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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Hurricane Alex

Tuesday June 29, 2010
Hwy 77 North of Raymondville

We stopped for breakfast as we evacuate Port Isabel.  We have been preparing to leave early since Thursday.  Willie's Tug is on the trailer in the garage.  Also everything loose is stowed away.  Let 'er blow.  The Port of Brownsville is expecting an 8-12 surge in the ship channel.  I hope they are wrong.  At any rate a lot of rain is coming that will inundate low lying residential areas.  These folks are still recovering from Dolly's rains.

We just started our Trek to the Pacific Northwest a few days earlier than we planned.  We will miss the 4th of July parade and fireworks.  Also the social at the LMYC.  The commodore is furnishing steaks for the event.  Really hate to miss it.

Walldog, Willie and Jake

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Jake Fell in the Canal

We left Jake home on our last boating adventure.  Yesterday I moved the boat to the trailer to garage it until Alex makes up its mind which way it is going to go.  Jake had determined that he did not like being left behind, so he  followed my friend Jerry and me out to the boat.  As we were boarding, Jake decided he would also.  The boat was swinging on the lift slightly and he slipped down between the boat and the dock.  Luckily it was high tide and I called him over the low dock and pulled him out by the scruff of the neck.  He is pretty salty right now and due a bath.

Walldog, Willie and Jake

Monday, June 21, 2010

LMYC Outing to Arroyo Colorado

June 19-20, 2010

Willie and Walldog loaded up the boat for our first overnight on it.  Jake stayed home.
As usual we packed lots more than we needed and missed a few things we did need.  We motored out of the canal and met 6 sailboats out in the bay in front of Pirate's Landing.  It was really inspiring to watch the beautiful sails working to catch the wind.
We started out in the middle of the group and got passed by two of the boats.  Our little Tug putting along at about 6 to 7 mph was being left behind, but not too far.  Lots of traffic out on the water this Father's Day weekend.  We met a large tug from New Orleans pushing a work barge.  He was moving quite a bit of water and had a couple of dolphins running in front.



As we got to the turn off into the poorly marked channel for the Arroyo Colorado, we saw a sail boat that appeared to be aground.  He was pointed out toward the ICW, so I assumed that he was not with us.  How wrong I was.  It was one of our own.  I will omit telling tales and let him fill you in on the details.  The channel got really shallow on the North side, but once we passed the turn it was nice deep and wide.

Expecting to see a sail boat ahead of us, we continued on to the restaurant, but we arrived first.  Followed shortly by Miles and Arlette on Tenacious.  A bit later Keith arrived on Movnright Sue followed by Rocky and Linda on Night Magic and then Larry and Chrisanne on Tucan .  This rounded out the group and after all were sucured to the docks, we immediately retired to the restaurant for happy hour.

Dinner was great, service excellent for such a large group.  We had quite a few drive down to join us for dinner.  Happy hour and dinner turned into Sundowners on Tucan's spacious cockpit.  A great time was had by all.
On the way home, Willie commented that "next time" we need to arrange the vee berth differently.  I was just glad she did not say "never again".

More pictures can be seen at the album located here.

Walldog, Willie and Jake.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Laguna Madre Yacht Club

Tonight was the monthly social at the Laguna Madre Yacht Club here in Port Isabel.  It started with happy hour at 6 and pot luck salads at 7.  A great time was had by all.  Willie and I are new members and look forward to many other socials in the future.  The Club plans an outing to Arroyo Colorado next week.  We will meet at the causeway and ICW and boat to the Wharf Restaurant in Arroyo City.  We will overnight in the river and return Sunday to Port Isabel.  It will be our first night out on our little Ranger Tug.  Willie is a bit apprehensive.  This is from someone who traveled across the country on a motorcycle with a tent.  At least we have a comfortable berth and a cabin in which to sleep.  No shower and how to make coffee is still being considered.
July 4th a boat parade is planned to go up the beach and return to the bay for the spectacular fireworks display.

Walldog, Willie, and Jake (stayed home)