The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
You may have noticed I made quite a few posts on other threads today... I found myself house-bound, waiting for a repair guy. If Bill and Mike are keeping track of such things, I probably logged in an 8 hour day today. :roll:
But after he left, we took Wild Blue out for a sunset cruise... almost perfect conditions: the high was in the mid-80s, and the sky was a deep blue. Light winds. We only logged about 14 miles, but what a way to end the day. The dolphins at one point were so close, Joan could have reached out and touched them. Big flocks of birds, moving in waves. A line of pelicans about 30 deep, playing follow the leader. Just enough haze as the sun touched the horizon to give it that deep orange color. No camera, so I hope the description allows you to picture it in your head. We came back to the dock just after dark, guided in by our dock lights. Joan made sundowners (well, do we call 'em something else at this later time?) and I met her on the deck when I finished washing down the boat.
We have a few more home chores to take care of this week, and then we plan to run up the coast a ways. I need to fire up the generator and the dinghy motor before then. Joan asked me an interesting question today: she came across a partial bottle of Stabil and asked, "Does this stuff go bad?"
I dunno. :crook
Best wishes,
Jim
But after he left, we took Wild Blue out for a sunset cruise... almost perfect conditions: the high was in the mid-80s, and the sky was a deep blue. Light winds. We only logged about 14 miles, but what a way to end the day. The dolphins at one point were so close, Joan could have reached out and touched them. Big flocks of birds, moving in waves. A line of pelicans about 30 deep, playing follow the leader. Just enough haze as the sun touched the horizon to give it that deep orange color. No camera, so I hope the description allows you to picture it in your head. We came back to the dock just after dark, guided in by our dock lights. Joan made sundowners (well, do we call 'em something else at this later time?) and I met her on the deck when I finished washing down the boat.
We have a few more home chores to take care of this week, and then we plan to run up the coast a ways. I need to fire up the generator and the dinghy motor before then. Joan asked me an interesting question today: she came across a partial bottle of Stabil and asked, "Does this stuff go bad?"
I dunno. :crook
Best wishes,
Jim
Lori Ann":3bijatt1 said:
Hi Warren,
The only cruising guide for the Texas coast that I am aware of is: Campbell's Coastal Cruising Guide for Texas and Louisiana. It isn't updated very often... I just looked, the one I have is from '97-'98! (Guess it's time to update) A search has shown an updated 3rd version ('06-'07); here's a link...
http://www.waltereden.com/CGCT.html
There isn't a lot of cruising done here (as compared to Florida or the PNW), mostly because of the distances between facilities and the few openings in the barrier islands. On the inside (Gulf Intracoastal Waterway), much of it is pretty straight, land cut, or dredged shallows. Mostly barge traffic and local fishing boats. On the outside in the Gulf, there is one opening between here and Corpus Christi (135 nm north of us) at Port Mansfield.
I've sailed and explored the bays along the Texas coast, but haven't run the ICW any great length. I hope to have some images to post next week, showing that area. Should be some good bird watching, maybe even some exotic animals in the stretch along the King Ranch. The whooping cranes should be showing up around Rockport. Corpus Christi has a great city waterfront. Port Aransas has a good city marina and is another tourist destination area. Further north into Matagorda Bay is like setting your watch back 20 years. Galveston/Houston is a major shipping port and a real boating/sailing center along the Gulf Coast. There is plenty to see and do along this coast. Keeping in mind that it won't have the mountains, forests, and deep water of the PNW, the Texas Gulf Coast has it's own kind of flat-land, marshy, beach/bay beauty. Those that like fishing will find plenty to keep them occupied.
We don't have the 20 foot tidal swings that you see, with the resulting current-created rapids that you have to time carefully; but we have plenty of shallows, wind, heat, and critters to keep you on your toes. Tug drivers pushing long, wide barges (friendly, but sometimes "interesting" to understand the cajun accents) in narrow waterways; 65' shrimpboats (whose skippers may or may not speak English). You won't see the 40-80' recreational boats so common in the PNW along the waterway; tricked out flat bottom fishing boats that can get on plane in a foot of water are the norm. Ship traffic will be found off shore (as will hundreds of drilling rigs, platforms, capped wells, some lighted, some not), and if you get to the Houston area, there are traffic lanes there not for the faint of heart. It's a whole 'nother world.
I'm sure Alok can add some insight for the northern Texas Coast if he reads this. If you want to know any more about deep south Texas, ask away... I don't proclaim to be any kind of an expert, but I'll either ask around or make up answers.
Best wishes,
Jim
Friday, November 16th. A perfectly lovely day in the Tropical Tip... clear blue sky, sunny, high around 80º, light breeze. We have been trying to work in a run up the ICW to Port Aransas, but other stuff gets in the way. We have a guy coming to do some work on the house, but tomorrow is the only day he can make it... so, we spent the day getting Wild Blue loaded and ready to go. We took the carpet and all the cushions out. While I cleaned those, Joan worked on the inside...
I think I got the better part of that deal - taking in the sunshine while I worked. Joan scrubbed down the walls - the boat looks better than new, 'cause there's no fiberglass powder stuck to everything. :wink:
I inflated the dinghy, got it on top, and hauled our other cruising gear back onto the boat... I just know this is going to affect our speed and mileage.
We are ready to go.
-----------------
Saturday, November 17th. The guy we were waiting for actually showed up... while we were eating breakfast. No problem - "How soon can you have the work done?" I was hoping to be heading out first thing in the morning, and have no schedule (until the lighted boat parade, December 1st). That was not to be... of course, he couldn't DO the work today... he took the time to tell us how much work this project was going to be, and what he'd have to go get for materials. So, no work today... I waited around for a week so he could look at things and tell us he'd be back NEXT Saturday. :?
So, as soon as he left, we put food and clothes onboard, and then checked weather for the 97th time. There is a front that is going to come into south Texas mid-week. One weather weasel is calling it very snotty... another is calling it only moderately snotty. Joan believes the worse case scenerio, I always look until I find a forecast that looks good and then say, "See?" The current conditions were: overcast, chance of thunderstorms, wind SE @ 23 gusting to 30. Well, at least we're planning to head north. 8) We agreed to head to the fuel dock and "take a look out in the Laguna". The last thing to load onboard was Molly the cat... as I approached her, she grabbed onto her tower with both front paws in a death grip. She's a big girl with a lot of power... I am a determined guy about to head out on my boat. We went for 2 falls out of three, and I won... barely. I locked the door and put her on the boat.
With Wild Blue fueled ($2.95/gallon), we called for a bridge opening and headed east, then north in the ICW. Yep, it was windy. The sea conditions with this wind direction are odd: white caps IN the ICW, but relatively flat on the shallows on either side... you might be tempted to head for that flatter water, but there are spoils on either side that you'd stick into. The ride was reasonably smooth, and it was taking about 500 more rpm to get the same speed I saw two days ago with a lightly loaded boat. Here's the view out the windshield as we came under the causeway...
We passed a tug pushing a long barge and a couple fishing boats... and not much else in the 39 miles we ran today. Except for the wind, the conditions aren't bad: upper 70s, but the humidity is around 800%... it tried to sprinkle, but only lasted for a few seconds.
There are quite a collection of fishing shacks along the ICW. The only way to get to them is by boat. Some have wind generators, some have solar; occasionally you see a satellite dish; most are unoccupied today.
Since it was after noon when we got out, we decided to head for Port Mansfield. Originally, I had planned to go out into the Gulf and come in through the Mansfield Cut, but this wind has 6-8' waves, closely spaced outside. The ICW runs between Padre Island and the Texas mainland; shallow, but protected. Just outside the channel, you see plenty of short-legged birds standing in the water... but when you look, it seems to be plenty of water everywhere. Yeah, we stay in the channel.
The lowest layer of clouds is moving almost as fast as we are. I keep the boat between 15 and 17 knots, and we're getting a good ride.
Port Mansfield has been discovered in the last 5 years... dock space isn't easy to come by, and they don't allow anchoring anywhere in the harbor. Last year when we came through here, we stayed at Jefe's - a bar/grill with a few slips. Not this time - the windows are covered and painted with "Closed". I called the harbormaster, but didn't get a reply. There are small fishing boats launching from the nearby ramp, and the wind is dropping. We considered going back out into the Laguna to find a place to anchor, and then saw a Chamber of Commerce building with a nice dock. We pulled up to the dock, tied off, and I went to see what they might recommend. It, too, was closed up. We decided to stay tied off here for the night... if we aren't supposed to be here, someone will come by and tell us... I recall something Brent taught us: better to beg forgiveness than ask permission. :wink:
A light rain has started, Joan has Radio Margaritaville on the Sirius; this feels pretty good.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
I think I got the better part of that deal - taking in the sunshine while I worked. Joan scrubbed down the walls - the boat looks better than new, 'cause there's no fiberglass powder stuck to everything. :wink:
I inflated the dinghy, got it on top, and hauled our other cruising gear back onto the boat... I just know this is going to affect our speed and mileage.
We are ready to go.
-----------------
Saturday, November 17th. The guy we were waiting for actually showed up... while we were eating breakfast. No problem - "How soon can you have the work done?" I was hoping to be heading out first thing in the morning, and have no schedule (until the lighted boat parade, December 1st). That was not to be... of course, he couldn't DO the work today... he took the time to tell us how much work this project was going to be, and what he'd have to go get for materials. So, no work today... I waited around for a week so he could look at things and tell us he'd be back NEXT Saturday. :?
So, as soon as he left, we put food and clothes onboard, and then checked weather for the 97th time. There is a front that is going to come into south Texas mid-week. One weather weasel is calling it very snotty... another is calling it only moderately snotty. Joan believes the worse case scenerio, I always look until I find a forecast that looks good and then say, "See?" The current conditions were: overcast, chance of thunderstorms, wind SE @ 23 gusting to 30. Well, at least we're planning to head north. 8) We agreed to head to the fuel dock and "take a look out in the Laguna". The last thing to load onboard was Molly the cat... as I approached her, she grabbed onto her tower with both front paws in a death grip. She's a big girl with a lot of power... I am a determined guy about to head out on my boat. We went for 2 falls out of three, and I won... barely. I locked the door and put her on the boat.
With Wild Blue fueled ($2.95/gallon), we called for a bridge opening and headed east, then north in the ICW. Yep, it was windy. The sea conditions with this wind direction are odd: white caps IN the ICW, but relatively flat on the shallows on either side... you might be tempted to head for that flatter water, but there are spoils on either side that you'd stick into. The ride was reasonably smooth, and it was taking about 500 more rpm to get the same speed I saw two days ago with a lightly loaded boat. Here's the view out the windshield as we came under the causeway...
We passed a tug pushing a long barge and a couple fishing boats... and not much else in the 39 miles we ran today. Except for the wind, the conditions aren't bad: upper 70s, but the humidity is around 800%... it tried to sprinkle, but only lasted for a few seconds.
There are quite a collection of fishing shacks along the ICW. The only way to get to them is by boat. Some have wind generators, some have solar; occasionally you see a satellite dish; most are unoccupied today.
Since it was after noon when we got out, we decided to head for Port Mansfield. Originally, I had planned to go out into the Gulf and come in through the Mansfield Cut, but this wind has 6-8' waves, closely spaced outside. The ICW runs between Padre Island and the Texas mainland; shallow, but protected. Just outside the channel, you see plenty of short-legged birds standing in the water... but when you look, it seems to be plenty of water everywhere. Yeah, we stay in the channel.
The lowest layer of clouds is moving almost as fast as we are. I keep the boat between 15 and 17 knots, and we're getting a good ride.
Port Mansfield has been discovered in the last 5 years... dock space isn't easy to come by, and they don't allow anchoring anywhere in the harbor. Last year when we came through here, we stayed at Jefe's - a bar/grill with a few slips. Not this time - the windows are covered and painted with "Closed". I called the harbormaster, but didn't get a reply. There are small fishing boats launching from the nearby ramp, and the wind is dropping. We considered going back out into the Laguna to find a place to anchor, and then saw a Chamber of Commerce building with a nice dock. We pulled up to the dock, tied off, and I went to see what they might recommend. It, too, was closed up. We decided to stay tied off here for the night... if we aren't supposed to be here, someone will come by and tell us... I recall something Brent taught us: better to beg forgiveness than ask permission. :wink:
A light rain has started, Joan has Radio Margaritaville on the Sirius; this feels pretty good.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Sunday, November 18th. No one came to chase us away. Here's where we spent the night...
It was a beautiful morning. Activity at the ramp started early. This boy was going hunting... or fishing... or maybe just 4 wheeling (check out the half helmet)...
And a fishing boat leaving the ramp...
As we left the harbor, a large thunderstorm cell moved in off the Gulf. The guy from the previous photo roared off towards the dark sky...
And almost as fast as it came on us, it started to dissipate...
Back at the ICW, we turned north... the GPS showed 100.5 miles to our destination. Along the way, we passed more tugs pushing barges; they're impressive up close in a relatively narrow waterway...
We passed more fishing camps, and with the beautiful weather today, many were occupied. Here's another look at what fishing boats look like in the skinny water of South Texas...
From the wide shallow Laguna Madre, the ICW narrows into the Land Cut. Mostly nondescript flatlands, with cattle ranching and more fishing camps lining what looks like a straight river. This section is 22 miles long. Just north of there is the opening to Baffin Bay. The Bay is over 20 miles long, leading in from the ICW. Unlike most of the bays in South Texas, this one has surprises for boaters not keeping a close watch - rocks that lie just under the water's surface. There are plenty of fish camps along the shores here... and the water is best left to those who have local knowledge. We didn't veer off the ICW here.
North of Baffin Bay, you see a change in the greenery along the shore - trees! These are Austrailian Pines (commonly seen in the Bahamas) and you can see how the consistent wind has shaped them...
Another hour or so, and we're under the JFK Causeway, opening to Corpus Christi Bay. The ICW runs about 15 miles out from the city of Corpus Christi, across the widest part of the bay. Another cell to the northeast has changed our wind from the south to the east. This bay can get snotty in a hurry (12-15 foot average depths). Up to now, it has been almost flat water since we left Port Mansfield; I slowed Wild Blue to around 15 knots (we'd been running 18-20 most of the day) and trimmed the bow down to meet the 2 foot chop.
Once across the bay, we turned into the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and headed NE towards Port Aransas. We passed a couple large ships coming in, and hugged the eastern most side of the channel... to stay out of the way and get some protection from the islands; the chop was now around 3'. But, Port Aransas and blue skies were close. I radioed the harbormaster to get a slip; once behind the jetties of the harbor, the water was calm and we made our way to our assigned slip.
With Wild Blue tied off, it was kick-back time...
While Joan picked up inside the boat, I hosed the salt spray off the outside. And then the opportunity I've been considering for a long time - check out the new mast on Wild Blue...
Yes, I'm kidding. 8) There is a fine looking Farrier designed tri just behind us; just the angle I needed to "provide the mast."
Molly got a walk on the docks, Joan and I got showers, and before heading out for supper, we were treated to a nice sunset...
We ate at a restaurant with a view of the harbor... our table was situated perfectly for a view of Wild Blue in the lights surrounding the marina. A very nice way to cap off the day.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
It was a beautiful morning. Activity at the ramp started early. This boy was going hunting... or fishing... or maybe just 4 wheeling (check out the half helmet)...
And a fishing boat leaving the ramp...
As we left the harbor, a large thunderstorm cell moved in off the Gulf. The guy from the previous photo roared off towards the dark sky...
And almost as fast as it came on us, it started to dissipate...
Back at the ICW, we turned north... the GPS showed 100.5 miles to our destination. Along the way, we passed more tugs pushing barges; they're impressive up close in a relatively narrow waterway...
We passed more fishing camps, and with the beautiful weather today, many were occupied. Here's another look at what fishing boats look like in the skinny water of South Texas...
From the wide shallow Laguna Madre, the ICW narrows into the Land Cut. Mostly nondescript flatlands, with cattle ranching and more fishing camps lining what looks like a straight river. This section is 22 miles long. Just north of there is the opening to Baffin Bay. The Bay is over 20 miles long, leading in from the ICW. Unlike most of the bays in South Texas, this one has surprises for boaters not keeping a close watch - rocks that lie just under the water's surface. There are plenty of fish camps along the shores here... and the water is best left to those who have local knowledge. We didn't veer off the ICW here.
North of Baffin Bay, you see a change in the greenery along the shore - trees! These are Austrailian Pines (commonly seen in the Bahamas) and you can see how the consistent wind has shaped them...
Another hour or so, and we're under the JFK Causeway, opening to Corpus Christi Bay. The ICW runs about 15 miles out from the city of Corpus Christi, across the widest part of the bay. Another cell to the northeast has changed our wind from the south to the east. This bay can get snotty in a hurry (12-15 foot average depths). Up to now, it has been almost flat water since we left Port Mansfield; I slowed Wild Blue to around 15 knots (we'd been running 18-20 most of the day) and trimmed the bow down to meet the 2 foot chop.
Once across the bay, we turned into the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and headed NE towards Port Aransas. We passed a couple large ships coming in, and hugged the eastern most side of the channel... to stay out of the way and get some protection from the islands; the chop was now around 3'. But, Port Aransas and blue skies were close. I radioed the harbormaster to get a slip; once behind the jetties of the harbor, the water was calm and we made our way to our assigned slip.
With Wild Blue tied off, it was kick-back time...
While Joan picked up inside the boat, I hosed the salt spray off the outside. And then the opportunity I've been considering for a long time - check out the new mast on Wild Blue...
Yes, I'm kidding. 8) There is a fine looking Farrier designed tri just behind us; just the angle I needed to "provide the mast."
Molly got a walk on the docks, Joan and I got showers, and before heading out for supper, we were treated to a nice sunset...
We ate at a restaurant with a view of the harbor... our table was situated perfectly for a view of Wild Blue in the lights surrounding the marina. A very nice way to cap off the day.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
This is as far north as we're going this trip. We'll start working our way south Tuesday, taking our time. Probably spend a night in the Arroyo Colorado.
We have some friends from Utah who are coming to this area this winter... we plan to spend more time around here then. :wink:
BTW, running through the Land Cut yesterday, Joan said, "This reminds me of the Okeechobee Waterway... well, sorta."
See ya soon,
Jim
We have some friends from Utah who are coming to this area this winter... we plan to spend more time around here then. :wink:
BTW, running through the Land Cut yesterday, Joan said, "This reminds me of the Okeechobee Waterway... well, sorta."
See ya soon,
Jim
Monday, November 19th. Port Aransas is just a great old beach town. Fewer than 4,000 permanent residents, with a population that swells greatly in the summer and when the winter Texans come south to escape the frozen northland. It is "quiet time" here right now. There is a character here that I don't see in other island places along the Texas coast... somehow old and comfortable, with plenty of new construction and a welcoming way about it.
Port A (as it's known locally) is also the only island along the Texas coast with a system of free ferries to get you and your vehicle on/off the island, thanks to the Texas DOT. They could build a bridge, but this just fits.
To get around today, we took the local trolley (well, one of those buses that looks like a trolley). 25¢ gets you all around town. And one of the stops is the city marina. When we got on, there was only one other person besides the driver; the 4 of us visited as the tolley bumped along (the roads in Port A are neither wide nor smooth). The other lady got off after a few blocks, and we had a personal narrated "tour" of the island for 2 bits! The narration is not part of the driver's duty, but a way to keep herself entertained. (We also found out that she came her from New Jersey 7 years ago after her husband passed away, and she lives in an RV, and...). After the hour long "circuit" around town, we rode part way through again and got off to explore.
Of course, there are the typical touristy beach shops...
We walked a ways, mostly window shopping, enjoying the balmy weather, and feeling like tourists (not a bad thing). We had a good lunch at a pizza buffet place (with mostly locals), and then walked a few blocks to the island grocery store; an IGA. No big chain markets here. And that seems to be the way it is done here... mostly "one of a kind" stores and shops, but they do have a Dairy Queen and a Whataburger (a Texas institution that blows away the Golden Arches).
On one side of the island is the Gulf of Mexico and a great beach (and I forgot to shoot a photo of it :crook ). As on most of the Texas coast, you can drive on the beach here. On two other sides of the island is the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Plenty of fishing activity along the jetties and the channel. When we walked back from the store, we took Molly for a walk in a park by the ship channel.
There is a nice public pavillion, a soccer field, playground, picnic areas, and fishing pier... and all right across from the marina. Molly got to play in the grass. We watched the ferries shuffle back and forth across the channel, saw the Texas Treasure gambling ship, saw dolphins playing... if we didn't already live in the Tropical Tip, this would be a great vacation destination.
The nice folks in the city marina were also friendly, and mentioned that they have monthly slips available in the winter (all booked up in the summer). The prices were very reasonable: $202 for our size boat for a month. Certainly a consideration... it would be easy to while away a month here.
We walked back to the boat...
... and had sundowners in the cockpit while the sun went down. The ramps here at the marina seem just as busy in the evening as during the day - the night fishing must be good right now. There are shrimpboats a few slips down where you can buy 'em right off the boat. A good size marina with a small comfortable feel. Beautiful homes (with big beautiful prices) right across the harbor, but with this being a municipal marina, not much chance that it's going to be bought up by condo developers.
After all, it's part of the character of the place.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Port A (as it's known locally) is also the only island along the Texas coast with a system of free ferries to get you and your vehicle on/off the island, thanks to the Texas DOT. They could build a bridge, but this just fits.
To get around today, we took the local trolley (well, one of those buses that looks like a trolley). 25¢ gets you all around town. And one of the stops is the city marina. When we got on, there was only one other person besides the driver; the 4 of us visited as the tolley bumped along (the roads in Port A are neither wide nor smooth). The other lady got off after a few blocks, and we had a personal narrated "tour" of the island for 2 bits! The narration is not part of the driver's duty, but a way to keep herself entertained. (We also found out that she came her from New Jersey 7 years ago after her husband passed away, and she lives in an RV, and...). After the hour long "circuit" around town, we rode part way through again and got off to explore.
Of course, there are the typical touristy beach shops...
We walked a ways, mostly window shopping, enjoying the balmy weather, and feeling like tourists (not a bad thing). We had a good lunch at a pizza buffet place (with mostly locals), and then walked a few blocks to the island grocery store; an IGA. No big chain markets here. And that seems to be the way it is done here... mostly "one of a kind" stores and shops, but they do have a Dairy Queen and a Whataburger (a Texas institution that blows away the Golden Arches).
On one side of the island is the Gulf of Mexico and a great beach (and I forgot to shoot a photo of it :crook ). As on most of the Texas coast, you can drive on the beach here. On two other sides of the island is the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Plenty of fishing activity along the jetties and the channel. When we walked back from the store, we took Molly for a walk in a park by the ship channel.
There is a nice public pavillion, a soccer field, playground, picnic areas, and fishing pier... and all right across from the marina. Molly got to play in the grass. We watched the ferries shuffle back and forth across the channel, saw the Texas Treasure gambling ship, saw dolphins playing... if we didn't already live in the Tropical Tip, this would be a great vacation destination.
The nice folks in the city marina were also friendly, and mentioned that they have monthly slips available in the winter (all booked up in the summer). The prices were very reasonable: $202 for our size boat for a month. Certainly a consideration... it would be easy to while away a month here.
We walked back to the boat...
... and had sundowners in the cockpit while the sun went down. The ramps here at the marina seem just as busy in the evening as during the day - the night fishing must be good right now. There are shrimpboats a few slips down where you can buy 'em right off the boat. A good size marina with a small comfortable feel. Beautiful homes (with big beautiful prices) right across the harbor, but with this being a municipal marina, not much chance that it's going to be bought up by condo developers.
After all, it's part of the character of the place.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
It's another beautiful day down south... but there is a front forecast to move in on Wednesday evening; same front that is bringing cold weather to Salt Lake City, so you know it is moving fast. We decided to head south in the ICW, with the plan to make it back to the Tropical Tip on Thursday. Prudence, you know?
This may get old for some of you, but the dolphins are always amazing to us. Today, they ran with us for about a half hour. I slowed the boat from 18-20 knots to around 14 so they could play in our wake...
There were 8 of them that we could count... swimming on both sides of the boat, bow surfing, and playing in the wake. Looked like they were having fun - I know we were.
Here's a look at the water in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel...
... smooth!
It was a warm one today; by late afternoon, the sun was coming in the starboard side; the wind had come up, so we had to close the center windshield occasionally to keep the spray out. My wide brimmed hat didn't block enough sun to keep it off my neck, so I resorted to this...
For any of you planning any kind of a "shiek" comment... hey, you do what you have to do. 8) I'm OK with taking a "fashion risk" when it comes to boat-time.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
This may get old for some of you, but the dolphins are always amazing to us. Today, they ran with us for about a half hour. I slowed the boat from 18-20 knots to around 14 so they could play in our wake...
There were 8 of them that we could count... swimming on both sides of the boat, bow surfing, and playing in the wake. Looked like they were having fun - I know we were.
Here's a look at the water in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel...
... smooth!
It was a warm one today; by late afternoon, the sun was coming in the starboard side; the wind had come up, so we had to close the center windshield occasionally to keep the spray out. My wide brimmed hat didn't block enough sun to keep it off my neck, so I resorted to this...
For any of you planning any kind of a "shiek" comment... hey, you do what you have to do. 8) I'm OK with taking a "fashion risk" when it comes to boat-time.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Cruising... elegant living onboard. (Some of the stuff that got "left out" of yesterday's log)
We had decided to head for home a day early, hoping to take advantage of the switching winds as the front moved in... yeah, that didn’t happen. When we came out of the land cut, we had wind right on the nose, plenty strong... making for some very lumpy water.
It was too hot to keep the center windshield closed, so Joan put a towel under it to catch any spray and cracked it open a bit. It just so happened that the towel she grabbed was Molly’s... and on the first day out, Molly yakked on it. I rinsed it out when we got to Port A, and we put it in the dirty clothes bag when it dried. Well, with the strong winds and fresh salt water wafting through the towel, it “reactivated” the smell of cat puke... in the heat... with the rest of the windows closed.
Like a scene out of “Wayne’s World”... “I think I’m gonna hurl.” “You better not, ‘cause if you hurl, I’m gonna spew!” We shut the window and tossed the smelly towel into the cockpit. Fortunately, it was only a couple miles into Port Mansfield.
We pulled up at the same dock that we stayed at on the way up. And waited to see if anyone would come by. Nope. We had a bit of protection from the wind at the dock, but a nearby flag halyard “whanged” and a banner on the dock flapped most of the night.
When we’re cruising, we often turn in early... tonight was really early - in bed before 8:00. Just as I was drifting off to sleep, there was an extended “yipping and howling” noise nearby. Joan asked, “Are those dogs?”
“Nope. Coyotes.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. And all that noise means they are enjoying supper.” Molly’s eyes got wide and she snuggled in closer to Joan.
Around 10:00, Joan hopped out of bed in a hurry. “What’s up?” I asked.
“There’s a cat walking on the boat! Where’s Molly?”
Molly was in the cabin, again looking wide-eyed. Joan saved the day by shooing off the stray cat. I just tried to sleep. Fortunately, the rest of the night was pretty quiet.
We had decided to head for home a day early, hoping to take advantage of the switching winds as the front moved in... yeah, that didn’t happen. When we came out of the land cut, we had wind right on the nose, plenty strong... making for some very lumpy water.
It was too hot to keep the center windshield closed, so Joan put a towel under it to catch any spray and cracked it open a bit. It just so happened that the towel she grabbed was Molly’s... and on the first day out, Molly yakked on it. I rinsed it out when we got to Port A, and we put it in the dirty clothes bag when it dried. Well, with the strong winds and fresh salt water wafting through the towel, it “reactivated” the smell of cat puke... in the heat... with the rest of the windows closed.
Like a scene out of “Wayne’s World”... “I think I’m gonna hurl.” “You better not, ‘cause if you hurl, I’m gonna spew!” We shut the window and tossed the smelly towel into the cockpit. Fortunately, it was only a couple miles into Port Mansfield.
We pulled up at the same dock that we stayed at on the way up. And waited to see if anyone would come by. Nope. We had a bit of protection from the wind at the dock, but a nearby flag halyard “whanged” and a banner on the dock flapped most of the night.
When we’re cruising, we often turn in early... tonight was really early - in bed before 8:00. Just as I was drifting off to sleep, there was an extended “yipping and howling” noise nearby. Joan asked, “Are those dogs?”
“Nope. Coyotes.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. And all that noise means they are enjoying supper.” Molly’s eyes got wide and she snuggled in closer to Joan.
Around 10:00, Joan hopped out of bed in a hurry. “What’s up?” I asked.
“There’s a cat walking on the boat! Where’s Molly?”
Molly was in the cabin, again looking wide-eyed. Joan saved the day by shooing off the stray cat. I just tried to sleep. Fortunately, the rest of the night was pretty quiet.
Wednesday, November 21st. We were up early, before daybreak. We cleaned up and hit the road... er, waterway.
Leaving Port Mansfield, heading east; I expected to see a nice sunrise, but all we got was this bit of pink in the sky... the overcast kept the sun to itself.
We chugged along at trawler speeds while we ate our breakfast enroute. The wind was still blowing about 20, and hadn’t made it’s switch to the north... so much for our timing.
A few miles down the ICW, we got some protection from small islands and picked our speed up. Shortly after that, we were treated to yet another great dolphin show! Joan shot these of a momma and baby playing in our wake.
As we made our way closer to home, the sun climbed over the clouds... and the wind came up even stronger - checking weather, it was reporting gusts to 30. Right on our nose, of course. We could see the causeway up ahead... I slowed Wild Blue a bit - not just for a more comfortable ride, but also to time it for a bridge opening on the hour.
We tied off on our dock and went right to work unloading the boat. The unloading went a lot quicker than the loading. Molly sauntered off the boat; surprisingly, she wasn’t in that big of a hurry to get in the house. The washdown took a lot longer than usual - Wild Blue was covered with salt spray - stem to stern, top to bottom.
Looks like we’ll spend Thanksgiving at home (even though Joan planned for a turkey meal onboard). This norther is forecast to drop our temps by more than 30º, with a cold north wind and rain. Perhaps our timing was good afterall?
Next boat event - the Lighted Boat Parade (next week).
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Leaving Port Mansfield, heading east; I expected to see a nice sunrise, but all we got was this bit of pink in the sky... the overcast kept the sun to itself.
We chugged along at trawler speeds while we ate our breakfast enroute. The wind was still blowing about 20, and hadn’t made it’s switch to the north... so much for our timing.
A few miles down the ICW, we got some protection from small islands and picked our speed up. Shortly after that, we were treated to yet another great dolphin show! Joan shot these of a momma and baby playing in our wake.
As we made our way closer to home, the sun climbed over the clouds... and the wind came up even stronger - checking weather, it was reporting gusts to 30. Right on our nose, of course. We could see the causeway up ahead... I slowed Wild Blue a bit - not just for a more comfortable ride, but also to time it for a bridge opening on the hour.
We tied off on our dock and went right to work unloading the boat. The unloading went a lot quicker than the loading. Molly sauntered off the boat; surprisingly, she wasn’t in that big of a hurry to get in the house. The washdown took a lot longer than usual - Wild Blue was covered with salt spray - stem to stern, top to bottom.
Looks like we’ll spend Thanksgiving at home (even though Joan planned for a turkey meal onboard). This norther is forecast to drop our temps by more than 30º, with a cold north wind and rain. Perhaps our timing was good afterall?
Next boat event - the Lighted Boat Parade (next week).
Best wishes,
Jim B.
CatyMae n Steve
New member
JamesTXSD":296q5u1p said:
Gosh, dig out your parkas and raingear! It's sunny and warm (for our neck of the woods this time of year) and we'll be grilling elk backstrap on the deck today. Happy Thanksgiving J n J and Molly the boatcat!
Caty n Steve
It's all in the perspective. Yesterday, it was 86º when I cleaned the boat; right now it is 56º, and the temp has been steadily dropping all day. The wind is blowing in the 20s, from the north and cold. Now, I realize I'm not going to get a lot of sympathy from the folks in the frozen northland, but this is unusual for this time of year. In late December through February, we expect a few northers to blow in and give us a couple days of blustery cold. I've worn long pants two days in the last 6 months... once to a family funeral this summer, and once a couple weeks ago when we went to visit Joan's Mom in Dallas (considered "up north" for us :wink: ).
I'd be the first to admit that I am a big wuss when it comes to the cold. There is a reason we chose summer to cruise in the PNW. 8) And even then, we fired up the Wallas on more than a few mornings. Much like Bill and El have their "safe harbor", when we are home (or near home) we get to pick our days. If circumstances were different (as in: not having to be home to take care of a house project on a specific date), we'd likely be spending this holiday onboard.
Certainly, we don't have the amenities onboard that we have at home... but Joan is a wiz when it comes to making the boat feel like home. But today, when I look out at the weather, and the house is full of the wonderful smells of Hawaiian sweet bread, pumpkin pie, and turkey all cooking, I am thankful that we have the choice.
The Blonde is happily puttering around in the (real) kitchen, the chubby gray kitty is stretched out on her tower, and I'm not on anchor watch. I have to say that the timing and choice were pretty good. By year's end, we will have spent nearly 8 months onboard this year - one of the many things I will give thanks for when we come to the table.
I try not to judge a day by the weather. And I've certainly heard that old saw about "no bad weather, just bad clothing". I know all about that parka stuff - we got to use ours in JULY while visiting with Joe, Ruth, and Roger. I consider clothing like that to be along the lines of a good MOB retrieval method - important to have, but hopefully not necessary to break it out. :wink It's been "summer" since we got home - now, it's beginning to feel like a change of the season.
Happy Thanksgiving, Caty & Steve! BTW, I've never had elk...does it taste like venison? What do you do for a wishbone?
Best wishes,
Jim
I'd be the first to admit that I am a big wuss when it comes to the cold. There is a reason we chose summer to cruise in the PNW. 8) And even then, we fired up the Wallas on more than a few mornings. Much like Bill and El have their "safe harbor", when we are home (or near home) we get to pick our days. If circumstances were different (as in: not having to be home to take care of a house project on a specific date), we'd likely be spending this holiday onboard.
Certainly, we don't have the amenities onboard that we have at home... but Joan is a wiz when it comes to making the boat feel like home. But today, when I look out at the weather, and the house is full of the wonderful smells of Hawaiian sweet bread, pumpkin pie, and turkey all cooking, I am thankful that we have the choice.
The Blonde is happily puttering around in the (real) kitchen, the chubby gray kitty is stretched out on her tower, and I'm not on anchor watch. I have to say that the timing and choice were pretty good. By year's end, we will have spent nearly 8 months onboard this year - one of the many things I will give thanks for when we come to the table.
I try not to judge a day by the weather. And I've certainly heard that old saw about "no bad weather, just bad clothing". I know all about that parka stuff - we got to use ours in JULY while visiting with Joe, Ruth, and Roger. I consider clothing like that to be along the lines of a good MOB retrieval method - important to have, but hopefully not necessary to break it out. :wink It's been "summer" since we got home - now, it's beginning to feel like a change of the season.
Happy Thanksgiving, Caty & Steve! BTW, I've never had elk...does it taste like venison? What do you do for a wishbone?
Best wishes,
Jim
CatyMae n Steve
New member
I love reading your posts and seeing your pictures...I enjoy the warmth vicariously like all the other Brats :smile keep 'em coming!
Elk...doesn't taste like chicken nor venison (though I don't remember the taste, but rather the texture of venison from when I was a kid and Mom cooked it to resemble shoe leather, rest her soul) -- and no wishbones means nobody gets left out pulling for a wish! Elk is really bland, but it readily takes on the tastes of the flavors you spice with because it's so lean -- I marinated a variety today, to give a selection...caribbean jerk, mesquite and ginger sesame. It was a hit with the boys. They all left with bags of leftovers. As we watched the game after dinner, I thought to myself, "wow, I may have over-elked these guys! elk jerkey and sausage for snacks, elk for dinner." But when they left, they asked for some of the snacks and some frozen ground elk and steaks -- so they've not OD'd yet. :wink
I saw a comparison chart, and for cholesterol and lack of fat, and high protein, it's about the best meat going, so they'll all have a couple healthy meals :thup
Caty
Elk...doesn't taste like chicken nor venison (though I don't remember the taste, but rather the texture of venison from when I was a kid and Mom cooked it to resemble shoe leather, rest her soul) -- and no wishbones means nobody gets left out pulling for a wish! Elk is really bland, but it readily takes on the tastes of the flavors you spice with because it's so lean -- I marinated a variety today, to give a selection...caribbean jerk, mesquite and ginger sesame. It was a hit with the boys. They all left with bags of leftovers. As we watched the game after dinner, I thought to myself, "wow, I may have over-elked these guys! elk jerkey and sausage for snacks, elk for dinner." But when they left, they asked for some of the snacks and some frozen ground elk and steaks -- so they've not OD'd yet. :wink
I saw a comparison chart, and for cholesterol and lack of fat, and high protein, it's about the best meat going, so they'll all have a couple healthy meals :thup
Caty