we were doing seminars. A nice visit, and we didn't feel obligated to discuss work (he has a sailboat here). We had different company until 10:30 - way past our bedtime. We got some great cruising destination ideas from the various folks.
This morning, it was time to think about hitting the road again. Early morning at the dock:
After showers and breakfast, we got Wild Blue ready to go back on the trailer, pumped out once more, and motored to the ramp. This boat is a breeze to load, and in a few minutes we were driving west.
Our destination for today is the Black Hills, our previous home for almost 30 years. We are owners at a gorgeous RV resort... that does NOT allow camping in a boat. When I made the reservation, I agreed to go into the "primative" area (tenting)... grudgingly, since we really could use power, water, and cable tv for Wild Blue (not available in the primative area). When I got to the resort, the young lady who checked us in was working for us: she called the manager (a friend of ours) to the desk and we "negotiated" a loophole to the rules: you can have a boat on the site if it is with another camping unit. We offered to put a tent on the RV site (that would be considered a "unit"), and then could have the boat there. A very nice solution to a stupid rule. So, Wild Blue has power, water, and cable tv (and we have not been "shunned" to the tenting area that rarely even gets used).
Check out the tent in the above photo. We picked it up at Wal-Mart for less than $17... no, we won't stay in it, but now we are "legal". When we get ready to leave, I'll see if there are any kids nearby who want a tent. :wink:
The next few days will be busy with doctor appointments (routine check-ups), a trip to the vet for Molly, and lots of visiting with old friends.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Hi Steve,
In most circumstances, if an RV park doesn't allow boats (and yes, we've run into that on occasion), it's because it's an "upscale" place... not likely to allow tents, either. This place is different - it's an ownership park, and we knew about the no-boats rule, having run into that with one of our sailboats here. It is actually in the by-laws. It's one of the nicest parks in the country, and has RV sites, cabins, and a primitave tent area... not to mention swimming pool, hot tubs, tennis courts, store, restaurant, wi-fi, golf, gas station. And the big plus: it's located right where we want to be this week, and as owners we stay here for next to nothing. We were "regulars" here for a lot of years, so the staff was trying their best to work with us.
When traveling, if a place doesn't want a boat in there, then I'd rather not give them my money, either. Plus, the bed on Big Red is getting mighty full. Fortunately, that wrong size tire that the factory put on as our spare works good as a weight to hold the tent down on the patio pad. :wink
Best wishes,
Jim
In most circumstances, if an RV park doesn't allow boats (and yes, we've run into that on occasion), it's because it's an "upscale" place... not likely to allow tents, either. This place is different - it's an ownership park, and we knew about the no-boats rule, having run into that with one of our sailboats here. It is actually in the by-laws. It's one of the nicest parks in the country, and has RV sites, cabins, and a primitave tent area... not to mention swimming pool, hot tubs, tennis courts, store, restaurant, wi-fi, golf, gas station. And the big plus: it's located right where we want to be this week, and as owners we stay here for next to nothing. We were "regulars" here for a lot of years, so the staff was trying their best to work with us.
When traveling, if a place doesn't want a boat in there, then I'd rather not give them my money, either. Plus, the bed on Big Red is getting mighty full. Fortunately, that wrong size tire that the factory put on as our spare works good as a weight to hold the tent down on the patio pad. :wink
Best wishes,
Jim
JamesTXSD":29fudan6 said:
I have read a lot of negative things about ownership parks and as a result have looked upon them with suspicion. Primarily I've heard about people buying into networks of upscale parks and then not being able to take advantage of their investment. Am I correct in assuming that you own at this park and this park only? Any tips for those of us who may be considering buying into a park? And, if you are comfortable in providing the info, what is the name of this park?
Thanks,
Warren
Let me get this straight-The wrong size spare tire is in the tent. Now where is the dingy? Where is Molly? You have brought a lot of enjoyment to an old man. Everytime I think about your episode in the church parking lot I have to laugh out loud. After the last Soprano episode next Sunday I'll be able to concentrate a little more. I look forward to saying hello at Bellingham.
Warren - The name of the resort is Hart Ranch. It is consistently one of the highest rated parks in the Coast-to-Coast and RPI (Resort Parks International) systems. There are many different resort systems, but most of them are membership parks, not ownership parks. One person (or business) owns the park, makes the rules, and the owner depends on membership dues (maintainence fees) for income. Hart Ranch is different in that the owners elect a board to run the park; the board hires a manager. Each owner gets a vote in how the park is run. Hart Ranch has been successful and debt free since its inception.
Having traveled within these recipricle parks systems, there is a GREAT variety in the quality of any individual park. Some people buy into the cheapest park they can so they can travel and stay at other parks within the system. Memberships can run into the thousands for the initial buy-in and then an annual fee. Hart Ranch is more like a country club for RVs, and folks that buy here generally do so to be able to use the facilities here.
Before you buy any membership, if you intend to travel within their system, be sure that there are parks where you want to be. Often, the membership parks are not located in the most prime areas. This is not an indictment against membership parks - we have used them in the past. At this time, we do not belong to Coast-to-Coast or RPI... but I would consider joining one or the other again if we were to do more long-term RVing. Drop me a PM if I can answer any other questions for you.
Dot and/or Marty - Molly is with us in the boat... Molly is always with us, unless we are out and about in the truck, and then she is still in the boat. I am as likely to get her in the tent as the Blonde... or me for that matter. :wink: The dinghy is in the bed of the truck. Who's on first? :crook One of our neighbors in the park came to visit with us today - the whole thing with the tent was more than he could stand and he just had to ask about it. He is a cat person and just knew we were alright when he saw Molly on a leash (he does the same with his cat, too!). So far, there have been no nasty notes on the windshield, a few curious stares, but mostly friendly waves and a bunch of "nice boat" comments.
When we went to meet with one of our sailing buddies for lunch, he had arranged a bunch of folks from our sailing club to meet at the restaurant - it was fun to visit with everyone. And not a single "dark side" comment from anyone. 8) Glad you've enjoyed the posts, and I look forward to meeting you in Bellingham.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Having traveled within these recipricle parks systems, there is a GREAT variety in the quality of any individual park. Some people buy into the cheapest park they can so they can travel and stay at other parks within the system. Memberships can run into the thousands for the initial buy-in and then an annual fee. Hart Ranch is more like a country club for RVs, and folks that buy here generally do so to be able to use the facilities here.
Before you buy any membership, if you intend to travel within their system, be sure that there are parks where you want to be. Often, the membership parks are not located in the most prime areas. This is not an indictment against membership parks - we have used them in the past. At this time, we do not belong to Coast-to-Coast or RPI... but I would consider joining one or the other again if we were to do more long-term RVing. Drop me a PM if I can answer any other questions for you.
Dot and/or Marty - Molly is with us in the boat... Molly is always with us, unless we are out and about in the truck, and then she is still in the boat. I am as likely to get her in the tent as the Blonde... or me for that matter. :wink: The dinghy is in the bed of the truck. Who's on first? :crook One of our neighbors in the park came to visit with us today - the whole thing with the tent was more than he could stand and he just had to ask about it. He is a cat person and just knew we were alright when he saw Molly on a leash (he does the same with his cat, too!). So far, there have been no nasty notes on the windshield, a few curious stares, but mostly friendly waves and a bunch of "nice boat" comments.
When we went to meet with one of our sailing buddies for lunch, he had arranged a bunch of folks from our sailing club to meet at the restaurant - it was fun to visit with everyone. And not a single "dark side" comment from anyone. 8) Glad you've enjoyed the posts, and I look forward to meeting you in Bellingham.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
drjohn71a":2iyyzgxs said:
Hi Dr. John,
When people ask about Molly on a leash, I like to reply that it takes a lot of patience and persistance. Of course, that is as much BS as Dixie refuting my tales of her here. :wink: Molly is an exceptional cat. We "dated" for a year, with Molly coming to visit us everyday before her previous family decided to give her away. She was never mistreated, but was obviously somewhat neglected. We don't feel that we "rescued" her, but rather she could tell that we had a big hole in our hearts that only a sweet kitty could fill. We all tend to project human emotions onto our pets, but Molly seems to be happiest being where we are. She did not fight the leash right from the start. She seems to enjoy the attention she gets with her frequent walks. (In fact, Joan is visiting with some RV neighbors right now who stopped to ask about Molly.) Her temperment is very mellow, but she is not a big fan of the life jacket... she doesn't struggle, just kind of lies there looking pathetic. Our daughter used to use that "pathetic look" on me to get what she wanted, too... but that's another story. We only use the life jacket when we take Molly on the dinghy and the water is choppy. She is very sure-footed on the boat.
We like Molly on the boat.
She can swim, she can float.
She's happy sitting in the chair,
she's happy with us everywhere.
She does not bite, she does not scratch.
She likes to poke out from the hatch.
The PFD, she's not a fan;
but on a leash, yes she can.
Unlike some, she wears no hat.
Our life is better thanks to this cat.
All is true, this is no folly.
Wild Blue wouldn't be the same without our Molly.
My apologies to Dr. Seusse. :wink:
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Pat Anderson
New member
Gawd, I wish I had as much time as you, Jim! I barely have time enough to READ it, let alone WRITE it!!
I know, Pat..... I don't even have time to train a cat! Mine will probably go next door and adopt some gushy, artsy, creative couple who spend all their time floating!
It is funny, though, that after I had to take the cat on the boat since he had an infection and needed twice daily meds, he now crawls into the little boat kitty litter box and yeowls, demanding to go back to the boat!
John
It is funny, though, that after I had to take the cat on the boat since he had an infection and needed twice daily meds, he now crawls into the little boat kitty litter box and yeowls, demanding to go back to the boat!
John
As always, what a wonderful thread! Molly the cat is quite a lady. When they were visiting us, she was treated very well indeed!
Our experience with Coast to Coast, was that we were "given" a membership and year's dues when we purchased a new RV. I would have much rather had the money--and it was not of really any value when we tried to sell it. Our "home" park was on the Colorado River near Bull Head City. Not a place we normally would have visited, except Marie likes to gamble at Laughton NV. It was windy and not all that attractive a park. We had just retired and spent some time out there, but when we wanted to do the nearest "exchange" park, it was "full". When we traveled, we never found one of the Coast to Coast parks which was near where we wanted to stop. After a year, we didn't pay the dues (which were about $400) and let the membership lapse, even though we were full time RVing/boating (6 months on the Boat in Alaska, 6 months in the RV in the South. For us it was not worth while. On the other hand, we have friends who have "owner ship" parks--as in Palm Desert and Indio who spend the entire winter there and love it.
Our experience with Coast to Coast, was that we were "given" a membership and year's dues when we purchased a new RV. I would have much rather had the money--and it was not of really any value when we tried to sell it. Our "home" park was on the Colorado River near Bull Head City. Not a place we normally would have visited, except Marie likes to gamble at Laughton NV. It was windy and not all that attractive a park. We had just retired and spent some time out there, but when we wanted to do the nearest "exchange" park, it was "full". When we traveled, we never found one of the Coast to Coast parks which was near where we wanted to stop. After a year, we didn't pay the dues (which were about $400) and let the membership lapse, even though we were full time RVing/boating (6 months on the Boat in Alaska, 6 months in the RV in the South. For us it was not worth while. On the other hand, we have friends who have "owner ship" parks--as in Palm Desert and Indio who spend the entire winter there and love it.
Pat - regarding the time: since we are retired, I no longer have to "sneak" glimpses of the internet while at work (so, how many man hours do you think are wasted in this country while folks surf instead of produce? :roll: ) Joan is the most efficient planner and worker I have ever met... keeping up with her forced me to make the most efficient use of my time, as well. When Bill and Mike put a timer on here instead of a post counter, all the folks who have this site running in the background are gonna get busted! 
Today, Mother Nature reminded us who's in charge. We've spent the last couple days running: medical check-ups (even took Molly to her vet), visiting friends, eating too much, taking care of some business... by last night, I was running on empty. Slept like a rock. Got up this morning, checked weather, and saw the forecast of winds 30-60 mph, rain (make that: nasty blowing rain), and cold (as in 39º). The site we are in will align us nearly broadside to the wind. The nasty stuff hadn't kicked in yet, so I folded back the bimini, hooked the truck to the boat, turned our angle a bit, and left the boat hooked to the truck). By the time I finished, the gust front hit and the sky looked like Armageddon. The temp dropped from 54º to 39º - pretty accurate forecasting!
So, the wind is howling, the rain is falling, it's down-right nasty, and we are comfortable, warm, and dry (well, except for the condensation :wink: ) in Wild Blue's cabin. This is a good day to finish up some monthly bookkeeping, make some nice warm soup, read, and spend some time surfing the net... might even work in some time for a nap. There'll be time to check some maps, too. I was thinking Jackson Lake or Yellowstone Lake, but we've never been to Flaming Gorge... decisions, decisions.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Today, Mother Nature reminded us who's in charge. We've spent the last couple days running: medical check-ups (even took Molly to her vet), visiting friends, eating too much, taking care of some business... by last night, I was running on empty. Slept like a rock. Got up this morning, checked weather, and saw the forecast of winds 30-60 mph, rain (make that: nasty blowing rain), and cold (as in 39º). The site we are in will align us nearly broadside to the wind. The nasty stuff hadn't kicked in yet, so I folded back the bimini, hooked the truck to the boat, turned our angle a bit, and left the boat hooked to the truck). By the time I finished, the gust front hit and the sky looked like Armageddon. The temp dropped from 54º to 39º - pretty accurate forecasting!
So, the wind is howling, the rain is falling, it's down-right nasty, and we are comfortable, warm, and dry (well, except for the condensation :wink: ) in Wild Blue's cabin. This is a good day to finish up some monthly bookkeeping, make some nice warm soup, read, and spend some time surfing the net... might even work in some time for a nap. There'll be time to check some maps, too. I was thinking Jackson Lake or Yellowstone Lake, but we've never been to Flaming Gorge... decisions, decisions.
Best wishes,
Jim B.