Galveston Tx. To Delcambre La.

Our first stop after leaving Watergate Marina was Offats Bayou at Galveston Island. When we arrived we were warned of a severe storm headed our way so we decided to tie up to the Moody Gardens marina slips. It was a really good decision because the storm produced rain, lightning, and winds gusted to almost 60 miles an hour. Thought we were in a tropical storm.

After the storm passed we were given some beautiful days to enjoy. So we decided to stay a couple of more nights at the marina. Help give Elaine time to heal from her fall too.


Greg, Ann, and I decided that with the sun shining and happy hour coming on we would partake of
the swim up bar located in the pool of the hotel. So we went on over and swam up to our barstools and order a couple beers and a pina colada. After enjoying some cool refreshing beverages we went back to the boat and enjoyed the evening with a movie.

On Saturday we were joined by Pat and Gale on s/v Copy Cat. They took a slip and were going to head to Florida with us. Pat and Gale have some property in Florida and are moving Copy Cat there.

On Sunday we headed out to Galveston Yacht Basin to fill up with diesel. We left out Offats Bayou, under the I-45 and Railroad Lifting Bridge then through the Pelican Island Bridge. As we entered the Galveston Harbor we were greeted by Dolphins playing around the boat. The cruise ship was in port so we had to give it a wide berth. Once we got to the yacht basin fuel dock, I filled Barefoot Babe up with diesel @ $3.79 a gallon. Nice!! Copy Cay need fuel too, so Nauti-Gal and I did circles in Tea Cup anchorage till he was ready to go.

We all then headed East across the Houston Ship Channel toward the Boliver cut to enter the ICW Eastbound. My crew already started to loaf on deck.

There was quite a bit of barge traffic on this stretch of the ICW. We made sure that we were in contact with the barge Captains to ensure that we always had a safe passing or crossing. They are so big that they would not even feel it if they hit you so safety is always first.

When we were approaching the High Island Bridge all three boat had just passed an extra large tow. While we were passing the barge a storm hit that produced 45 knot winds and rain. Copy Cat was the last boat to pass and was about 1/2 ahead of the barge when he radioed he lost his engine. He quickly got to the side of the ICW and deployed his anchored. I then warned the oncoming tows of his situation. When he could not get his motor going, he contacted Tow Boat US. Once we knew he was ok, Barefoot Babe and Nauti-Gal then proceeded on without any further problems.

We arrived at Taylor Outfall Canal, our anchorage for the night. The anchorage was beautiful, secluded, and we had it all to ourselves. We arrived a couple hours before sunset, had dinner and a sundowner to celebrate a beautiful sunset. We then made sure all the screens were on because as soon as the sun went down, all the bugs in the marsh came out to check the boats.




The next morning we pulled up anchor and headed to Lake Charles. We went through the Port of Port Arthur and had to make way for a couple of big boys heading out to sea. The pilot called us and was very courteous about his ships intentions. We make sure to give him a wide berth.

After we got past Port Arthur we set up an opening for the Ellender bridge. It is 50' closed and we can not get under it. We had a 3:00pm opening and arrived about 25 minutes early. So we did the ICW dance for awhile. 

We decided to stay at a marina for the night so we could give the dogs some land time and we could have a nice dinner at a sit down restaurant. So I contacted the LeBerge Dulac Casino and secured a couple slips for the night. We pulled in there and had the marina all to ourselves. After a nice shower and getting dressed Elaine and I along with Greg and Ann went through a stroll through the hotel casino and then had dinner at the Jack Daniels Restaurant. The food was good, service slow and a bit pricy but it is a casino. Did a little after dinner gambling and then back to the boat and walk the dogs for the night.


The next morning we headed out for the Mermantau River. As we were leaving Lake Charles I noticed a ship that had been involved with another ship. It had been run into in the structure that houses the crew.

As we entered the ICW E/B we came up to the first lock. I contacted the lock and they wanted to just float us through. We went on through without having to wait.

We did not encounter very much barge traffic and had a nice trip east. Passed some interesting Louisiana real estate too. Got to the river and anchored in an oxbow about 1/2 mile upriver. The water was very smooth and the anchor holding excellent. Lots of wildlife too. The next morning we pulled up anchor while being greeted by a nice sunrise and headed towards Delcambre La.




The trip East was very easy with very little barge traffic. We did have to go through another set of

locks and had to wait for about 45 minutes to get through. Once through we were traveling down the ICW east at a nice pace. We arrived at Bayou Petite Anse and headed North up the bayou. My charts on the chart plotter ran out about two miles up the bayou and showed me on land. So now I reverted to my old river boat pilot skills. Just kept the boat between the banks and looked for the deepest water. NO Problem..... After about 7 miles we arrived at the North Pier Marina in the Port of Delcambre. We were greeted by people on the pier who helped up dock and get set up. We then got Nauti-Gal docked in front of us.

After everyone was docked Katherine Kenworthy, who in the Port Marketing Manager came to the
boats and welcomed us to Delcambre with gifts. REALLY NICE GIFTS!!!!!. Everyone here is really nice, friendly, gives great customer service. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO COME HERE!!!!!

While dinking around I met a man that was shrimping while his boat was tied to a dock. He invited me aboard for a beer and to show me how he shrimps. I tied up the dink and then spent some time drinking beer and learning to shrimp, docked style.

Today we are going to be given the royal tour of the area and attractions. There is a lot of plantations and the Tabasco factory at Avery Island to see. Off to meet people and see the area.......

Headed Out / Back In / Headed Out

 Well we started out by doing the final preparations to leave. Like testing out the chairs in the redneck front yard. Of course along with a cold beer and lots of stairs from our neighbor boats. Hey it works good.

 

Then it was time to load all the critters on, one bird, 4 cats and 2 dogs. Wow..... Now that's a lot!!!

 

 

 So now we have the following on board, Missy an Umbrella Cockatoo, Hilde a Black Lab, Sacha a long coat Chihuahua, Fancy, Sonic, Tails, and Squeaky are cats. I think I need a bigger boat.

 Once loaded our friends Jim B, Thomas, (Real) Bob, were there to see us off. Motor running, all lines released, we were under way. As I was backing out of the slip, Elaine was walking backwards and trying to push the boat away from a pole when she missed the step down and fell hard on a stanchion and the life line. The fall was very painful and gave her a good injury. I was almost out of the fairway when we pulled back into the slip so we could access her injuries. After about an hour and still in pain, Elaine told me OK lets go ahead and head out. I told her we could postpone the trip to see how her injuries were. But just like a seasoned sailor she looked me in the eyes and said very sternly "No if we stay we will have to give back all the rum we were given as going away gifts." Well now the rum will be used for medical purposes.

So we threw off the lines again and headed out. We passed two more good friends, Maxine and Steve. Maxine took these pictures and sent them to us. Thanks Maxine.

 We headed across the bay and entered the ship channel. We turned toward Galveston and caught an outgoing tide. We made really good time and arrived to the Island ahead of schedule. The fuel dock was already closed and we had a severe storm heading our way, so I decided to head to Offats Bayou and Moody Gardens.

 We arrived at Moody Gardens and tied up to the T-Head slip about an hour before the storm hit. I put out extra lines and fenders in anticipation of the storm. They were predicting wind to 60 mph, lightning, and lots of rain.

Once prepared, we took Hilde and Sacha out for a potty walk. Once business was completed we headed back to the boat and battened down everything.

 The storm did not disappoint the weathermen. It was just as they predicted. It was dark driving rain with lots of lightning strikes everywhere and we have a 58 foot lightning rod attached to the center of the boat. We were lucky and had no strikes to mess our day up.

But the wind was really wild. It was coming out of the South and about 90' when we docked. But when the front hit the temp dropped about 15' and was straight out of the North. It started out at about 45mph and then built to above 50mph. We had the bow of the boat pointed North so the wind was not much of a factor at first. Then it moved to N/W which put the wind on our beam, pushing Barefoot Babe into the wooden pier while heeling it over about 5 to 10 degrees. The water level dropped and combined with the heeling action pushed our fenders below the dock. So I spent most of the severe part of the storm on deck using my feet and legs pushing the boat away from the pier and adjusting fenders to ensure we did not get any damage to our boats teak cap, toe, and rub rails. An inspection after the storm showed all the efforts paid off. No Damage!

We now have a beautiful day and we checked into the Moody Marina for Friday night. And they are offering us Saturday night free if we would like to stay. We will just have to see what Happy Hour will bring.

Ready to Leave Kemah / Watergate Marina

The transmission is installed and the boat turned back from a mechanics garage to a sailing yacht. Elaine was really happy to have a nice clean boat back. While removing and installing the transmission the back captains cabin was a real mess. Everything had to be taken apart to make access to the engine room. Parts and tools were laying all over the beds base and floor. And a big guy like me needs all the room he can get to be able to work in the engine room.

Once the transmission was completed, we had a diver come pull the prop to inspect the shaft, prop, and prop key. Glad we did. We found that South Texas Ship Yard had installed an under sized prop key causing a shearing effect on the key. So I took the prop to Mike Hoods Prop Shop and had the prop inspected and get the correct key. I also bought an extra prop key for the spares. The diver installed the prop and new key. I then did a test in the slip and every thing worked great.

Now we have all the food and supplies loaded. The freezer is so full I have no ideal how Elaine will know what she has in it. Hope she does not need something off the bottom. Secured extra diesel fuel, gasoline, and water in jerry cans on the deck. Also have our K-9 grass (potty patch) on the foredeck. It is so big it almost looks like a putting green or a front yard. Greg tested out the front lawn for me.

Elaine and I took Barefoot Babe out yesterday for a sea trial at sunset to test the transmission, prop, generator and all the electronic / navigation systems. Every system checked good and we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

We will be moving aboard the boat today with all the kids (2 dogs, 4 cats, and 1 Bird). We will spend the night at the Marina and then tomorrow leave at about 12noon and sail down to Galveston. We will spend the night anchored off Galveston Island and then if everything is OK, we will start heading East on the ICW towards Shell Island near Orange Texas.

You can track our progress and see where we are at anytime by SPOT TRACKER logo on the right of the blog page. The tracker will be running.

Another Problem to Overcome

When you are getting ready to go cruising, there is always another problem to overcome. And we have our problems too.

We were backing out of the slip down the fairway against 20 knot winds when we started to lose speed. Elaine did hear an unusual noise when we started to back out of the slip but it was just momentary. As I increased the throttle the boat still slowed down. I then placed the shifter into forward and the boat began to move forward normally. I then tried reverse again and did not have any reverse even after increasing the throttle. I was able to safely return Barefoot Babe back to the slip with only a small bump and a small black mark on the hull. I then checked the transmission and determined that the problem was internal.

Now was time to remove the transmission from the boat and take it to a repair facility. On our Irwin I have a direct access door from the aft cabin. But the access door, exhaust hoses, and wet lift muffler still has to be removed along with a vanity seat from the aft cabin. The prop shaft has to

be pushed back to give clearance for removal without sinking the boat. And of course the engine room is only big enough for a very small person. I was finally able to remove the transmission and get it to Land & Sea Marine.

After getting the gear checked at the repair facility I determined that it would be more prudent to order a brand new unit versus a rebuilt unit. So today 5/24/13 I ordered the unit and hope to have it delivered at Land & Sea by next Friday. It will take me about four (4) hours to install it and test it to insure it works properly.



Once the marine gear was removed, I was able to access the bilge area. I then was able to paint the area with bilge coat making it nice and white and bright.

We have been removing all of the charter supplies from the boat that have accumulated over six (6) years of chartering. I even think we have gained an inch of waterline. So now we have a lot of room that we can fill again with cruising supplies. We even have room for the new water maker.




I have started to install the lifeline netting and hope to have it finished in a day or two. We are still expecting to leave on Monday June 3rd for Florida. But depending on the delivery, installation, and testing of the transmission, the departure date could be later.

In The Shipyard

We had Barefoot Babe hauled out at Clear Lake Marine to have Jose at Simpson Yacht Service do a bottom job on her. We had found a few blisters and decided to have all of them repaired. They were ground out, dried and then re-glassed. Jose's team did a great job on the repairs. I recommend their service. The job was done in a timely manner, repair and painting of the bottom was very good.
     

While Jose and his team was working on the bottom of the boat I was busy on the inside. I replaced some ball valves and exercised and lubed all the rest. Re-piped the A/C intake and the refrigerator cooling intake. I then checked every hose clamp on the boat and replaced any that had rust or corrosion on them. I then manufactured and installed stainless steel safety rails along the outside of the Bimini on each side of the boat. Just a few more things on the list left.





 

 

Florida Float Plan

This is our Florida float plan. Note there is no dates on this. We are leaving June 3rd, but do not know how long we will be at each place. Since there is three boats, the plan will help each of us find where to meet up if we get seperated. You can always see where we are at on the SPOT. We will start sending signals in May.

 

FLORIDA TRIP FLOAT PLAN

Leg #1 Kemah to Laguna Harbor leave time------

latitude 29'33.076N 29'23.224N arrival time-----

longitude 94'59.900W 94'46.009W

19 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 3hrs 45min total hours-----

Tie up to concrete bulkhead, has cleats, forclosed development

Leg #2 Laguna Harbor to Taylor Outfall Canal leave time------

latitude 29'23.224N 29'50.129N arrival time-----

longitude 94'46.009W 93'59.887W

58.5 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 10hrs 45min total hours-----

Anchor in outfall canal off Taylor Bayou

Leg #3 Taylor Outfall Canal to Lake Charles City Marina leave time------

latitude 29'50.129N 30'13.440N arrival time-----

longitude 93'59.887W 93'14.417W

61 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 11hrs total hours-----

Note::: Must Call Ellender Bridge 4 hours before arrival to schedule opening

Call 800-752-6706 or 337-437-9100 at ICW 265 Mile Marker for Tender

Diesel available several places in Lake Charles

Leg #4 Lake Charles City Marina to Mermentau River leave time------

latitude 30'13.440N 29'59.437N arrival time-----

longitude 93'14.417W 92'47.106W

55 NM @ 5,5 Kts = 10hrs total hours-----

Anchor N of Island or go up river anchor off Myers Landing

Diesel - Intercoastal City Shell Morgan Fuel Dock ICW Mile 160

Leg #5 Mermentau River to

North Pier Marina leave time------

latitude 29'59.437N 29'56.863N arrival time-----

longitude 92'47.106W 91'58.921W

64 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 12hrs total hours-----

LeBlanc's Fuel Dock for Diesel

Leg #6 North Pier Marina to Morgan City Dock leave time------

latitude 29'56.863N 29'41.653N arrival time-----

longitude 91'58.921W 91'12.783W

58 NM @ 5,5 Kts = 10.5hrs total hours-----

Rough pier need fender boards $20.00 night 985-385-1770

Marina #

337-491-1256 $30.00 night

Delcambre city marina

(800) 884-6120 ext. 1 $35.00 night

Leg #7 Morgan City Dock to Houma City Dock leave time------

latitude 29'41.653N 29'35.922N arrival time-----

longitude 91'12.783W 90'42.608W

42 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 7hrs 45min total hours-----

Leg #8 Houma City Dock to

Pontchartrain Landing leave time------

latitude 29'35.922N 30'01.489N arrival time-----

longitude 90'42.608W 90'01.942W

67 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 12.5hrs total hours-----

New Orleans $1.00 foot 504-286-8157 Diesel Available

Leg #9 Pontchartrain Landing to Rabbit Island ICW leave time------

latitude 30'01.489N 30'08.947N arrival time-----

longitude 90'01.942W 89'38.174W

35 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 6.5 Hrs total hours-----

Thru Rigiolets 30 NM @ 5.5 = 5.5 Hrs

Anchor on N/E side of island off ICW

Leg #10 Rabbit Island ICW to Point Cadet Marina leave time------

latitude 30'08.947N 30'23.273N arrival time-----

longitude 89'38.174W 88'51.532W

51 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 9.5 hrs total hours-----

Biloxi Ms 228-436-9312/228-432-0454 $1.00 per foot

Diesel available several places in Biloxi

Leg #11 Point Cadet Marina to Dauphin Island leave time------

latitude 30'23.273N 30'15.526N arrival time-----

longitude 88'51.532W 88'06.876W

48 NM @ 5.5 = 9hrs total hours-----

Anchor in harbor. Channel is 6ft + Stay in center

Leg #12 – A Dauphin Island to Homeport “Lulu's” leave time------

latitude 30'15.526N 30'16.788N arrival time-----

longitude 88'06.876W 87'41.127W

30 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 5.5 Hrs total hours-----

Lunch Stop, Diesel, Marina ($1.50 ft with boat us discount)

Jimmy Buffets sisters resturant, live music

Leg #12 – B Homeport “Lulu's” to Robert's Bayou leave time------

latitude 30'16.788N 30'19.244N arrival time-----

longitude 87'41.127W 87'31.963W

11 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 2 Hrs total hours-----

Anchor in Roberts (Pirate Bar is very dog friendly, Ingram or Wolf Bay all nice.

Wolf Bay can be entered at night, watch markers for Ingram and Roberts

City dock between bridges $25.00 night 985-665-6035

 

 

Leg #13 Robert's Bayou to Palafox Pier leave time------

latitude 30'19.244N 30'24.149N arrival time-----

longitude 87'31.963W 87'12.852W

22 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 4 Hrs total hours-----

Marina # 850-432-9620 $1.13 Ft with Boat US discount

Heart of historic area of Pensacola. Diesel available

Leg #14 Palafox Pier to Ft. McRee leave time------

latitude 30'24.149N 30'19.623N arrival time-----

longitude 87'12.852W 87'19.739W

8.5 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 1.5 Hrs

Anchor between islands or along Perdio Key

OUT IN GULF OF MEXICO

Leg #15 Ft. McRee to Destin Harbor leave time------

latitude 30'19.623N 30'23.436N arrival time-----

longitude 87'19.739W 86'30.291W

48 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 8 Hrs 45 Min total hours-----

Anchor in center of harbor. Diesel available

Leg #16 Destin Harbor to Panama City Marina leave time------

latitude 30'23.436N 30'09.058N arrival time-----

longitude 86'30.291W 85'39.852W

50 NM @ 5.5 = 9 Hrs total hours-----

Marina # 800-873-7272 $1.12 per ft. Boat US price Diesel available

Leg #17 Panama City Marina to Port St. Joe Marina leave time------

latitude 30'09.058N 29'48.866N arrival time-----

longitude 85'39.852W 85'18.750W

35 NM @ 5.5 Kts = 6.5 Hrs total hours-----

Marina # 850-227-9393 $1.50 ft per night + $7.50 electricty

Diesel available

Getting Ready to Cruise

Ok, it is time to get this going again.

We have been doing alot of work on the boat to get ready to head to Florida.

We plan on leaving on Monday June 3rd. My mother and her beau John want to get married in June and want to have the marriage performed on the bow of Barefoot Babe. I will also officiate the wedding.

Some of the things we have done on the boat are new mattresses for the v-berth, new full enclosure, the dinghy lift, 360 gal a day watermaker (still needs to be installed), AIS system, installed HD3D TV in captains cabin, replaced all raw water impellers, renewed the refrigeration system, lifeline netting, bird cage that fits in the main saloon, rigging inspection,

Missy's Boat Cage

renewed the main sail and had it cut to be a loose footed main, new dutchman lines, and more stuff that I can't even remember. Will also be getting a bottom job done on the boat right before we leave. 

We will have two other boats that will be traveling with us. Our good friends Greg and Ann on Nauti-Gal and Patrick and his wife on Copy Cat will be with us. We plan on taking our time and having fun on this trip. That is what cruising is all about. We plan on going the ICW most of the way with a few Gulf of Mexico passages off the coast of Florida.

We will be running our SPOT http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0GdPevUzg8CkG0iT053sszA9T9GLAsaI5  so you will always be able to see where we are by clicking on the link above and saving it to your favorites.

Since there are three boats in this caravan, I made a float plan so if we get seperated we should be able to meet back up. I will try to post it.

We will also be updating this blog with pictures as we travel. At the end of each blog you are always welcome to leave comments.