Sarasota to Punta Blanca Island

Reunited and it feels so good, lol

Ruth has finally arrived.  Yay!  We can’t thank Chuck and Marilee enough for delivering Ruth to Pura Vida (and me).  We were hoping they would stay a night or two on Pura Vida with us, but they could see our eagerness to head south after mooring in Sarasota for 10 days.  Knowing the cruising life as they do, they headed on to their next destination for us to get an early start.  We really wanted to spend more time with them.  Before bed, Ruth and I did get a chance to replace the old anchor swivel with the new Mantus swivel.  I feel better about that. 

One of 10 bridges today

We released the mooring ball (S. Mile 75) at exactly 700.  Our plans were to travel 35 to 40 miles and anchor.  Knowing there were 10 bridges which required an opening we didn’t expect to go far.  The first two bascule bridges open at the top of the hour and the 30 minute mark.  The first bridge, Siesta Key, was only about 2 NM from the mooring so we were able to time it easily.  The second bridge, Stickney Point, is about 6 miles past the first.  As we normally travel about 6 knots/hr., it would take one hour.  However, we found ourselves against a strong current allowing us to only average about 5.5 knots at top cruising RPM’s.  Fortunately, the bridge tender was extremely generous and stretched the opening about 7 minutes.  The third, Blackburn Swing Bridge, opened on demand requiring no slow down.  And so this went on most of the day, 7 more bridges of all kinds.  As I’ve mentioned before the bridge tenders of Florida are the best.  They treated us like the professionals they are. 

Tonight's anchor location was chosen from above

We dropped anchor at approximately 1530 much further south than we anticipated near Punta Blanca Island (S. Mile 25).  Our current plan is to continue south and possibly anchor near Cape Sable in three nights (Tuesday) and then travel across Florida Bay to the Florida Keys on Wednesday.  Weather permitting, we may cut the 4 day trip to 3. 

Weather patterns and ground tackle

Date: Dec 24, 2019

Comments: 

PV in Sarasota - Pic by Steve Romeis

I’ve been watching and studying these (northerly) fronts that have blown in, since Apalachicola.  One thing for certain is when they blow in they are blistering.  I was amazed to see 30 knots in Cortez, but it seems that is not uncommon.  Generally the temperature doesn’t drop much as I’ve only seen about 60 as a low.  I’ve learned that when the gettin’ is good, you better get (moving) and when they blow in you better sit tight in a good spot with good holding.  After they blow through they tend to rotate clockwise, over a period of days.  The hope is they stay SE to E for a few days and settle for a little while.  On Monday (12/23) it blew in from the NW around 1415 and ripped all night into Tuesday morning.  There were lulls then it returned with a vengeance.  Don and Steve text me around 1700 (Monday) informing me they were going to dinghy to shore, with an invitation to dinner.  I declined in favor of leftover venison chili I had already started warming, plus my dinghy was tightly secured on the davits.  I never saw them return though I’m sure they did.  I wondered how bad the return trip to their boat was. 

After doing chores Monday, as Mom can attest, I checked a few things including the anchor, rode and

PV's ground tackle

swivel.  I noticed the swivel to be slightly bent where it connects to the anchor.  I assume this was caused by side loading when the wind clocked around viciously, at Cortez.  In examining the swivel I had an uneasy feeling about my ground tackle for the first time.  The ground tackle is so important.  Giving way during one of the strong fronts could be disastrous to the boat, other boats and even life threatening.  I have an oversize all chain rode (3/8 inch), a larger then recommended Mantus anchor (45 lbs.), and what I thought was a pretty good oversize (1/2 inch) swivel between the two.  When I saw the slight bend it really scared me.  After thinking about it for a while I decided I would purchase a Mantus swivel which is said to be the best available and prevents damage from side loading.  I called Phillip with Mantus, in Kemah, who told me he would be open until noon Christmas Eve.  Ruth made a trip to Kemah Christmas Eve morning. 

I’m starting to make more detailed plans for heading to the keys.  My insurance rider for the Bahamas kicks in on January 1, so we can get on our way pretty soon.  We’re currently anchored near statute mile 75 so it looks like a 2 day trip to Fort Myers (St. mile 0).  From there it’s offshore, hugging the coast for about 100 nautical miles to East Cape, the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula.  Because we will be anchoring offshore this is where the weather is the most critical; thus, we will be looking for a light easterly wind.  We choose to anchor near shore instead of sailing overnight, as the crab/lobster pots (I’m told) are everywhere.  I was astounded how many Bryce and I saw as far as 40 miles offshore west of the Clearwater Channel.  I wouldn’t want Ruth to have to go overboard to cut one off the prop or shaft.  From there I plan to head SE along Yacht Channel to Long Key, approximately 25 nautical miles.  We will dissect the Keys under the Channel Five Bridge to an anchorage south of the keys, perhaps Rodriquez Key. From that anchorage we will wait for another window to jump across the gulf stream to the Bahamas. 

So if the weather cooperates this could be about a 5 day journey to the Keys.  It could be done faster but I’m trying to ”slow down and smell the roses,” a little and be safe. 

These plans are tentative and subject to change based on weather, conditions of the boat, comfort and whatever Ruth says we will do.  I’m looking forward to her arrival but I guess as admiral she outranks the Captain.  Maybe not…. Maybe so.  

Just for you, Mom

Ok, mom.  This one is for you.  In our telephone conversation this morning you expressed displeasure in me for not blogging everyday.  I explained that I had not moved from the mooring field yet so I really don’t have anything interesting to write about.  You went on to express more displeasure, sounding like an English teacher I once had.  So I write for you.

Your awesome grandson

Saturday (Dec 21):  Bryce left on Friday (Dec. 20) leaving me with a week to complete a long list.  Don, a friend who is moored near and recently brought his boat from Kemah, rented a car for the day and offered to bring us to the airport.  We accepted his nice offer in lieu of an Uber.  It was such a treat to have Bryce for a week.   I’m so proud of the man he has become.  I miss you buddy.

Monday (Dec 23):  The weather has been windy and rainy since Bryce left.  Today I saw steady winds of 30 knots gusting to 45 for about an hour.  Without the sun the solar panels are not able to keep up with the electrical requirements of the refrigerator and freezer so I’ve run the generator and the engine a time or two.  This is needed anyway to make hot water for showering and to warm the engine oil to change it as I did on Saturday. 

Raw water strainer

The last two days I haven’t left the boat; completing Maintenance projects.  So Mom, here is what I’ve done:  changed the oil, changed the raw water impeller, built a new fender board, maintained the batteries checking each cell with a hydrometer, cleaned the raw water intake strainer, tightened the belts, adjusted the fuel gauge sender, replaced a foam bumper on the dinghy davit, glued a section of the v-berth liner, adjusted the mooring lines and a few more meaningless tasks.  I still need to change the primary fuel filter and a few other things.  Of course I’ve cooked and all that too.  Now you know why I haven’t blogged.

The maintenance list

By the way Mom, I know how much you like pictures in the blog so I’ll add some as exciting as my  

actions.

Also, Steve is here to help Don bring his boat south.  They are probably leaving Wednesday.  They dinghied over around noon; Steve with his go-pro strapped to his head.  So, maybe there will be a video somewhere.  It’s good to see a familiar face.  Ruth and I will head south Saturday or Sunday if weather permits. 

I’ll talk to you in the morning (Tuesday), Mom.

Guest Blogger Bryce

Some of my favorite memories as a kid are of my dad and me going fishing together. Blake was

Sarasota, Florida

always invited to go but he didn’t always (or ever) want to get up early in the morning. Of course I would always want the little brother with us but it was also nice to get some alone time with Dad every once in a while. This seven day trip from Apalachicola to Sarasota, Florida reminded me of those times. Unfortunately, my portion of the cruise with the old man is coming to an end today. It was a trip that I will not forget for the rest of my life.  When I asked my Dad a year or so ago if he could use a hand on his journey to the Bahamas he enthusiastically said yes. I figured that he would say that because he always does. However, I honestly was a little bit surprised that he didn’t even have to think twice about it. To be one half of a two man crew crossing waters we have not seen before is quite the responsibility. Especially when you consider the fact that Pura Vida is going to be Dad and Ruth’s floating home for the next several months. Lucky for me he is a great teacher. I learned quite a bit such as knots, sailing terminology, and how to read the electronic charts and radar.

As everyone reading this certainly already knows, the gulf coast of Florida is absolutely beautiful. Wecut across part the Gulf of Mexico, cruised through several bays, and rode the ICW. I thought it was pretty cool passing through the dozen or so bascule bridges spanning from the mainland to the barrier islands as we headed south.. “S/V Pura Vida Southbound to Cortez Bridge requesting an opening” my dad would call out on channel 9. After some back and forth with the bridge tender the bridge would give a blow of the horn and the leaves of the bridge would raise vertically. We would always thank the tender after passing through.

The color of the water changed from one shade of blue to another with each passing mile. We spotted more dolphins coming to the surface than I can remember. It got to the point where we didn’t even call them out to each other, they were everywhere. Each evening we would find a protected anchorage and settle in. Before the sun set for the night we would drop the dinghy and I would head off for an hour or so of fishing. Anglers around here have it good. The fish are plentiful and the spots to cast a line are endless. Before dark I would cruise back to the mother ship for an early dinner and we would hit the hay pretty early. I’ve never slept better than I did this week tucked up in the V-berth cabin.

I have always seen my Dad as the most capable of men. It still made me a little nervous when he told

Captain Greg

me him and Ruth would be making this trip. However, over this past week his skills as a captain have surpassed the expectations I had even for him. I have now seen firsthand that when traveling through waters you have not been before preparation and experience is a must. My Dad has plenty of experience and is always as prepared as he can possibly be. He knows every inch of his vessel and has her in top notch condition. We should all rest easy knowing S/V Pura Vida and his first mate Ruth are in the best of hands with Captain Greg Lynd at the helm.

Cortez, Fl. to Sarasota, Fl.

Date: Dec 18, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  ET                               

Location:   Sarasota, Fl.

Weather:  Cold & windy early, cool & beautiful later     

Sea State:  choppy across Sarasota bay

Destination Tomorrow:  none

Engine Hours:  1364                                                                        

Crew:  Bryce      

Comments: 

Old Man Winter blew in last night with a vengeance.  I suppose he and Mother Nature were arguing.  Around 2030 the boat shifted from pointing dead south to east then dead north, within a few short moments.  As mentioned or implied I was very uncomfortable with our anchorage for several reasons.  First we were down wind of several permanently anchored boats that looked like they could break loose at any moment, in steady 20 knots of wind.  I also knew that during the night the winds would shift from the north and increase back to 20 knots.  I was wrong about the latter.  Around 2030 we swung as predicted but the wind blew up to 35 knots for about 30 minutes accompanied by hard blinding rain.  I guess the good news is we were now upwind of the other boats.  Holy Toledo Hawkeye, what a ride. 

There wasn’t much sleep last night and the rain continued into the morning.  After it slowed we

2 more today

pulled up anchor at 1050 and headed south toward Sarasota.  This would include an ICW trip then a run through the Sarasota Bay.  With the strong northerly winds came extremely low tides.  In fact, we grounded twice.  One time was in the middle of the ICW between the Green and Red markers in 5 feet of water.  Actually, we just plowed through the bottom.  The excitement of the day was Bryce landing  two more Spanish Mackerels trolling through Sarasota Bay.  We pulled into the Marina Jacks mooring field at 1330 where I plan to stay an undetermined period of time, due to weather and easy access for Bryce’s departure and Ruth, Chuck and Marilee’s arrival. 

PV, Sarasota, the Slayer and the Old Seadog

Bryce and I walked to PF Change in Sarasota and determined this city of about 57,000 is absolutely stunning.  Everything, including Marina Jacks is first class.  Sarasota is extremely clean and all buildings and streets look brand new.  Tomorrow we’ll do more touring in the city.  

Maximo Pt. to Cortez

Date: Dec 17, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1300 ET                     

Location:  Cortez, Fl.

Weather: 77/59, windy, northerly blowing in tonight.             

Sea State:  Choppy

Destination Tomorrow:  South

Engine Hours:  1361                                                                        

Crew:  Bryce      

Comments:   

We awoke early knowing a northern front would arrive tonight, with intentions of an early and protected anchorage.  We ate breakfast at 645 and pulled up anchor around 715.  We skirted under the Dick Misener Bridge into the Tampa Bay against a mild current.  Today being Tuesday meant my weekly call to Granny Rea (Mom).  I had Bryce call giving Mom a special surprise.  After their phone visit, Bryce asked if I needed to tell mom anything.  Mom didn’t need me after talking to her favorite.  By the time we reached the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the current had turned in our favor.  We were greeted by two large Coast Guard cutters crossing near the bridge.  They were very formal over the radio.  They might have waved at us.  After our final change of course in Tampa Bay, near mile 95, Bryce hooked a Spanish Mackerel.  By the way, I’ve been asked a couple times, in fear of us spending time behind bars, if we have a fishing license.  Bryce has a fishing license and he fishes one line only.  In Florida you can purchase the license online, for segments of days, which he did.  I figure if I bought one, Bryce would be pulling all the fish in anyway, so I’ll buy one when he goes home.  By the way Bryce is out in the dinghy fishing as I type.  Anyway, after the event of landing the fish and regaining our course I noticed the wind had increase to about 24 knots, gusting to 28, from the south and in our face, giving the PAYC burgee and Old Glory a work out.  The next two bascule bridges had timed openings of :15 and :45 after the hour, so we slowed down and tried to time their openings.  The bridge tenders at the Anna Maria Island and Cortez bridges were extremely professional and opened on time.  We anchored at the SE Cortez bridge anchorage, just yards from the bridge.  The Cortez Bridge anchorage is very sketchy.  There are many boats in a tight anchorage including several abandoned boats that have probably been here for years.  With the strong winds our concern is obviously that they break loose.  After anchoring, we dinghied ashore to the nearest restaurant/bar and indulged in seafood.  We hiked a short distance then returned to the dinghy for a cruise through a small mangrove canal looking for Manatee’s.  No such luck as the Manatees have gone south.  Tomorrow’s course is yet undetermined. 

Clearwater to Maximo Pt.

Date: Dec 16, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1325 ET                     

Location:  Maximo Pt., Fl.

Weather:  77/65, Clear  

Sea State:  ICW calm

Destination Tomorrow:  South                

Engine Hours:  1556                                                                        

Crew:  Bryce      

Comments: 

After 180 nautical miles of trolling across bays and the Gulf, Bryce jumped into the dinghy at Clearwater Harbor and five minutes later had a beautiful redfish.  We’ll have to keep him around to feed us.  By the way, as I write this he is out in the dinghy working on dinner. 

What a beautiful day!  I finally listened to what Ruth has been telling me all alone, “slow down and enjoy yourself.”  We left Clearwater Harbor at 1000.  That’s right Art, 1000.  I explained to Bryce that by 1000 Art and I usually had 25 miles behind us.  My sincere apologies Art, but what are big brothers for.  We intentionally kept our speed to about 4 knots all day winding south down the ICW, amazed at the beauty.  The entire 22 nautical miles covered today were elegant houses, 1^st class marinas, restaurants, bars, dolphins, mangroves and just pure beauty.  We went through 4 bascule bridges in which the bridge tenders were first class.  We hardly had to slow down.  They know how to do it right.  We anchored around 1525, between Maximo Point and Indian Key, near ICW mile 135 and took the dinghy to a nearby marina for diesel and water.  Tomorrow, Tampa Bay, then southbound to a secure anchorage as a northerly will arrive tomorrow night. 

Apalachicola to Clearwater Offshore

Date: Dec 15, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1330 ET                     

Location:  Clearwater, Fl.

Weather:  70, Clear        

Sea State:  Overnight rough, calmed Sunday afternoon

Destination Tomorrow:  South

Engine Hours:  1350                                                                        

Crew:  Bryce      

Bryce enjoying the sunset

Comments:  We said our final goodbyes to Art and Annette and shoved off the Apalachicola city dock, Saturday, at precisely at 800.  We rode the outgoing tide down the Apalachicola River, under the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge, into the Apalachicola Bay and turned east into the St. George Sound.  Bryce was fishing by this time.  He eventually pulled out the big weapons and fished all the way to the Clearwater Channel.  We hoped to make it to the East Pass, 25 nautical miles from Apalachicola, by noon.  A 1200 departure from the pass would give us an estimated noon arrival at Tarpon Springs leaving us room for error and the opportunity to go further if daylight permitted.  At 1125, we cleared the last buoy and pulled out the sails.  I set 3 waypoints from Tarpon Springs to Clearwater, hoping to reach the latter which is the most southerly.  We sailed for about an hour with flogging sails in light winds.  Finally, we furled the sails and started the iron mule.  I was concerned about the sea state because we had been under a small craft warning the previous 4 days.  But we needed to take advantage of this window.  We saw seas of about 6 feet most of the night and into the morning.  They were uncomfortable because they were southwesterly and we were heading SE.  So we rocked side to side all night.  It was nice to see a beautiful ocean sunset.  More amazing was the moon that followed at 2015.  I actually did a double take when I saw the huge orange glow over my shoulder.  The sun didn’t rise until around 700, I guess because we are on the west side of the Eastern time zone.  Sometime in the late morning we decided to change course and head for Clearwater.  I was extremely surprised at the number of crab traps offshore, as far as 40 miles out, in 50 feet of water.  We dodged them all morning.  It made me feel at home in Sabine lake.  From Apalachicola to our anchorage in Clearwater Harbor we covered 180 n. miles.  Early to bed tonight; southbound tomorrow. 

Guest Blogger Art.

Since today is Art's last day on the boat.  I've asked him to write his version of our adventure:

The Bubble

My two weeks in a bubble by day and a cave by night is coming to an end. The bubble is the cockpit of Pura Vida surrounded by clear plastic for protection of cold weather and the cave is the V-birth that I crashed in early each night.  My 15 day journey from Port Arthur Texas to Apalachicola Florida with my brother was fun.  My part of his and Ruth’s Journey to the Bahamas, was to help Greg get their boat to Florida. Mission accomplished.

Art's Cave

Getting up before sunrise, motoring/sailing 25 to 60 miles a day has been an adventure.  So many sights in nature were revealed; eagles, ducks, pelicans, abandoned and partially sunk sailboats, people, barges, riverboats, houses, towering motels, old towns, cities, forest, swamps, bayous, sandy white beaches, rivers, including the mighty Mississippi. We sailed in sounds, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico. We even anchored at an island in the Gulf one night.  For some reason, Mark Twain comes to mind.

We didn’t watch TV; however, we did have our computers (Greg logged into his blog each night).  Guitars were brought out on several occasions.  Spending time with Greg brought back memories of two young boys sharing a room at our parent’s house on Brinkman Drive, in Port Arthur. Conversations would come up like “what do you think dad would say about this trip?”  We both concluded the same answer and laughed.  He wouldn’t care for it.

Time has gone by as quickly and as smoothly as a pair of Pelicans gliding inches above the surface of the water.  My watch is over and my nephew, Bryce, will take my place.  I’m sure he will enjoy this adventure as much as I have.

Thanks Ruth and Greg for letting me be part of your journey.

Art

Piney Pt. to Apalachicola

Date: Dec 12, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1655 ET                     

Location:  Apalachicola, Fl

Weather:  63 cloudy       

Sea State:  Small craft warning ending 1 am

Destination Tomorrow:  from anchorage to dock, Apalachicola

Engine Hours:  1320                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

Mr. Majestic

Comments:  We left Piney Point around 700, ICW mile 300, motoring all day.  The little wind we had was in our face or blocked by the canal banks.  The same sites, a narrow ICW canal opening into another lake or bay, etc.  We did see the most majestic eagle of the trip, a large Master sitting atop the tallest leafless tree overlooking his domain.  We pulled into Apalachicola around 1500, topped off the fuel, 20 gallons, the water and emptied the trash.  Anchor was dropped at 1555.  Actually 1655 ET. 

Chef Art

Today we completed mile 635, not counting the circles waiting for locks, bridges, tugs and dredges blocking the way.  Port Arthur is mile 285 west of New Orleans and Apalachicola is mile 350 east.  For some reason mile 0 is at the Harvey Locks, at the Mississippi River. 

Tomorrow, Chef Bryce arrives then Chef Art departs Saturday morning with his wife Annette.  They choose to do the cooking for some reason.  If the window opens Saturday as expected Bryce and I will travel the remaining 25 miles of the ICW, which ends at Dog Island near Carrabelle, through the East Pass for an overnight passage to Tarpon Springs or somewhere near.

Art has been a true big brother, taking care of little brother.  Without him I would have probably turned around somewhere near Bridge City.  Thank you, Art. 

Wheeler Pt. to Piney Pt.

Date: Dec 11, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1515                          

Location: Piney Point, east of Panama City

Weather:  48 all day, wind, rain 

Sea State:  Bays are rough

Destination Tomorrow:  Apalachicola

Engine Hours:  1312                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

Coldest day of entire cruise, we hope.

Comments:  Throughout the night we heard occasional loud splashes.  We figured it to be the dolphins wanting us to come out and play.  The cold north wind accompanied by hard rain blew in earlier than expected around 1700.  In the morning the dolphins were gone, probably because it was 48 degrees.  It was raining and 48 the entire day.  Throughout the day we made our way through bay after bay, including West Bay, St. Andrew then East Bay, with winds gusting to 28.  We gave the jib another workout when the winds settled to 15, but saw gusts of 24.  We made good time under sail.  We dropped anchor just east of Piney Point on the north shore of East Bay around 1515.  We’re hoping to spend the next two nights in Apalachicola at the Municipal Marina, awaiting Bryce and Annette.  Bryce will replace Art for the following week.  The window is looking positive for a Saturday and Sunday overnight Passage to Tarpon Springs.

Navarre to Wheeler Point

Date: Dec 10, 2019                                          

Arrival Time:  1415                          

Location:  Wheeler Point

Weather:  Rainy, mid 60’s            

Sea State:  Calm

Destination Tomorrow: East

Engine Hours:  1304                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

Comments:  We pulled up anchor and left Navarre around 630 after awaiting the fog to lift.  Shortly after shoving off the fog returned and stayed with us for another 30 minutes.  We made our way through The Narrows turning NE once we reached the Choctawhachee Bay.   We were under jib alone most of the way through the bay, with winds near 17 knots on the beam.  It rained most of this stretch.  Thank you John and Chuck for convincing me to add the Eisenglass curtains.  We made it to the Clyde B. Wells Bridge around 1415, greeted by several dolphins which stayed around to visit and allowed us to take pictures after anchoring.  We anchored on the NE side of the bridge in protection of the norther, which should blow in shortly. 

Gulf Shores to Navarre Beach

Date: Dec 9, 2019                                            

Arrival Time:  1515                          

Location:  Navarre Beach, Santa Rosa Island, FL

Weather:  Beautiful, 72, No wind             

Sea State:  Calm

Destination Tomorrow:  Protection from approaching norther

Engine Hours:  1298                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

PV at anchor off Santa Rosa Island

We left Tacky Jack’s around 800 this morning after waiting for the fog to lift.  It is a perfect and protected dock to tie to for the night and eat some good seafood.  The water throughout the day was smooth with no wind.  The anemometer read the speed of the boat.  We dropped the anchor about 100 yards off the Navarre Beach Park on the Santa Rosa Island around 1515 and dinghied to shore.  The distance traveled today was about 50 nautical miles.  Today was the first time we were able to see the anchor on the bottom.  Tomorrow we'll try to make moderate distance then find protection from the approaching norther.  

Dauphin Island to Gulf Shores, AL

Date: Dec 8, 2019                                            

Arrival Time:  1430                          

Location:  Gulf Shores, AL

Weather:  Cloudy, some rain     

Sea State:  Extremely rough       

Destination Tomorrow: 

Engine Hours:  1290                                                        

Crew:  Art           

PV resting at Tacky Jack's

Comments:  Today was going to be our day off.  Well things changed a bit.  During the night the swell on the south side of Dauphin Island increased.  By morning it was somewhat uncomfortable, so we decided to move further east with more protection, anchor the boat then dinghy ashore and see the sights.  It made since because, besides expecting a calmer anchorage, it was also closer to the township of Dauphin Island.  When we got to the possible anchorage we found it to also be somewhat choppy, so we selected to go around the east end of Dauphin Island  The east end is connected to Pelican Island which extends south because the cut that separated them no longer exists. Therefore, we would have to travel south around the sand bar that makes up Pelican Island.  The chart shows it to extend approximately 1.75 miles south.  We turned south expecting a short trip.  However, as we made our way the island continued endlessly. 

Ship’s Log to Dauphin Island, AL

Date: Dec. 7, 2019                                           

Arrival Time:  1745          

Location:  Dauphin Island, AL

Weather:  Cloudy            

Sea State:  Rough chop, 5 feet  

Destination Tomorrow:  Day off

Engine Hours:  1284                                                                        

Crew:  Art           

Sunset over the Gulf

Comments:  The anchor alarm went crazy at 2015 last night as we drifted 145 feet from where it was set.  We had about 70 feet of chain out in only 7 feet of water knowing there was a northern blowing in overnight.  No, the Mantus was not dragging, but we knew when the front hit with winds shifting from 85 degrees to 350 degrees.  We reset the anchor alarm and went to bed.  It held there throughout the night with winds near 15 and an occasional gust to about 20.  One advantage being anchored, especially with just a bow anchor, is you are usually facing the wind; thus, it was not a bouncy night.  However, it was an eerie feeling knowing that if the anchor gave way we would drift straight out into the gulf.  Now I’m glad I spent the extra money to get the big 45 pounder and 3/8 inch chain. 

Cat Island, MS

Date: Dec 6, 2019                                            

Arrival Time: 1530                           

Location:  Cat Island, MS

Weather:  Slightly cloudy, 60 - 75 degrees        

Sea State:  Light chop in the Mississippi Sound   

Destination Tomorrow:  Dauphin Island, AL (maybe)

Engine Hours:    1275                                                      

Art giving thumbs up

Crew:    Art

Comments:  Today felt like the first day of real cruising.  We're island hopping.  It started off a little shaky getting fussed at by only one bridge tender, but we only went through one bridge that needed tending.  When we left the Seabrook Marina, at 630, I contacted the L & N bridge tender to see if there was a curfew, which is a period of time they won’t open during rush hours.  She said “No, but you’ll have to wait on this train that is coming.”  I replied that I’d just idle forward the 1 ½ miles and watch for the train.  Around 730, we were contacted by a gentlemen from the bridge (letting me have it) stating that I needed to step on it or I’d have to wait a while for the train.  I guess there was a shift change and a lack of communication.  Well, like I told Art the bridge tender is always right.  After that we were free….. no more bridge openings, no more locks.  We did see one last eagle, before leaving Louisiana, which swooped down and plucked a fish from the water.  

NOLA – Seabrook Marina

Date: Dec 5, 2019                                            

Arrival Time: 1500                           

Location:  NOLA

Weather:  Perfect 50 - 65             

Sea State:  ICW                

Destination: Tomorrow, Long shot for Cat Island, Mississippi Sound

Engine Hours:    1266                                                      

Crew:    Art

When you wish upon a star.

Comments:  Today was a long day in which we might have covered 25 miles.  We pulled up both anchors and left Lafitte at 630.  There was a slight fog but we enjoyed a beautiful, cool, smooth cruise through the Barataria Waterway that people pay guides to experience.  There are cabins on both sides with nice boats docked.  There was little traffic almost to the point of being eerie.  Eventually, the cabins turned into industry and work was all around.  We waited for countless bridges and one tug boat in the middle of the channel.  We made two locks.  The Harvey lock was a much better experience than I had in 2012, but the Industrial Canal lock delayed us over 2 hours.  Between the two locks is the Mighty Mississippi.  We traveled down the river aided by a four knot flow. 

Lafitte Anchorage – Barataria

Date: Dec 4, 2019                                            

Time:     Arrival 1300        

Location:  Lafitte  29 44.628 N, 90 8.140 W

Sea State:  ICW

Destination: Tomorrow -Seabrook Harbor and Marine

Engine Hours:    1260                                                      

Crew:    Art

The dink hanging in its cradle at Lafitte

Comments:  Today was pretty uneventful as we are settling into routines.  Art does most of the cooking and I the dishes, which we are better at.  We get up, punch the coffee button, eat breakfast, brush with Uncle Tom’s, check the engine fluids and belts, turn on the Spot, the engine and instruments, check the AIS for traffic, then pull up the anchor or untie the lines and go on our merry way.  I add things to my maintenance list throughout the day and work on them when we arrive. Finally, we do our homework for the following day.  

Houma City Dock (S. Mile 58)

Date: Dec 3, 2019                                            

Time:     Arrived at 1300 

Location:  Houma

Weather:  50-60, nice    

Sea State:  ICW                

Destination: Tomorrow Lafitte

Engine Hours:    1253                                                      

Crew:    Art

Eagles are evasive.  Though distant pic achieved.

Comments:  We had no electricity this morning so I started the little Honda generator and turned on the electric heater.  Art woke up cold, during the night, asking for more blankets.  I had a 20 degree sleeping bag that seemed to work.  I’ve got to keep my Swobbie, chef, line tender, helmsman, etc., comfortable.  We were concerned with our dockage last night, though our lines looked like a spider web.  However, we survived the swift currents and low tides.  There is a requirement to call Local Traffic at Berwick; I suppose because it’s a busy intersection of the Achafalaya and the ICW.  I called them immediately after breakfast and was shocked to hear we would probably be required to take an alternate route, perhaps 20 extra miles, around the Bayou Boufe lock due to some repairs.  He gave directions but all of the bayous are French names and with his swift spoken Cajun accent we couldn’t understand.  He said he would contact me back on Channel 11 shortly to give me permission to pass under the train bridge and more directions.  We immediately started untangling the spider web and prepared to shove off.  We were scrambling, confused and quickly digested our breakfast.  He called back about 10 minutes later and said the lock work was delayed and we would be able to transit through the Bayou Boufe lock.  How lucky is that, once again.  Those prayers from home are being answered.  He gave some other directions, naming locations like the 20 grand and mile 92, and mentioned the dredge boat, etc.

Berwick City Dock

Date: Dec 2, 2019 (Happy Birthday Chris)                                         

Time:     1700                      

Location:  Berwick city dock (ICW mile 96)

Weather: Great, high of 65 degrees, clear           

Sea State:  ICW                

Destination: Houma Tomorrow

Engine Hours:    1247                                                      

Crew:    Art

We made if further than this poor guy.

Comments:  We took on 17.6 gallons of diesel and topped off the water tanks before leaving Shell Morgan (N. Mile 160) at 1845.  Nice people.   The cost was $25 for overnight docking and diesel $2.28/gallon.  I was told the water was 3 feet below normal.  The wind gusted to 20 knots and the tide was against us most of the way to Berwick.  We averaged only about 5.5 knots.  I knew there were eagles during this stretch but I didn’t realize how many.  We saw about 7 during this 56 nautical mile stretch (64 statute miles).  This is really a beautiful stretch of Louisiana.  We crossed the Cote Blanche Island Cable Ferry.  I didn’t know they were still in existence.  I thought the name was interesting – Tripper III.  The intended docking was Morgan City on the Atchafalaya River, but we grounded twice trying to get in, in 4.5 feet of water, so we went across the river to the west bank and found 11 feet of water at the Berwick city dock.  Art was treated to some PAYC championship chili; the same recipe which Captain Greg won with in 2017.  (Sorry ladies, I just have to take a little jab).  After dinner we blew out the sink drain with the shop vac and emptied the trash.  No major maintenance items but I have started a list of minor items.  Houma tomorrow, God willing. 

Shell Morgan, Intracoastal City

Date: Dec 1, 2019                                            

Time:     1500                      

Location:  Shell Morgan, Intracoastal City, La.

Weather: Great, 65 degrees, clear          

Sea State:  ICW                

Destination: Morgan City Tomorrow

Engine Hours:    1236                                                      

Crew:    Art

Comments:  I awoke to Gunshot.  However I was not alarmed as we were anchored near the Mermentau River in a swamp, during duck season.    No clocks were set as we only had about 45 nautical miles to travel today.  I suppose legal shooting time was about 620.  The Mermentau anchorage is a beautiful cypress swamp.  We had coffee and were underway by 700.  When we left the river turning east bound into the ICW, someone named Greg cut the corner a little too soon.  After dropping the dinghy, pushing PV around a little we were again off, around 820.  We saw a beautiful eagle somewhere along the way but I was a little slow with the camera.  Later, while washing my hands I notice the water pressure dropped off and the fresh water pump continuously ran.  The fresh water strainer for the pump had split in half.  Fortunately I had a spare and repairs were made.  Passage was simple today with only one lock.  It was open with no delay.  We tied up at Shell Morgan around 2.  Being Sunday, everything is closed.  Gumbo for dinner. 

Mermentau River

S/V Pura Vida Ship’s Log, Mermentau

  

Date:   Nov 30 (Day 2)                                   

Time:     1900                      

Location:  Mermentau River

Weather: Northern blowing in tonight.  Had SE winds up to 28 knots today          

Sea State:  Intercoastal                 

Destination: East

Engine Hours:    1228                                                      

Crew:    Art

Comments:   Day 1, was short (14 nautical miles), as a jump off point for today.  We hoped to reach the Mermentau River today but didn’t expect to.  Plan B was to anchor about 2 miles north of the ICW, just off the Calcasieu River.  I called the locks about 6 miles away and they said it would be a 2+ hour wait.  Looked like it would be plan b.  We decided to go ahead to the lock, hoping.  Lady luck was with us and the dock master agreed to let us through with a small push boat when the west bound traffic cleared.  We thought it might 30 minutes.  We waited 1 ½ hours to get through the locks.   About 60+ n miles today.  4 bridges, (Elleander, Black bayou pontoon swing bridge, Grand lake pontoon bridge, then another fixed bridge.  Arrived at the Mermentau about 1730.  Art is a great crew, taking care of little brother.  It’s nice to have experience aboard.  Ruth I don’t get the Uncle Tom’s toothpaste.  Why is it black?  And what is this 18 in 1 Hemp Lavender Pure-Castile Soap.  Do we mix it with Rum or Tequila?  Great dinner tonight, courtesy of Bryce.  I raised you right.