kismet3550
New member
I've been on that bus in the Keys, looks like fun.
The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
kismet3550":55kvofb8 said:
Pretty sure that was in regards to my first post on this thread... 147 pages ago. Kismet (Jim & Lisa) is new to the trailer-cruising lifestyle (but an experienced big boat cruiser), and I had invited him to check out our thread.
Here's a look at their website...
http://www.trailertrawlerlife.com/
Great looking website!
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Goodness! Who knew there were so many folks who wanted a "real" copy of Cat On A Leash? The book shipment should be in next week; I will get books signed and shipped out right away. To make sure we have paper back-up for the orders, we were hard at work in our "office" today...
Yes, that's onboard Wild Blue. No, Izzy isn't driving; we were at anchor.
It is spring break here in the Tropical Tip, and the excursion boats around us were packed - fishing, dolphin watching, and partying...
That's a lot of bodies dancing on the bow of that boat!
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Re: book orders: http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=15486
Yes, that's onboard Wild Blue. No, Izzy isn't driving; we were at anchor.
It is spring break here in the Tropical Tip, and the excursion boats around us were packed - fishing, dolphin watching, and partying...
That's a lot of bodies dancing on the bow of that boat!
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Re: book orders: http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=15486
Levitation
New member
Yeah, I notice there is no load line to be seen... Wonder if the CG just looks the other way during big dollar events like Spring Break?
Levitation":27mvmc9e said:
No, the Coast Guard station is right next to the marina where that boat is based... and the CG is quite active in this area. I have no doubt that boat was well under its max load... almost all the kids were on the bow. 57 gross tons, according to their documentation.
---------------
And speaking of spring break, what a spectacular day today - a bit windy, but lots of sun, blue sky, and temps pushing 80º. LOADS of kids on South Padre Island... a great day to be on the water, because traffic on the causeway to the island (2 1/2 miles long) was backed up for miles! It would really suck for those kids to get that close and then have it take hours to get on the island.
The last couple nights, we can hear the music from the island at our house; no problem, and not enough to keep you up at night... just that thump, thump, thump of bass... about 4 or 5 miles away. :note :note
We went north in the Laguna, anchored for a while near SPI, ran south along the island, and came across our buddy Herb in his Ranger 21, timing a sailboat race. Not a lot of work for him to do, so we got to visit for a while, boat to boat.
Lumpy out in the Gulf, so we didn't spend much time out there. Saw some dolphins, watched a couple Hobie Adventure Island trimaran-kayaks sailing around; that looks like a lot of fun on a warm day. And the water is warming up nicely: varies between 70 and 75º depending on location. It may soon be warm enough for me to get in the water to clean the boat bottom.
Banner planes flying all around... advertising tequila, rum, and an Australian Gold (sun lotion) bikini pagent. Seems to be the right target audience this time of year.
We did our running in town early this morning, we're stocked up on groceries, and will avoid the crowds... not that they're a problem (certainly good for the local economy), but our neighbor got caught in traffic yesterday coming home from work... his normal 40 minute commute took almost 4 hours. :disgust
But, did I mention how gorgeous the weather is? :hot
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Hi Jim,
Sounds like all in all it was a very good day. It was pretty nice in the NW tip too. We had a beautiful blue sky, some snow -- you know that dreaded white stuff, up on the mountains --- where it belongs, and balmy temps, 60ish. Enough clouds to make the sky interesting, and clear enough to see the moon rise tonight, (the super moon, apogee and closest to us in 18 years.) It did look pretty good. Boating is on the horizon for some of us.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Sounds like all in all it was a very good day. It was pretty nice in the NW tip too. We had a beautiful blue sky, some snow -- you know that dreaded white stuff, up on the mountains --- where it belongs, and balmy temps, 60ish. Enough clouds to make the sky interesting, and clear enough to see the moon rise tonight, (the super moon, apogee and closest to us in 18 years.) It did look pretty good. Boating is on the horizon for some of us.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Another great sunrise cruise, even better today since Joan joined me (she generally says, "I'll make you breakfast when you get back." 8) )... more like a "catered affair" when she gets up early.
http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2011/03/su ... -book.html
Warm temps, lots of wind, and a pretty sunrise...
A great day.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
http://captnjim.blogspot.com/2011/03/su ... -book.html
Warm temps, lots of wind, and a pretty sunrise...
A great day.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
rogerbum":256z1wlg said:
Ah, Roger, interesting where the mind takes you... must be all that healthy livin' you're doing these days. :wink: Joan does those little touches that make food look good, as well as taste good... adds to the sensual delight. 8) Sunrise, my Honey, tasty treats, and out on the water... yep, quite an affair.
Best wishes,
Jim
Pat questioned that "catered affair" statement on our blog. So, to provide further defintion, as per the American Heritage Dictionary...
I, of course, was speaking of definition 3/b. While we have dined on prime rib aboard Wild Blue, it was the fruit and pastries this time. Easier on the digestion for a sunrise cruise, and no need to "roll over"... finger food can be eaten in a variety of positions.
8)
I, of course, was speaking of definition 3/b. While we have dined on prime rib aboard Wild Blue, it was the fruit and pastries this time. Easier on the digestion for a sunrise cruise, and no need to "roll over"... finger food can be eaten in a variety of positions.
8)
Sam Walker
New member
Hi Jim. This discussion and your quote from the dictionary reminds me of a line from one of my all time favorite movies.
Mel Brooks as Governor LePetemain stating "Excuse me Gentlemen, the affairs of the state must take precedence of the affairs of state." Thus combining items 2 and 7.
The movie, Blazing Saddles.
Mel Brooks as Governor LePetemain stating "Excuse me Gentlemen, the affairs of the state must take precedence of the affairs of state." Thus combining items 2 and 7.
The movie, Blazing Saddles.
Pat Anderson
New member
Just one of the greatest movies ever made!
Sam Walker":1eiaet5h said:
I said good-bye to my Honey and headed through security at the airport. Jackpot! I got the x-ray screening AND a patdown. There was probably a point to that, but it wasn't even a good first date. I guess I should be happy that there was no body cavity search.
After schlepping my stuff off the table, I re-dressed, put away my dangerous little bottle of shampoo, and went to sit for an hour in the boarding area. Which reminds me of a little saying from my pilot days: Time to spare? Go by air.
It is my dear ol' Mother's 90th birthday. She didn't want "any fuss." When I suggested we should do a small open house, she quickly agreed. Things began to expand. Hopefully my flights (yes, that's plural, 'cause you almost can't get from here to there) will be on time... I don't want to be late for the parade, fireworks, and sky-writing. On the bright side, even if I'm delayed due to the crappy weather even further north (yes, I will be flying north beyond her place by several hundred miles, then flying back south)... because that's part of the efficiency of going by air.
Remember when it used to be classy to fly commercial? No one treated you like you were being arrested, no being irradiated, no groping, and you got to leave your shoes on. A smiling flight attendant brought you a pillow and a blanket, and tucked you in... after bringing you a hot meal. Now, it's more like riding the "chicken bus" in a third world country. Everyone looks disheveled after undressing without the benefit of a place to sit, people dress more like they're headed to the gym, and once through security, some folks buy over-priced burritos and chips to eat while they wait and to bring aboard. And now that the airlines charge for a checked bag, people try to "get by" with steamer trunks that they say, "Well, this fit in the overhead of the last plane!" That little fund raiser by the airlines was the last straw - it takes even longer to get everyone boarded since the "personal carry-on" is the size of a great dane and weighs about as much.
If it wasn't for the occasion, and the fact that we will be going this way again in a month and it's too damn early to really go north, I would be traveling by RV or boat. Flying sucks... appropriate, since I'm heading to SUX.
Tomorrow's her birthday. Happy birthday, Mom.
After schlepping my stuff off the table, I re-dressed, put away my dangerous little bottle of shampoo, and went to sit for an hour in the boarding area. Which reminds me of a little saying from my pilot days: Time to spare? Go by air.
It is my dear ol' Mother's 90th birthday. She didn't want "any fuss." When I suggested we should do a small open house, she quickly agreed. Things began to expand. Hopefully my flights (yes, that's plural, 'cause you almost can't get from here to there) will be on time... I don't want to be late for the parade, fireworks, and sky-writing. On the bright side, even if I'm delayed due to the crappy weather even further north (yes, I will be flying north beyond her place by several hundred miles, then flying back south)... because that's part of the efficiency of going by air.
Remember when it used to be classy to fly commercial? No one treated you like you were being arrested, no being irradiated, no groping, and you got to leave your shoes on. A smiling flight attendant brought you a pillow and a blanket, and tucked you in... after bringing you a hot meal. Now, it's more like riding the "chicken bus" in a third world country. Everyone looks disheveled after undressing without the benefit of a place to sit, people dress more like they're headed to the gym, and once through security, some folks buy over-priced burritos and chips to eat while they wait and to bring aboard. And now that the airlines charge for a checked bag, people try to "get by" with steamer trunks that they say, "Well, this fit in the overhead of the last plane!" That little fund raiser by the airlines was the last straw - it takes even longer to get everyone boarded since the "personal carry-on" is the size of a great dane and weighs about as much.
If it wasn't for the occasion, and the fact that we will be going this way again in a month and it's too damn early to really go north, I would be traveling by RV or boat. Flying sucks... appropriate, since I'm heading to SUX.
Tomorrow's her birthday. Happy birthday, Mom.
Good morning Jim, and Happy Birthday to your Mom.
It is so sad that everything you just said about your flying experience is true.
If all goes well, you could land, in snow with an awake TAC in the tower. The connecting flights could all be delays just as much as the initial flight, so you make your connections and the commuters are cleared to fly instruments. What an adventure. Travel safe -- which means, take good guardian angels with you, and have a good time at the party.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
It is so sad that everything you just said about your flying experience is true.
If all goes well, you could land, in snow with an awake TAC in the tower. The connecting flights could all be delays just as much as the initial flight, so you make your connections and the commuters are cleared to fly instruments. What an adventure. Travel safe -- which means, take good guardian angels with you, and have a good time at the party.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Captains Cat
New member
I know what you mean Jim. I flew back from the Gulf coast yesterday, left Mobile Al, they don't have any new security stuff and my right knee (implant) always sets off the alarms so I got the full monty too. Almost said "Don't touch my junk" but luckily refrained.
This is why we canx our trip to SBS11 (and blew off non refundable tickets). I refuse to let my bride (she wouldn't anyway) have the possibly of going through that. I object to the procedure but have no choice in business travel. All of the largest airports (even Richmond VA) have the new scanners, takes about 3 seconds and it's over. I just wish I didn't imagine someone in a back room snickering over the inside view...
Hope you had a good, uneventful trip and that Mom has a great birthday.
Charlie
This is why we canx our trip to SBS11 (and blew off non refundable tickets). I refuse to let my bride (she wouldn't anyway) have the possibly of going through that. I object to the procedure but have no choice in business travel. All of the largest airports (even Richmond VA) have the new scanners, takes about 3 seconds and it's over. I just wish I didn't imagine someone in a back room snickering over the inside view...
Hope you had a good, uneventful trip and that Mom has a great birthday.
Charlie
Well, it all turned out fine. The snow that we awoke to yesterday morning melted and there was only a bit of flurries for the big festivities today. She had quite a turnout. My cousin's daughter is a caterer and put together a nice variety of items. I met some relatives that I didn't even know I had, enjoyed visiting with friends and family, and Mom had a wonderful time - and that was the whole point.
It was worth the long flights, the airport schlepping, and even the groping. And, except for the party, I get to do it all over again tomorrow.
And back to my Honey, little Izzy, and Wild Blue.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
It was worth the long flights, the airport schlepping, and even the groping. And, except for the party, I get to do it all over again tomorrow.
And back to my Honey, little Izzy, and Wild Blue.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Nearly made it home unscaythed...
After a long day on airplanes, my last flight landed nearly on time. Mostly uneventful, if you don't count being squished against the wall on one flight: this BIG fellow walked down the aisle of the plane, barely fitting... yep, he sat next to me, more than filling his seat. He asked, "Do we have to wear the seat belt on these things?"
"Oh, yeah. I thing you better ask the flight attendant for a seat belt extension. Is this the first time you've flown?"
"Last time was 1985. I was just a kid." He had a lot of questions, mostly about what to do to find ground transportation when we got to Houston. I got him going in the right direction, but I had to catch my next flight.
Waiting for my last flight, a young man in military camo asked if the seat next to me was available. "Absolutely. Have a seat, and thank you for your service." We visited for a bit, and I found out he was heading to the Valley, on a 15 day leave from Afghanistan. I asked if he had family picking him up at the airport and he said, "I hope so. I want to surprise my Dad, but I did tell my sister I was coming back. I didn't know what flight I'd be on, and the machine that sells phone cards ate my money." I gave him my cell phone so he could call his sister to coordinate a time to get picked up. She almost didn't answer the phone because she didn't recognize the number. Nice kid. He said that people have been very kind to him since he left Germany, enroute home. Less than 36 hours earlier, he had been in Afghanistan.
The last leg was on a small plane, and I had the single seat on the port side. I waited in the jetway for my carry-on bag; couldn't wait to see my Honey. Joan drove on the way home, and we decided to pass on stopping for something to eat - I told her I was bushed.
While stopped at a stoplight on Highway 100 (the last road before getting home), without any warning, we got hit from the back! No screaching brakes, just that ugly sound of metal on metal. I looked at Joan, "Are you OK?"
"Yes." I got out of the truck to see what happened. I guy had hit the van behind us, which pushed the van into our truck. I went to the van to see if everyone was OK, three people in there looked dazed, one teenage girl was crying. Her grandfather said to me, "I'm sorry. I didn't do that. The guy behind me hit me, and I hit your truck."
I went to the car that caused it, and the guy was getting out of the driver's side. "Is anyone hurt?" he asked.
"We're OK, the people in the van are pretty shook up..."
"I think my wife is hurt," he said. I looked in the car, and she was holding her stomach. She couldn't seem to talk. I went back to the truck, told Joan to call 911 and get the police and an ambulance.
Back to the car, I asked the woman again if she could tell me what hurt. About that time, two guys who had been nearby on motorcycles came over. One was a nurse, and I stepped aside to let him take over. I told the two drivers that we better start exchanging license and insurance information.
The van that had been in the middle was pretty well crunched in the front and back. The car that caused the accident didn't look that damaged. Our truck looks like it has very little damage - the frame mounted hitch took most of the hit, and the van shape was such that it ran under that.
The guy that caused the accident said, "I'm sorry. That was my fault; I don't know what happened." There were no skid marks, so it didn't look like he even tried to stop.
In a few minutes, there was a state trooper, an ambulance and a fire truck on the scene. While talking to the trooper, I saw them taking three people out of the van on backboards. The driver of the van told me that he was bringing his granddaughter home from the hospital... and they were almost home. The guy driving the car started to get a little belligerent with the female state trooper. "Easy there, big fella," I said, "She's just doing her job." He was going to get a citation for failure to control speed. He seemed to think that it was "just an accident."
I went back to check the truck again... other than a bent electrical connector for the trailer connection, I couldn't see any damage. I will check it again in the daylight today. The van definitely got the worst of it, but it was still drivable. After all the paperwork and giving statements to the trooper, Joan suggested that we follow the van driver to his house to make sure it would get there. That man was very grateful. He was worried about his daughter and teenage grandkids and needed to get another vehicle so he could go to the hospital to check on them. We offered to drive him, but he thought it would be best to have his own vehicle.
So, it turned out to be a long night. Three ambulances took 4 people to the hospital; no one had any obvious external injuries. We have some aches this morning. As soon as it's light out, I'll check out Big Red closer. Joan said it well: "Sure glad we were in a big, solid truck."
After a long day on airplanes, my last flight landed nearly on time. Mostly uneventful, if you don't count being squished against the wall on one flight: this BIG fellow walked down the aisle of the plane, barely fitting... yep, he sat next to me, more than filling his seat. He asked, "Do we have to wear the seat belt on these things?"
"Oh, yeah. I thing you better ask the flight attendant for a seat belt extension. Is this the first time you've flown?"
"Last time was 1985. I was just a kid." He had a lot of questions, mostly about what to do to find ground transportation when we got to Houston. I got him going in the right direction, but I had to catch my next flight.
Waiting for my last flight, a young man in military camo asked if the seat next to me was available. "Absolutely. Have a seat, and thank you for your service." We visited for a bit, and I found out he was heading to the Valley, on a 15 day leave from Afghanistan. I asked if he had family picking him up at the airport and he said, "I hope so. I want to surprise my Dad, but I did tell my sister I was coming back. I didn't know what flight I'd be on, and the machine that sells phone cards ate my money." I gave him my cell phone so he could call his sister to coordinate a time to get picked up. She almost didn't answer the phone because she didn't recognize the number. Nice kid. He said that people have been very kind to him since he left Germany, enroute home. Less than 36 hours earlier, he had been in Afghanistan.
The last leg was on a small plane, and I had the single seat on the port side. I waited in the jetway for my carry-on bag; couldn't wait to see my Honey. Joan drove on the way home, and we decided to pass on stopping for something to eat - I told her I was bushed.
While stopped at a stoplight on Highway 100 (the last road before getting home), without any warning, we got hit from the back! No screaching brakes, just that ugly sound of metal on metal. I looked at Joan, "Are you OK?"
"Yes." I got out of the truck to see what happened. I guy had hit the van behind us, which pushed the van into our truck. I went to the van to see if everyone was OK, three people in there looked dazed, one teenage girl was crying. Her grandfather said to me, "I'm sorry. I didn't do that. The guy behind me hit me, and I hit your truck."
I went to the car that caused it, and the guy was getting out of the driver's side. "Is anyone hurt?" he asked.
"We're OK, the people in the van are pretty shook up..."
"I think my wife is hurt," he said. I looked in the car, and she was holding her stomach. She couldn't seem to talk. I went back to the truck, told Joan to call 911 and get the police and an ambulance.
Back to the car, I asked the woman again if she could tell me what hurt. About that time, two guys who had been nearby on motorcycles came over. One was a nurse, and I stepped aside to let him take over. I told the two drivers that we better start exchanging license and insurance information.
The van that had been in the middle was pretty well crunched in the front and back. The car that caused the accident didn't look that damaged. Our truck looks like it has very little damage - the frame mounted hitch took most of the hit, and the van shape was such that it ran under that.
The guy that caused the accident said, "I'm sorry. That was my fault; I don't know what happened." There were no skid marks, so it didn't look like he even tried to stop.
In a few minutes, there was a state trooper, an ambulance and a fire truck on the scene. While talking to the trooper, I saw them taking three people out of the van on backboards. The driver of the van told me that he was bringing his granddaughter home from the hospital... and they were almost home. The guy driving the car started to get a little belligerent with the female state trooper. "Easy there, big fella," I said, "She's just doing her job." He was going to get a citation for failure to control speed. He seemed to think that it was "just an accident."
I went back to check the truck again... other than a bent electrical connector for the trailer connection, I couldn't see any damage. I will check it again in the daylight today. The van definitely got the worst of it, but it was still drivable. After all the paperwork and giving statements to the trooper, Joan suggested that we follow the van driver to his house to make sure it would get there. That man was very grateful. He was worried about his daughter and teenage grandkids and needed to get another vehicle so he could go to the hospital to check on them. We offered to drive him, but he thought it would be best to have his own vehicle.
So, it turned out to be a long night. Three ambulances took 4 people to the hospital; no one had any obvious external injuries. We have some aches this morning. As soon as it's light out, I'll check out Big Red closer. Joan said it well: "Sure glad we were in a big, solid truck."
Captains Cat
New member
As usual, great story Jim! Glad you're OK and the truck too!
I got hit once from the rear stopped at a light in my Dodge 2500 with a big hitch on the back. Had a long extension for the ball with a rubber cover on it. The little car that hit me really got it. Hitch ball went through his radiator, fan and damaged the block. My damage was limited to the rubber cover on the ball. :roll:
Sounds like a great party for your Mom, you are lucky to have her still around.. :love
Hi to the Blonde and Izzy!
Charlie
I got hit once from the rear stopped at a light in my Dodge 2500 with a big hitch on the back. Had a long extension for the ball with a rubber cover on it. The little car that hit me really got it. Hitch ball went through his radiator, fan and damaged the block. My damage was limited to the rubber cover on the ball. :roll:
Sounds like a great party for your Mom, you are lucky to have her still around.. :love
Hi to the Blonde and Izzy!
Charlie