365 NM in twelve days, with several as layup days taking a break. In spite of one observation we are not in fact driving to the Bahamas, although the ICW does at times remind us of the I10, albeit at 5mph and with no traffic except for the occasional “big rigs” that are the barge traffic.
Having departed Kemah, TX on 11/11 we spent our first night away anchored off of Bolivar Peninsula, although we tried raising the main for a while heading down the ship channel we have not as of yet actually sailed, that is still a week away. We were off at first light the following day motoring into the ICW heading west at 7kts (that’s 8.05 mph, 1kt=1.15mph; see this is an educational blog), making a little over 52NM our fist day before anchoring off the ICW at Taylor’s Bayou. The rigging is covered completely in spider webs making the boat look like ma ghost ship. The spiders float on the breeze spinning their web hoping to land on something, as it is they found Boto. Taylor Bayou is a great little side channel off the ICW very calm and remote, nothing but a chemical plant off the port side flaring away. This would be a good time to share some words of wisdom; water inside the boat is never good; especially when it is fresh water inside the engine pan. It would appear that one must triple check when tightening nuts and bolts so as not to leave the winterizing drain cock open, however slightly. A little excitement on the second day out.
A couple of short days; where we have decided to sleep in, a total of 50NM in two days.

After a wonderful sunset off Shell Island on the 13th, coupled with a dinghy ride for the girls, we find ourselves anchored, Saturday the 14th off the Calcasieu River between two tank farms and a topping plant. The 5th finds us anchored off the Mermentau River watching another sunset sharing a cocktail. This up and down with the sun is giving us a chance to catch up on our rest. Sunday the 15th was another easy day which also brought our first alligator sighting of the trip; suffice it to say we are not swimming in the ICW.
After five nights on the hook we have made it to the first marina, Intracoastal City, LA. After topping off fuel and water we slide over to the bulkhead, where Mija and Chula have the first chance in a week to run free and chase their ball. Weather to date has been excellent although we did have some light rain at IC.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009, Vicky’s Birthday. After tossing off the lines and backing Boto into the ICW, Vicky retired to the V-berth with the girls for a nap; she got the entire day off, to do as she pleased. After resting up the birthday girl took the helm and began to make friends with the barge captains along the waterway, for some reason the barges respond better to her than to Ed? With a crossing of the Wax Lake spillway combating an 8kt north to south current we make our way into Morgan City, LA and another city dock for cocktail hour and a birthday dinner of Tequila Chicken with Red Beans and Rice.
After exploring the town of Morgan City we are off for Houma, LA where we decided to spend a few days alongside the city docks. An easy passage through our first true set of locks running close behind a loaded barge, was followed by a visit from five Eagles turning loops overhead, simply because they can. Boto received a freshwater wash down shortly after our arrival removing the grey lines acquired after miles along the ICW. With a very weal Wi-Fi signal in Houma we are able to take care of some responsibilities on line, however, the signal is only slightly better than the original dial up connections. Friday the 20th we are off on our way to New Orleans, although we a forecast of bad weather we decided on a side trip to Lafitte, LA where we tied up at the C&M Bayou Fuel dock. While there is little in the way of services for a pleasure boat, this dock caters to the fishing and oil industries, BJ the owner has been very accommodating, meeting us at the bulkhead and helping us tie off. The folks are friendly and curious about our trip, while the Marina Store carries most of the basics, fishing gear, boat needs, ice and beer. As we write this summary of the first ten days we are still tied up at C&M with a lull in the rain, keeping ourselves busy with boat projects, of which there is a never ending list. Tomorrow’s forecast is much nicer and we should be off for a few days visit to New Orleans!
We made it to the Big Easy, after traversing two large commercial locks, and numerous bridges. We were able to spend a wonderful hour turning figure 8's and donuts waiting for one particular bridge just off the Mississippi River and were visited by 30-40 Pelicans which simply floated by on the canal checking us out. So here we are in N.O., visited the French Quarter today and may head down again tomorrow for dinner. For now we are taking care of some puppy vet business and enjoying a few days tied up and resting.

Tossing the dock lines at last

There's no turning back now (very dramatic) we are on our way in the morning. The truck has been sold and our mode of transportation is now collapsible bike (think circus clowns). Groceries have been stowed, dogs have been groomed, diesel and water loaded what else to do? For those unfamiliar with sailing/cruising that particular question has an infinite number of answers, for example: Install the second bilge pump, install the wash down pump, test the water maker, but not here in Galveston Bay, put together and test the WiFi antenna, wire and install the AIS system, somewhere in there the heads (toilets) will need to be fixed (that's Ed's job), and so on and so on. Oh yeah somewhere in between all of the To Do's there will be time for some reading and resting as well as a sundowner or two.
We'll keep in touch, drop us a line.

T-Plus Four

Well, in spite of our best efforts, here we sit in Kemah. With a boat comes many moving pieces of equipment and it is inevitable that one of those pieces will stop working, so we have found. Our generator does many wonderful things, charges batteries, runs the microwave, makes the blender work oh and provides heat and A/C. While this is not an absolute requirement we decided we liked having our Jenny along for the ride so we opted to delay our departure to order in a few parts to get here up and running again. Perhaps it is fate or dumb luck or just another example of how God loves the Irish; regardless, with the wait came the development of IDA, for which we now wait to subside before we depart, along with a working Jenny.
Had we left on schedule we would have had several beautiful days of weather and sailing, and right about now we would be somewheres along the coast of LA, MS, AL or FL hanging on for dear life while IDA peters out at 45mph+++.
The Jenny is working, our SSB is up and running, the sails are working just fine; we actually left the dock last weekend to spend a night on the water, and numerous smaller projects have been and are in the midst of being completed. Our latest ETD is Thurs the 12th, we'll see what comes next, stay tuned.