To Galveston and back

Well right more later. Just got in the Port Lavaca this afternoon. Aug 4, 2012  Total cruising miles on Miss Froggy 1429.

4th of July

Charlie joined us on his boat to sail over to Port O'Connor to watch the fireworks on the 7th. Was a slow sail day as the wind was blowing from the wrong direction as always. We did tack back and forth for about 3 hours going nowhere. Got a lot experience tacking.

We got to what I felt was a good spot to watch the fireworks off POC. The wind had picked up and the wave action was not fun. The CG showed up for a short visit. I asked the a few questions and they left. A little while later a different crew came by asking the same questions with the addition of one. When was the last time you were boarded? I said never and they were welcome to come aboard.  Which the did. I think they really were more interested in who I was because we had gone to NOLA. They did their paper work and left.

The fireworks were nice. Not much sleep as it was very rough until just before daylight when the wind died and the bay went flat. Had a nice smooth motor back to the marina.

41 miles.

1147 on the G PS

LG 800 Net10 phone sucks along with Net10 service. Think I'll send them a bill for the time I've sat on the phone waiting to talk to them and for the days the phone didn't work.

May 19

Flood gates no problem. Nice easy day to Matagorda. Got a slip for the night. Getting closer to home

1052

May 20

Got up early for a early start because its a long way to Port Lavaca. Slow motor all day 4.1 to 4.3 As we entered Matagorda bay the wind started to pick up. I know something was going to happened as the sun was red this morning. Sure enough the closer we got to Port O'Connor the heaver and higher the chop got. The wind was on a broad reach. Hard to handle with the motor popping out of the water. One time we got hit so hard that the motor popped off the hold down latch. I felt that it would be best instead of fighting this all the way into Port Lavaca we should just go to Port O'Connor. Hoping to calmer winds and chop in the morning.

1086 miles

May 21

We left Clarks at 0545 this morning to get a head start on the wind. The bay was nice to us with a light chop.

We turn into our slip with a warm welcome commodity of dock mates. Nice to have the welcome home made us feel good.

We finished with 1106 miles under our belts. Now we know the hard part so the next trip will be easier to get over to Mississippi and points.

Thanks to everyone that have keep up with our adventure.

Got WIFI

May 12

0930 the dealer call and my motor is ready for pick up. Richard gave me a ride to get my motor. Got her installed and fired right up.

Richard was cooking crawfish. Biggest darn thing I'd ever seen. Told Lisa about them and ask the stupid question. Do you want some? Got 2# She ate until her hands hurt and her belly was full. Happy camper she is.

Richard and Peggy are so kind. Don't know what we would have done without their help.

May 13

Got an early start. We made it to Taylor Bayou by 1200. Short day. But that way we will make Stingaree in one day.

Called my sister to wish her a happy mothers day.

Miles 888

May 14

Pulled anchor at 0711 and headed for Stingaree. Quite day except for one tow. His wife must have run off with a sailor. I knew he was behind me and I was giving him all the ditch. I'm in less than 10' of water and here he is 30 yards behind me trying to run me over. This was not my imagination. I got on the radio and asked him what he wanted me to do. No reply but he did move out after he had me in water he couldn't get in. This is twice this has happened. I think the next time its real simple. I'll ask them what they wanted me to do. If I get no answer and they keep coming I'll run myself aground to keep Lisa and Trixie safe. Then I'll get on the radio and inform them that since they are trying to kill us intentionally I will tell them that as they pass I will fill their bridge deck with lead. To me this is self defense.

We saw and spoke to Wayne and Connie just west of the High Island Bridge. Luck them they had sail up. We've had nothing but a head wind.

We got into Stingaree around 1630 tire and hungry. Lisa got a crab po boy and I got fries. Topped off my 3 gal and 6 gal tanks. Leaving me with one gallon of fuel left. In other words 7 gallon out of 19 gal.

This means I used 12 gallons of gas from Morgan City mm 100 to here mm 335 or 235 miles on 12 gallons of fuel. That is a 19.58 mile per gallon. Not to bad averaging 5.5 mph.

We'll head to Offatts bayou tomorrow.

Mile 936

May 15

Left Stingaree at 0711. West on the ICW when the CG came on the radio to inform of the channel closure at the Pelican Island cut. With the cut closed that means going around in the Galveston Channel. I needed to plot a course from the ICW to Galveston Channel. Well I figured a heading of 171 degrees would get us there. No problem NOT Winds were forecast at 5 and light chop. Boy did the weather guy missed it again. Even on Channel 1 on the VHF had is all wrong. We had a beam chop 3 to 5' hitting us to 25 degrees. We had less than 2 mile to contend with but it seemed like forever. Not only the wind and chop but had to worry about ships. None today thank God as I would not have wanted to make a circle in this crap.

Got in the Galveston Channel and it wasn't not much better. Went through the Pelican Island bascule bridge and here is the chop and wind even higher and bigger. Lisa was at her wits end about have way to the railroad bridge. I was fed up with all this mess. Lisa said the dinghy was higher than the boat at time. Got though the railroad bridge to calmer water. We were header to Offatts Bayou. Still had a high wind pushing us around. Took 3 time and I finally gave up and dropped the anchor. Need to move later.

We rowed over to the little boat ramp. Walked up to Target to get a couple of things. Saw a WM and a Home Depot all in a short walk.

Called about the flood gate closure. Can get though on Saturday. Call Harbor Bridge Marina and reserved a transit slip for Friday night. At least we'll get hot showers and ice before we head to Matagorda on Saturday. Might make it home on Sunday.

Only 29 mile today but Lisa said it felt like 129 miles.

965 miles

May 16

Offatts Bayou. Just hanging out.

May17

Offatts Bayou.

This evening a young sailor stopped by for a visit. He is headed to Aranasa Pass. He's single hand all the way from Long Island to here. Center cockpit yawl. Atlas is the boat name. Did a stop over the Bahamas. He's thinking of doing the ICW on down to Port Isabel.

Gave him my copy of Jay's cruising guide from Galveston to Brownsville.

Weather is looking good for the next few days. Wont leave here if the winds are greater than 10. I don't care not going to get hammered again.

May 18

We had a good motor sail over to Freeport. West Bay was almost like glass as we crossed. We left at 0630 to beat any winds that might come up. Had a lot of sailboats pass us as they were headed to the Spring Fling in Freeport.

Got a slip for tonight and much needed showers. First time to have WIFI since we left Peggy's on the Bayou.

I did get on the radio with a big trawler to give him hell for his 8 foot wake. He slowed down until he got almost to us then dropped the hammer. He did reply with I will watch my wake in the future.

We passed the 1000 mile make today at the 390 mm WHL.

Hope to get through the flood gates early to make it on over to Matagorda.

1004 miles

Here we sit

May 11

Called the Tohatsu dealer today. Got the part needed to fix my motor. Didn't know if it will be ready tomorrow or not. Getting real tired of sitting here.

I don't know why anyone in their right mind would want to cruise from Texas to NOLA along the ICW. There isn't a decent marina east of Galveston. What you do find is so far away from anything you need a car instead of a dinghy.  The water in the Mississippi is clearer. You put up with tow after tow for hours on end. Then there is the crabbers and small crewboats that send you a wake that will capsize you if you are not careful.

Is the ICW an adventure Hell no its a damn nightmare. Want your boat beat up just come on down. You don't have to do anything the ICW will do it for you.

Up date

April 29

Well after a wonderful week in NOLA it was time for us to head home. We cast off at 0800 and in the Industrial canal we headed. We got to the first bridge and as usual we had a hard time getting the Almonaster bridge to open. Took 4 radio calls and 30 minutes before he open the bridge. He will only open if you say Almonaster Blvd Railroad bridge. Made it through the rest of the bridges no problem. When we got to Industrial Lock we tied to a light boat. First time for everything. Crossing the Mississippi was not fun. We had 6 foot rollers until we turned into Algiers canal. Our wait at the lock was about half an hour. The lock master load a tow, crewboat and a light boat in the lock. Then it was our turn. Everything with smooth.

Got over to Crown Point and everything turned to crap. Hundreds of runabouts running up and down the ICW. Bunch of nuts out. Most of them drunk.

We found an anchorage in 4.3' of water at 1702hrs after 42 miles. I don't think we did to bad considering the bridge, locks and the Mississippi river.

590 miles

April 30

Uneventful day to Houma. Rolled into the city park/marina. Paid my $25.00 to tie up for the night. Three trips to the store. Gas, Ice and Subway sandwiches. No one felt like cooking.

I was sitting in the cockpit when a gentleman came up wearing a leather Kelt and full beard. He was retired army and lived in the PNW and owner of a Flicka. We had a nice visit. He sure liked Miss Froggy.

May 1

First of a new month. After another restless night we headed for Morgan City and the little park at the 100 mile marker. Got tied up around 4 and kicked back for a quite evening.

662 Miles

May 2

Lisa contacted Steph about where there is a walk in clinic in Morgan City. Bless her heart she came over from Houma to help Lisa find a doctor. We meet her at the City dock. As soon as we pulled up some film crew ask if we would agree to a short video for La. Tourism. So we ended up in a video that will come out in June on YouTube.

Found a walk in clinic and got Lisa all fixed up. Said a thank you's to Steph and headed back to the little park. I could see the rain coming so Lisa helped me into my slicker. What a down pour. Had to turn on the nav lights.

After we got tied up I saw what looked like a pump out. Sure enough there is a brand new one not yet totally installed with about 10 docks with water and elec. Bad thing about it is there is no way we could tie up and get off the boat. The dock is about 10 feet off the water.

Got more rain during the night.

669 miles

May 3

Left out around 0715 for our next anchorage. Figured on the same spot to anchor as before up the bayou to Avery Island.

Got a little rain to day but nothing to put my slicker on for. Remembered about Port of West St. Mary to let Trixie have her potty walk. She had a good run. Don't remember if I said before but this place is full of Vietnamese crabbing. Someday there wont be any crabs to catch or even eat.

We say to gators in an arguments. Pretty good size.

Got into out anchorage about 1730. Lisa made cornbread in our BakePacker. Sure turned out really good. Good investment on the BakePacker.

It was nice being able to cruise along on just the start position on the motor at 5 to 5.3 all day.

721 Miles today

May 4

Woke up at 0130 to find all the water gone from our anchorage. Couldn't get the boat to rock. Nothing to do but go back to bed. Woke again at 0600 to find a strong current and all the water and then some back in. Got moving around 0715 headed to Shell Morgan in Intarcoastal City.

Lisa told me that during the night a tow woke her up. As she was looking out a gator swam by.

Beautiful sunrise on a foggy morning but the darn camera wouldn't work. This camera just does what it wants.

Got into Shell Morgan at mid morning with plans on staying the night. We both needed shower and a good inside boat clean.

In the future we'll fuel up but I don't think we'll stay again. To much traffic on the ICW and this little boat is taking a beating.

Called Charlie J to let him know where we were at. Last time here we had no phone service but internet. This time we have phone service and no internet.

Charlie said I should get in touch with everyone and have a get together. That would be really nice but I hate to ask anyone to drive out of their way to come see up. Maybe next time we will get over to CYC for a weekend. Who know what the future holds.

Changed the oil in the outboard I'll have to keep better track on the hours. One hour for every 5 miles.

737 miles

May 5

Wanted out of Shell Morgan. Tired of the noise and wakes.

Got to Leeland Bowman lock and waited hour and half to lock through. Most of the day went good. Stopped at Florence Canal to let Trixie do a potty break at the little boat dock. Wrong 1.7 of water. Next stop Talen fuel stop. Had pure hell. Wind slammed us into on of the pylons. Then trying to get out of there in 2 feet of water the motor started running like crap and would die. Got blown into 1.7 feet of water again. This time had to get the dinghy and a long dock line to one of the big cleats to pull me backwards out of the shallow water. Changed fuel tanks thinking that I might have bad fuel from Shell Morgan. Motor running good again.

Do not stop at Talen's for a doggy break. Problems both times. 190 MM

Tried a new anchorages. Nope to shallow. Ran back into the ICW when the deep sounder showed 3 feet. Wasn't going to take any chances.

Got to our old anchorage at the 205 WHLMM and dropped a hook in 5 feet of water. Had a relaxing evening getting sung to by a bull frog.

785 miles.

May 6

Quite day today. Made it through 2 pontoon bridges and one lock. Got over to the Calcasieu Park by mid afternoon for Trixie potty break and get ice. 8 lb bag 2 bucks. People are sure proud of frozen water.

Anchored in the same spot as we did on the way east. Up the Calcasieu river.

We'll leave early and head for Peggy's on the Bayou for tomorrow night. Maybe I can get this online then.

826 Miles

May 7

Had a nice quite day on the ICW only a couple of tows. Turn up cow bayou to Peggy's. As I was turning into the dock l went to put it in reverse and nothing happened. I didn't realize that it was still in forward. No way to stop so we hit the dock. Miss Froggy is still alright. No way to shift the motor out of forward.

Took the motor off and call a friend that is an outboard mech. We talked for awhile.

The owner here at Peggy's said that there is a outboard mech. Just up the road.

863 miles

May 8

Took the motor to the mech to get it fixed. He called me to tell me the motor is still in warranty. Now to find a way to get the motor to the dealer in Orange.

Photos added

My pretty face.

Oil rig along the ICW

On our way into the Tobasco plant

Tabasco plant main entrance

.
Gift shop

Our anchorage. Nice to relax after a long day.

Cold and windy day

Weeks Island salt mine.

Morgan City bridges coming in site.

Tied up on the dock in Morgan City.

Cable ferry just before the locks in Morgan City.

Locks behind a four pack. He is wall to wall. Don't know how these guys can thread a needle like that.

That's it for today on the photos. More tomorrow if I don't get in trouble downloading these.

New Orleans at last.

Skies look bad so we paid for another night. Mike in the huge catamaran pulled out. He had said they were going to have to go offshore because of his 73+ mast height. Not much to report today so far. At 1800 Lisa gave Trixie a shower and we headed back to the boat just as we got there the sky opened up and started raining and I mean raining. It rained until 0210 when the wind got to hollowing and our main halyard started banging. So out of the rack I came and headed to stop the banging. Got that quite and the winds died down. From 0230 until daylight the crew boats and tows were running like crazy. Never got back to sleep. Tired of the ruff dock.

April 17

Pulled out of Shell Morgan at 0804 headed for the Tabasco plant up Bayou Petie MM 146. We had tows coming from both directions really stacked up. They were worried about us and told me on the radio that it would be best if I got over on the north side of the ICW. I would have less wake to fight and they would feel better. So I crossed over to the north side. See the photos.

As we turn off the ICW there sits at anchor Mike and Carla. They want us to raft up for a visit. This was the first time I had rafted up. I was a nerves wreck as I'm putting Miss Froggy up next to a half million dollar catamaran. What a beautiful boat she is. We had a nice visit. After our visit we crawled our way up the bayou fighting a strong current. 2.8 to 3.3 is all we could make.

We finally arrived at the tobasco plant. Lisa had lunch and we both took our turns in the store. Didn't buy a single thing. For the first time in my life I had to pay for a pop in a machine with a credit card. The darn thing cost $2.00. I guess Tabasco is in financle distress. The prices in the store were outrages. I never could see paying someone to advertise their product.

I must say one thing here. THEIR DOCK SUCK BIG TIME WONT GO THERE AGAIN.

It really pretty as they keep everything mowed. See the photos.

After leaving we were doing 6.7 mph on the gps. We found a quite anchorage for the night.

378 miles from Port Lavaca.

April 18

After a very relaxing QUITE night we pulled anchor and headed for Possum Point Bayou. Cold, wind and current on our nose for most of the day until around 2 when the wind died. The current never did. At one point I had to turn around to let a tow pass. We were doing 6.7 mph instead of the 4 that we had been doing all day.

We went under a 7 3 foot bridge the will open to who know what height. Nice bridge Lisa saw her first ferry. About mid morning we pulled into Port of West St. Mary. This place was full of crab boats. No wonder there are so few crabs. We have seen thousand of crab traps all the way over.

Trixie got her morning walk. She still wont use her pads. No picture of this place. Just plain forgot as it was so hard to dock with the wind on my beam. No dock just some dirt and pylons.

Possum Point is the prettiest anchorage yet. The bull frogs greeted us with their singing Even had a owl hooting most of the night.

Finally got cell service after 4 days with out service. Made some call to family and friends to let them know we were OK and our location.

We got anchored at 5:17 after 44 miles only 15 more to Morgan City.

422 miles from home.

April 19

Woke this morning with a heavy dew and a light haze coming off the water. What a place to have that morning cup of coffee. I don't drink coffee.

We pulled anchor and headed to Morgan City. As we crossed Wax Lake Outlet there was a tow coming in the ICW so I made me a circle. One way we were doing 3 and the other 7.8 what a current. Not much happening until we got to Morgan City. Just after we turned in the Lower Atchafalaya River a tow moving on passed us. He had 5 loaded barges and was making one hell of a wake. I fought that wake for almost half a hour.. We got to the Morgan City dock and tied up just behind our new friends Mike and Carla in the Lagoon 440.

About 4:30 a crewboat from the other side of the river takes off and creates a wake 4 to 6 feet high and just rolling this way. I saw it coming and Lisa said my eyes were a big a dinner plates. Man did she hammer out boat into the dock. A guy fishing that is a boat captain told me to call the CG and make a report. I first called them on the radio then on a landline. This whole area is a NO WAKE ZONE. The CG said they would check the cameras to see if they can identify the crewboat. Mike loaned me two of his big fenders to help me out. I had my 4 out already.

John and Stephanie came by with the mail we have been waiting for. They took us to dinner at Rita Mae's. We'll have to stop there again. Then they took us the get grocerys, gas and WalMart. I purchased 3 larger fenders as it seems the docks in La are nothing to compare to the docks in Texas. We had another great visit and really appreciate all that John and Stephanie have done for us.

It will be hard press for me to return to the Morgan City Pleasure Boat Dock. No restrooms but they do have elec and water. You get to pay $20.00 to use your own head and get the shit beat out of your boat. On the way in I saw a park with restrooms and some docks. We'll go there and its free.

We'll leave early in the morning for Houma. Don't really want to spend $25.00 for a night. We'll see.

436 miles

April 20

We headed out at 800 for Houma. Got to the lock and asked permission for lockage. They put us in with a 4 pack. Took about 30 to get though the lock. After the lock, it seemed like forever, we just keep going through a industrial area.

After we got out of there we got into some real pertty cypress country. Saw our first bald eagle on this trip. Remember we were in Montana for 20 years so we have seen plenty of bald eagles.

For the first time in day we had the current with us. For awhile we were doing 6.7 Most of the time 5.8 We got into Houma and the dock at 1515

The city dock is at a real pretty park just inches off the ICW.

476 miles

April 21

We were going to head out at 0800 this morning. Well we got everything ready, even the motor running and it started to rain. I put on my slicker and sat there. I told Lisa that if it stopped by ten we would leave. At 9:55 the rain stopped. Fired up the motor and cast off only to get about 2 miles before it started again. We keep going trying to make it to the Flemming store anchorage. With Larose in site I remember that someone said there was a free dock there. Tired of the rain I decided to find the free dock. Well there aint one. We did find a place to tie up. The owners of the empty lot showed up about 20 minutes after we got there. Nice folks and would let us stay there to wait out the weather. We'll continue on tomorrow.

Lisa fixed a meal without burning it. She hates my cheap cookware and butane. Other than that she is a great cook.

We hit the big 500 right here were we sit.

500 miles with 40 to go to New Orleans.

April 22

Another windy day, blowing on our nose again. We cast off the little spot we were tied up to to finish our run to New Orleans.. Underway at 704. There was no way to for see the adventure we would encounter.

At 828 we had a tow try to run us aground. The wind was on our beam so I had moved over to the north bank of the ICW to ease the fight pointing into the wind to make head way. Well he felt that was his side of the ditch even tho I was in less than 4 feet of water. Delta Teal is the boat name.

Our plan was to stop at the Fleming store to let Trixie take here pottie break and get ice. It turns out that there is no Fleming store any longer. We did find a nice park for her to do business. Very shallow so we just nosed in.

Once in the Harvey canal there is a place call Boom Town casino. I wanted to call Harvey locks to better understand what to do so we pulled into a large open area. No sooner than we pull in people were all over the decks tell up to get the hell out of there it was PRIVATE PROPERTY. Well there wasn't any signs. I had a few choice words for them.

We made is though the locks and into the Mississippi. Now the real adventure begins. As we near the twin bridges here come the CG telling us to stay 500 yards from the ships. We ended up going down the river in a 5 to 6 foot chop with CG escort. They put our lives in danger by making me stay in the chop. Time after time we would bury the bow. I had to tell one of them to back off as they were creating a hazard. After we go past the ships they turned and ran off.

Industrial canal wasn't to bad. Some of the bridges would not answer the radio unless you pronounced the bridge name correctly. Really piss me off. Some friends had to wait 2 hours for the Hwy 90 to lift. Made them get in here after dark.

Well we are in New Orleans and tomorrow is our anniversary.

We did 48 miles today for a total of 548 mile since we left the docks in Port Lavaca, TX.

April 23.

On this day 29 years ago at 4:00 PM Lisa and I got married. Its been an adventure. I do thank my maker for bring her into my life.

We'll be here for one week. Sorry no photos for now. The marina/rv park will only let you email and brows the web. If I can get to a McDonald’s I'll post photo.

Bored

April 16

We stayed here a Shell Morgan another day because of severe T/storms forecast for today. Well it rain 10 inches one drop apart or is it 10 drops one inch apart. Anyway we didn't get much of anything. Going to head out of here in the morning to check out the Tobasco plant. If we can dock and take a look around ok if not we'll just head on east.

Will post more later.

Visit

April 15

Just a day of hanging out here in Intracoastal City. There is a little store about a block away. We got ice and choc. Milk for me along with some stuff for Lisa.

Late in the afternoon our friends from trailer sailor forum showed up. It was nice to meet some of the folks from the board.

Our plan was to leave tomorrow and head to the tobacco plant for a tour but the weather is calling for 80% T/storms. I'll see in the morning.

Another update

April 8

Easter Sunday

Left Stingaree and headed to Taylor Outfall Bayou on the ICW . Just an easy day. We anchored out for the first time. This is on the edge of Port Arthur.

April 9

Left Taylor Outfall Bayou and headed for a marina that was to be open. Rainbow marina is no longer but we did find a slip to stay in while we waited for Judy. She was bring us our mail and my new VHF handheld radio. Mine went for a swim some where on the ICW.

April 10

Late start to Peggy's on the Bayou. Got there about 1200 and in a slip. Just hanging back so Lisa could get the hamburger. Half inch thick 6 inches around. Homemade. 

232 miles so far.

April 11

Bad weather forecast so we stayed another day.

April 12

Left POTB at 0813 with fog and cold wind right in our face. Stayed cloudy all day. Got into our anchorage off Calcasieu River east of Lake Charles at 1600. Lisa fixed stew and dumplings. Getting light rain at 1750.

267 miles

April 13

Left our anchorage up and off the Calcasieu River. Motored over to Calcasieu Park Landing so Trixie could potty and we could get some ice. Nice park but not allowed to stay over night.

Headed for Calcasieu Lock. We just floated through. They didn't even close the lock. Black Bayou bridge opened the bridge for us. Route 384 bridge was being worked on. Very little tow traffic had 4 pass up going west and 2 going east.

This is the bridge just before you enter the Calcasieu River.

                                          Calcasieu Locks

Found this ship interesting. It was moored on the Calcasieu River.

Found a nice anchorage in Bayou Lacassine we're in 4.8' of water. Been really windy all day and this quite anchorage is a welcome site

307 miles

April 14

Up early because we had a long hard day ahead of us. Winds on the nose again. Blowing hard enough to bend trees. We hugged as close to the bank as possible to get out of the wind best we could. Leaving out of Bayou Lacassine was a worry. We went in showing no less than 3.3 but leaving out we were showing 2.3. We had just inches under Miss Froggy.

We made the Leland Bowman lock and floated through. The lock tender commented on Trixie that they had Yorkies also. Small world.

We arrive here in Intracoastal City, La a little after 1700 at Shell Morgan Marina. They closed for the weekend at 1800. Fueled up with 12 gallons. Not bad as the last time to fuel was in Stingaree. We got a slip for tonight and Sunday night. We hope to meet up with Jeff and Janice on Sunday.

Wind has blown all night and we are not in a protected marina.

354 windy miles

We've started our cruise

April 4, 2012

Ready to leave. The bay was foggy but viability was good enough to start our cruise. We left the channel at marker 45 to take the short cut to the ICW and on to Matagorda.

Lisa's Notes

0800 to 1900

Saw our first gator today swimming across the ICW. Not very big but big enough. We got a little rain. The clouds all around up were heavy and black. Thought we would get hammered. Went thought the Colorado River Locks. I didn't realize how big the bridges are until I went under my first one here in Matagorda. Stopped at Matagorda for the night. Boy were we tired crazy and grouchy. Got ate up by sketters. Trixie is turning out to be a good sailing dog.

57 miles for the day.

April 5

Left Matagorda at 0745 headed for Freeport. Damn shrimpers. Nice day with lot of trees floating and ran aground. One minute we were in 12 foot of water and the next less than 3. Lots of barge traffic. Trixie would bark when land was real close. Went through Brazos Flood Gates. What a mess with all the floating trees. Was like a mine field. Had a tow try to pass up between the flood gates. I wouldn't give in.

Pulled into Bridge Harbor Marina at 1800 no one around looked like they were closed. We tied up in the same spot the Charlie and I were in back in December. I got a cold shower but David got a hot one.

47 miles today.

April 6

Left Freeport at 0730 heading for Stingaree.. Holiday weekend with lots of crazy boaters. Almost got rolled by a sport fisherman throwing a 6-8 foot wake. We turned into the wake and were burying the bow. A tow behind us made a comment on the radio about what they did to us. They never looked back. Boat name Sulda out of Kehma.

Going across the shipping lane we had to wait for 3 ships to pass. Got over to Bolivar and found a dredge taking up the entrance channel. Had to find a way around it. Made us run late to Stingaree. Ran out of daylight and had to tie up to a bulkhead full of skeeters. What a night. Even the net didn't seem to work.

April 6

Finished the last three miles to Stingaree Marina. When we pulled in the owner said “I know you”. Gave us a slip right in front of his bait store. Lots and lots of boats all day. We wanted to stay the day to let all the crazy's have fun and go home. Had supper in the restaurant upstairs. To spicy for us but good. Got the boat straight. Figured out what when and where. So now every thing works.

Day 1

We left at 0745 in light fog this morning. Nice motor though the bay until late afternoon. Turned on the VHF for weather to find we had severe thunderstorms all around us. Well they missed us.

Made it though west lock at Matagorda but had to make circles and wait for two tows to pass though the east lock. Arrived here a Matagorda Harbor Marina at 7:10. Long day.

Lisa took some photo but will post them a little later when I find another hot spot. Really surprised with this ALFA antenna. Getting WIFI all over but only one unsecured.

Today is the day.

Its 0550 and I just checked the weather. Looks like we will have a smooth bay to cross. Got everything done that could be done. Our first stop will be Matagorda. Good place to take Trixie out for her evening walk.

We should be leaving here by 0800. Will post more later.

Ready to leave

Got a lot of work done on the boat. Charlie fix where I had major deck problems where the cable mounts for the swing keel. Will not leak now. Got the wooden rail, that the companion way boards fit into, fix. Not too bad a job for an ex log furniture builder.

Well today we have a ride to the boat from a friend to finish stowing away our cloths. Everything else is loaded. Plan is to leave the dock in the morning. Weather permitting.

I'll post more as we have wifi.

Getting ready

Got some much needed work done to the boat and the VA said see you in 90 day. So now our plans are to leave on April 4th. We'll head to New Orleans.
I'll post when we have WIFI along with photos. Lisa will keep up on her facebook.

Got me a 2hp outboard motor for the dinghy so I won't have to row Trixie over to land for her walk. One of my dock mates had the motor and was just going to junk it. I fixed the fuel tank and she runs like a top.

Went out yesterday for a short sail. Just still a little to cold to really be enjoyable.We did spend the weekend on the boat.  I had to have on my glasses to read the gps and sunglasses to shade my eyes. Hope that when the VA does my eye check they will give me light sensitive glasses.

Got a monkey thrown into my plans. Found out Tuesday that I have to go to ENT every 60 days in San Antonio for a check up on my cancer. I have to do this for another 2 years then every 90 days for another year. Seems that once you get into the system they will not cut you some slack to live your life.   That means renting a car to get back the first time. Then finding a place to leave my truck while we cruise.

It has been our plans for the pass three years to leave in April for our little cruise. Well that was put on hold when we found out I had cancer. Now that all the treatment is done and I'm back in good shape its time to make our plans for April 2012.

Our first main stop will be New Orleans and the French Quarter for a couple of days. Lisa wants to take the cemetery tour of the old cemeteries. Oh we'll make other stops along the way. We'll spend a little time in Galveston, Peggy's on the Bayou for her famous hamburgers. Peggy's is up in Cow Bayou over by Orange. We'll stop in Houma at the free dock to check out the town and resupply. From New Orleans we check out Fort Pike the on to Mississippi Sound and Gulf Port. From there who knows.

I do have a couple of  items to take care of on the boat before we leave. The major work will be the bottom job.

The plan is for our friend Judy to buddy boat with us on her boat and Richard on his boat. So that will make 3 boat traveling together. If one of us has problems the others are here to help.