Cruise to the Rockport Shrimp Boil June 9 - 21, 2007
Saturday June 9
Cool
Air and Rambunctious are
following close behind Remedy in
Galveston Bay
Promise makes a fast pass and heads on to Harborwalk
\
Marion was too happy for words
Promise makes a fast pass and heads on to Harborwalk
\
Marion was too happy for words
Robert Reeves decided early on to
write a Chronicle of the trip... I will quote him in Blue with appropriate
spelling corrections.
The Adventures Of s/v Cool Air
Day one Saturday. After My fellow Boat Neighbor "Bob" made a few trips back and forth from his boat to mine (two slips over) for his things he needed bring for the two week trip. We slowly preceded out of the marina about 9 ish I believe.
As we approach Clear Lake marker #2 we found Rambunctious waiting by the side. They decided to follow us because Remedy was still at the dock. So we motored at about 4.5 knots, wind 6 to 8 no hurry to the north side of Red Fish.
Just past the Trinity River Channel Remedy checks in, they are hot on our tails and are insisting that we must sail. So we put some sail out, shut off the engine. To my surprise the wind picks up to 10 and we are making course for Baffle Point that is until Remedy shows up then the wind goes south.
So after a few tacks back and forth the wind fills back in and it looks like we are going to make it now on one tack, but we don't say anything because we know what will happen if we do. Right about that moment "ED" not Marion pops up on the radio and makes the "BIG" announcement hey folks looks like no more tacking. We promptly get a 30 degree shift to the south!
The Adventures Of s/v Cool Air
Day one Saturday. After My fellow Boat Neighbor "Bob" made a few trips back and forth from his boat to mine (two slips over) for his things he needed bring for the two week trip. We slowly preceded out of the marina about 9 ish I believe.
As we approach Clear Lake marker #2 we found Rambunctious waiting by the side. They decided to follow us because Remedy was still at the dock. So we motored at about 4.5 knots, wind 6 to 8 no hurry to the north side of Red Fish.
Just past the Trinity River Channel Remedy checks in, they are hot on our tails and are insisting that we must sail. So we put some sail out, shut off the engine. To my surprise the wind picks up to 10 and we are making course for Baffle Point that is until Remedy shows up then the wind goes south.
So after a few tacks back and forth the wind fills back in and it looks like we are going to make it now on one tack, but we don't say anything because we know what will happen if we do. Right about that moment "ED" not Marion pops up on the radio and makes the "BIG" announcement hey folks looks like no more tacking. We promptly get a 30 degree shift to the south!
Here is where we were
when Ed announced there would be only One More
Tack.
We we able to get some Quality sailing on our first day out
We we able to get some Quality sailing on our first day out
A
few minutes later we look up to see a snake coming up right in front
of us . Yes! and it was a Large a golden brightly colored water
moccasin snake. As it started chasing us we suddenly got a extra puff
of wind . We just stood there in shock and awe as it slowly disappear
behind us. And for rest of the day about every 1/2 hour or 45 minutes
Bob would look up and say, I can't believe it that snake really wanted
to get us!!!!
The rest of the trip to Harborwalk was uneventful .
The fleet at Harborwalk: Summer Wind, Promise,
Cool Air, Remedy, and Rambunctious
Ed & Hope Reh Patricia & Tom Butkus
Just a Quick dip before the Margaritas
Front: Ed Herndon,
Bob Horner, Robert
Reeves,
Ed & Hope Reh Patricia & Tom Butkus
Just a Quick dip before the Margaritas
Ed and Marion were celebrating
their wedding anniversary and the Reh's came down for the night
to help us celebrate.
At Dinner aboard Remedy
Back Row: Ed Reh, Marion
Herndon, Hope Reh, Patricia & Tom Butkus, Gary &
Joyce Wagner
Dinner was followed by Champagne
and Cheesecake served aboard Promise. The Mosquitoes were voracious and we
had to flee indoors for relief. We had a Pretty riotous Swatting Party
and got Blood all over the place.
The next day would be a short trip to Bridge Harbor so we delayed departure until late in the Morning.
On the way out we listened to the two Ed's trash talk about who had the least amount of Wine left from the night before. While carrying on over the radio Ed Runs aground, No problem he says to Rambunctious I always runs aground in that same spot, just wanted to show you how how we do it on Remedy.
The rest of the day was just a nice sail all the way to Bridge Harbor. First thing was hit pool . Remedy orders Pizza for the group. Served aboard Rambunctious. Then everyone called it quits early. It will be a long 50 mile day tomorrow for Matagorda City Marina.
Hello, Brazos River Flood Gates!
Lock Master Gives the okay with a chuckle we hear in the back ground. The tow Lavalle Devalle is first in. We hold back as far as possible. Lots of prop wash!! Out going current 6.7 we are making 7.3. Like riding up the rapids of the Frio! We are plowing through lots of logs and other debris.
We catch up to the tow just as he is clearing the west gate. He's says to come on by on two and moves farther to the right. We ride the out flow, and his prop wash passed, don't know the speed, too busy hanging on!!
Caney Creek Float Bridge Opens as we get close no need to call. We give a thanks and a wave.
The rest of the trip is spent bird watching and looking for coyotes. Ruffles on Rambunctious takes charge trying to flush them out of hiding. She seems to know they love small dogs.
About five miles from Matagorda Harbor. We check to see what the fuel is, $3.37.
Harbor Master asks if we are that Wild Group of TMCA'rs heading his way. We modestly reply YES WE ARE!
Dock Tails on Cool Air, Wild stories abound! Then dinner at Waterside Restaurant. More Wild stories of Adventure! We plan on leaving about 9 am. for Serendipity.
Headin out in the morning, The Matagorda swing bridge opens for us..
Next year the high bridge under construction will replace the swing bridge
Then Caney Creek will be the last remaining swing bridge on the Texas coast.
Buzzards nest on the High Communications tower
And also Down on the fence and the 200 foot warning Sign.
The next day would be a short trip to Bridge Harbor so we delayed departure until late in the Morning.
Sunday June 10
Harborwalk, Breakfast then pool. While at pool talked it up about previous adventures the day before. Also while at pool meet new future clients. Yes life is good! Then headed over to boat to make ready to leave, Remedy and Rambunctious already heading out without us. Rambunctious demonstrates her bow thrusters.On the way out we listened to the two Ed's trash talk about who had the least amount of Wine left from the night before. While carrying on over the radio Ed Runs aground, No problem he says to Rambunctious I always runs aground in that same spot, just wanted to show you how how we do it on Remedy.
The rest of the day was just a nice sail all the way to Bridge Harbor. First thing was hit pool . Remedy orders Pizza for the group. Served aboard Rambunctious. Then everyone called it quits early. It will be a long 50 mile day tomorrow for Matagorda City Marina.
Composite scene along the ICW
Monday June 11
Bridge harbor departure 7:30amHello, Brazos River Flood Gates!
Lock Master Gives the okay with a chuckle we hear in the back ground. The tow Lavalle Devalle is first in. We hold back as far as possible. Lots of prop wash!! Out going current 6.7 we are making 7.3. Like riding up the rapids of the Frio! We are plowing through lots of logs and other debris.
We catch up to the tow just as he is clearing the west gate. He's says to come on by on two and moves farther to the right. We ride the out flow, and his prop wash passed, don't know the speed, too busy hanging on!!
Caney Creek Float Bridge Opens as we get close no need to call. We give a thanks and a wave.
The rest of the trip is spent bird watching and looking for coyotes. Ruffles on Rambunctious takes charge trying to flush them out of hiding. She seems to know they love small dogs.
About five miles from Matagorda Harbor. We check to see what the fuel is, $3.37.
Harbor Master asks if we are that Wild Group of TMCA'rs heading his way. We modestly reply YES WE ARE!
Dock Tails on Cool Air, Wild stories abound! Then dinner at Waterside Restaurant. More Wild stories of Adventure! We plan on leaving about 9 am. for Serendipity.
Tuesday June 12
Headin out in the morning, The Matagorda swing bridge opens for us..
Next year the high bridge under construction will replace the swing bridge
Then Caney Creek will be the last remaining swing bridge on the Texas coast.
Buzzards nest on the High Communications tower
And also Down on the fence and the 200 foot warning Sign.
Marion is leaving a wake as she
drives through the Locks
Lock master Uses his Bull Horn to slow her down.
It makes her day. "The Lockmaster called me for a big Wake"
Marion, Joyce, Patricia, Tom at the Palacious Mexican Restaurant
Try their Shrimp stuffed Poblano Peppers Rating **** $$
Mucho Gusto!!
First however we had to do battle with the Floating Dock that Eats Power Cords.
Pavilion and Pier
Fishing is what its all about
Luther Hotel
Marker at the Luther Hotel
Cates Price Home
Lock master Uses his Bull Horn to slow her down.
It makes her day. "The Lockmaster called me for a big Wake"
Matagorda
Harbor departure 9:00am Whoops! You mean 9:30 for
Cool Air.
Just before leaving, as I saw Remedy off and the others also, One of the voices in my head said you better go check the shaft coupling to the back of transmission. So I did and low and behold as I looked down , I saw one bolt missing and two were loose. I Quickly shut off the engine before it got too warm. Then proceeded to look for the bolt and nut, quickly found them under engine. Grabbed the tools and things were back in order shortly.
Colorado Creek Float Bridge Opens as we get close; no need to call. We give a thanks and a wave. Same as before. Next up Colorado Locks.
Lock Master Gives the okay as we make our approach and thanks us for not putting up such a large wake as Remedy! and the other two behind them .
Had a slow but great sail across the bay till we rounded Half Moon Reef . Then it was time for the engine. Later it was time for the Panda to pre-cool the boat before docking at Serendipity marina.
Has soon as we got docked it was time for pool.
Then short siesta and 5:30 docktails aboard Summer Wind.
6:30 Long hot walk to the PMR. Joyce on Rambunctious almost had us lead through the short cut but Gary her "husband" said No! there's no short cut over there, let's go this other way! When we finally got there, an E.M.S. Ambulance was parked out front. No kidding! Food was great! Then back to boat and bed.
Just before leaving, as I saw Remedy off and the others also, One of the voices in my head said you better go check the shaft coupling to the back of transmission. So I did and low and behold as I looked down , I saw one bolt missing and two were loose. I Quickly shut off the engine before it got too warm. Then proceeded to look for the bolt and nut, quickly found them under engine. Grabbed the tools and things were back in order shortly.
Colorado Creek Float Bridge Opens as we get close; no need to call. We give a thanks and a wave. Same as before. Next up Colorado Locks.
Lock Master Gives the okay as we make our approach and thanks us for not putting up such a large wake as Remedy! and the other two behind them .
Had a slow but great sail across the bay till we rounded Half Moon Reef . Then it was time for the engine. Later it was time for the Panda to pre-cool the boat before docking at Serendipity marina.
Has soon as we got docked it was time for pool.
Tom, Patricia,
Marion, Missing
Ed,
Joyce, Gary
As soon as we got docked it was time for pool.Then short siesta and 5:30 docktails aboard Summer Wind.
6:30 Long hot walk to the PMR. Joyce on Rambunctious almost had us lead through the short cut but Gary her "husband" said No! there's no short cut over there, let's go this other way! When we finally got there, an E.M.S. Ambulance was parked out front. No kidding! Food was great! Then back to boat and bed.
Marion, Joyce, Patricia, Tom at the Palacious Mexican Restaurant
Try their Shrimp stuffed Poblano Peppers Rating **** $$
Mucho Gusto!!
At the office checking in we met
Charl de Villers.. Famous Solo Round the World Sailor. His story is
unique because he is deaf. He can speak but does not hear. We Purchased
the DVD of his story. He has a very interesting Web page www.silentvoyager.com
Check it out. He is also the Harbor Master at Serendipity Marina.
Charl de Viller's Tartan 37 Island Time
Charl de Viller's Tartan 37 Island Time
Wednesday June 13
Whole day was open to touring the town and provisioning the boat.First however we had to do battle with the Floating Dock that Eats Power Cords.
Never wrap a power cord around the
Piling of a Floating Dock!
Above Center: The rising dock ate the power cord.
Left Inset: The Power cord is wrapped around the collar
Right: See how it is stuffed into Crack
Above Center: The rising dock ate the power cord.
Left Inset: The Power cord is wrapped around the collar
Right: See how it is stuffed into Crack
We enlisted the support of Charl
de Villiers in freeing the
Cord. He pulled on the cord while four of us bounced up and down on the
end of the dock in unison. This dock dance worked. The collar
went up and down around the piling as we bounced along. His constant
tension worked it out of the crack.
Homes along the
seashore Biking on the Seawall
See the Pavilion out on the pier
See the Pavilion out on the pier
Pavilion and Pier
Fishing is what its all about
Luther Hotel
Marker at the Luther Hotel
Cates Price Home
That evening we went to dinner at
Outriggers. Its a Great seafood place with lots of atmosphere.
Rating ***$$$+++
Maricela's Cafe
Recommended by the Men in Blue
HappyHour aboard Remedy
Rating ***$$$+++
Thursday June 14
Maricela's Cafe
Recommended by the Men in Blue
Next Morning we linger for
Breakfast at Maricela's. The Breakfast Tacos
come in half a dozen flavors I had a Migas and a Chorizzo. Marion
ordered two Migas but saved the second for Lunch. Absolutely ****$$.
Serendipity to the Army hole. At
10 am I am first to leave. Quickly followed by Summer Wind,
they soon take the led. Rambunctious
stayed close behind,
I guess he believes we know where we are going.
Remedy is back there somewhere sailing.
We soon hear our friends on Pound Sterling out in the ICW . As we approach marker 10 there they are; they fall in behind. I guess they don't want to led either.
First stop is the gas dock at St Christopher's. We all take turns topping off. $2.80 is not too bad.
Remedy is back there somewhere sailing.
We soon hear our friends on Pound Sterling out in the ICW . As we approach marker 10 there they are; they fall in behind. I guess they don't want to led either.
First stop is the gas dock at St Christopher's. We all take turns topping off. $2.80 is not too bad.
Summer Wind is
first in to the Army Hole, then Remedy they keep
bumping
showing us were not to go. We are lucky this time and never touch. Rambunctious
tracks my direction closely since they are farther back and can't
see us very well. They say never touched either. Pretty good going for
their first Army Hole Adventure.
Pound
Sterling
bumped hard at the entry and decided not to follow us in. They headed
on to Rockport and arrived very late that night.
Remedy acts as
mother and we all raft
up 4 pm. Super job by everyone. I was very impressed with Joyce's
rafting
skills. She did not use the bow thrusters like I bet Gary would have
done. Wonderful breeze, no skeeters all night.
Happy Hour soon to follow. But
not before a Swim in the beautiful
waters of Espiritu Santo Bay.
HappyHour aboard Remedy
Red
Sunset Means a Happy sail for tomorrow.