The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
Hi Roger,
Two years ago when we won with our sailboat, we actually had a net monetary gain (of about $11 - ah the fast paced, high risk sport of boat decorating).
Last year, we got skunked. Now this year, the cooler and other gift certificates are definitely worth more than our decoration costs. But, the fun was priceless! 
And today, all that stuff comes off the boat and goes on the house... more bang for your decorating dollar.
Now, regarding fish in that cooler... how would I ever get that smell out??? :xnaughty Besides, I think Joan already has her eye on "more storage space" that the cooler will provide. We didn't really need another cooler, but I've had my eye on one of those big marine coolers for a long time.
One of the other good laughs of the evening came when they were giving out door prizes... the winner of a deep sea fishing trip for 2 was the owner of a different deep sea fishing charter operation.
Best wishes,
Jim
Two years ago when we won with our sailboat, we actually had a net monetary gain (of about $11 - ah the fast paced, high risk sport of boat decorating).
Last year, we got skunked. Now this year, the cooler and other gift certificates are definitely worth more than our decoration costs. But, the fun was priceless! And today, all that stuff comes off the boat and goes on the house... more bang for your decorating dollar.Now, regarding fish in that cooler... how would I ever get that smell out??? :xnaughty Besides, I think Joan already has her eye on "more storage space" that the cooler will provide. We didn't really need another cooler, but I've had my eye on one of those big marine coolers for a long time.
One of the other good laughs of the evening came when they were giving out door prizes... the winner of a deep sea fishing trip for 2 was the owner of a different deep sea fishing charter operation.
Best wishes,
Jim
Jim & Joan -I just finished reading the last four pages of your travel log. I had gotten a little behind so I missed wishing the two of you a happy anniversary.
:love :hug :hug2 :love
Hope you have another wonderful 35 years together and when it is time, you cruise off into the sunset together.
I like your Christmas Boat card but the Lake Powell card is my favorite. Fantastic job of creating both.
________
Dave
:love :hug :hug2 :love
Hope you have another wonderful 35 years together and when it is time, you cruise off into the sunset together.
I like your Christmas Boat card but the Lake Powell card is my favorite. Fantastic job of creating both.
________
Dave
Thanks, Dave. Pretty amazing to hear from you, considering what you've been dealing with. I hope the fact that you were able to take time to post means that you're "over the hump" of the worst of Mother Nature's punch. Take care and keep us posted.
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan
Some random images taken in the last couple days...
Knowing what Mother Nature has dealt to a lot of the country, I had some hesitation about posting. This is not a gloat, just thought some of y'all could use some warmth and sunshine...
Yesterday, after undecorating the boat (went much faster, btw), we took Wild Blue out for a sunset cruise. Our daytime temps are still running a bit above normal for the most part. Tuesday was one of those "Chamber of Commerce" days: mid-70s, clear blue skies, low humidity, and very light breeze. The dolphins were close enough to "feel the spit". We came across a friend of ours who was on his maiden voyage with his new Adventurecraft (yes, he considered a C-Dory, but there is a local dealer for the AC - his reason :? ). It felt good to be out on the water again... except for the boat parade, Wild Blue has been more of a "static display" the last week or so.
Shrimpers in a nice light (and a very proud bow)...
A dolphin with backlit spray...
Beautiful warm light, just after sunset...
---------
And back out again today, with a repeat of yesterday's weather. We ran out into the Gulf; always amazing how the traffic drops off by 99% when you pass the sea buoys on the way out. The Gulf was a gorgeous deep blue today; we saw just a few boats the whole time out there, including this freighter in the fairway...
On the way home, coming across the Laguna, we stopped for another dolphin show...
And a pelican, um, on the can...
The brown pelicans are only brown when they are juveniles; at maturity, they get this white and yellow crown. The while pelicans are larger, but these guys just have good proportions - it's always fun to watch them fly in lines, like follow the leader. Their flying patterns remind me of my early flight training: they use ground effect for efficiency... pump the wings a time or two to gain speed or altitude, then trade off speed for altitude. They can climb like an elevator; see a fish, fold their wings in a drop like a rock.
Coming across the Laguna and into the ICW, we were treated to this sky...
Then down the canal once again (after sunset today, so no warm light); but this time, it looks like a ship crossing our path at the end. An optical illusion, it's a large freighter in the ship channel on the other side of our island...
Best wishes,
Jim
Knowing what Mother Nature has dealt to a lot of the country, I had some hesitation about posting. This is not a gloat, just thought some of y'all could use some warmth and sunshine...
Yesterday, after undecorating the boat (went much faster, btw), we took Wild Blue out for a sunset cruise. Our daytime temps are still running a bit above normal for the most part. Tuesday was one of those "Chamber of Commerce" days: mid-70s, clear blue skies, low humidity, and very light breeze. The dolphins were close enough to "feel the spit". We came across a friend of ours who was on his maiden voyage with his new Adventurecraft (yes, he considered a C-Dory, but there is a local dealer for the AC - his reason :? ). It felt good to be out on the water again... except for the boat parade, Wild Blue has been more of a "static display" the last week or so.
Shrimpers in a nice light (and a very proud bow)...
A dolphin with backlit spray...
Beautiful warm light, just after sunset...
---------
And back out again today, with a repeat of yesterday's weather. We ran out into the Gulf; always amazing how the traffic drops off by 99% when you pass the sea buoys on the way out. The Gulf was a gorgeous deep blue today; we saw just a few boats the whole time out there, including this freighter in the fairway...
On the way home, coming across the Laguna, we stopped for another dolphin show...
And a pelican, um, on the can...
The brown pelicans are only brown when they are juveniles; at maturity, they get this white and yellow crown. The while pelicans are larger, but these guys just have good proportions - it's always fun to watch them fly in lines, like follow the leader. Their flying patterns remind me of my early flight training: they use ground effect for efficiency... pump the wings a time or two to gain speed or altitude, then trade off speed for altitude. They can climb like an elevator; see a fish, fold their wings in a drop like a rock.
Coming across the Laguna and into the ICW, we were treated to this sky...
Then down the canal once again (after sunset today, so no warm light); but this time, it looks like a ship crossing our path at the end. An optical illusion, it's a large freighter in the ship channel on the other side of our island...
Best wishes,
Jim
Texas Steve
New member
You and Joan are such an inspiration for those of us hoping to pursue a similar path and your generosity in sharing lets me know that you are truly enjoying yourselves. Ruth and I are planning a week long trip down to Port Aransas based on your recommendation with our little R21 EC, Slow 'n Easy. We'll try to get some pics and return the favor!
Hey Jim,
I just read on another "thread" that Tom and Susan are talking about taking a scuba diving course in the Puget Sound :disgust in the very near future. You should give him a call and see if you can join in.....maybe with the three of you taking the class at the same time Tom and Susan will realize a discount on the class.
(I only mention this to you because I know how much you love swimming in cool water...... :wink ) LOL
I just read on another "thread" that Tom and Susan are talking about taking a scuba diving course in the Puget Sound :disgust in the very near future. You should give him a call and see if you can join in.....maybe with the three of you taking the class at the same time Tom and Susan will realize a discount on the class.
(I only mention this to you because I know how much you love swimming in cool water...... :wink ) LOL
DaveS":19bv8bbr said:(I only mention this to you because I know how much you love swimming in cool water...... :wink ) LOL
Well, since you brought it up...
(condensed from a newsletter to family, but a reference to the "cold" water)
Vacation... No, we’re not going anywhere. But, today (December 7th) was the type of day you’d like to have if you were on vacation. We started off our day with a couple mile walk on the beach. It was an absolutely gorgeous morning; already in the mid-70s, sunny, a bit hazy, a bit of breeze. The sand on the beach is golden; soft away from the water, firm and perfect for walking close to the water.
The winter Texans are showing up. You can see it in the license plates - just as many out of state plates as Texas these days. In the frozen northland, there are “mall walkers”... those folks you see doing laps in the mall for exercise. Down here, we have beach walkers - getting their exercise and enjoying Mother Nature. This shot looks like it was done on a different day, but it was into the sun, making for the silhouettes. I liked the effect.
The beach walkers aren’t the only ones out there. Here you can see a formation of pelicans flying overhead.
And after a walk on the beach, you need to get the sand out of your sandals... or, if you’re barefoot, out from between your toes. The temperature of the surf water is down to about 70º these days - too chilly for us to want to play in, but still OK to dip your toes.
And on vacation, you don’t spend all your time on the beach... and neither do we. Joan made us a picnic lunch and we headed out on the boat. No big trip today, we went about 5 miles from home, tossed out the anchor in a cove by the jetties, and kicked back. Well, one of us kicked back... the other (and I’m not mentioning any names) couldn’t just relax, so she put on rubber gloves and polished the stainless steel rails on the back of the boat. Now, there’s something most of us aren’t likely to do while on vacation!
And, speaking of the back of the boat, here’s a look at the new cooler with the cushion on top in its place in the back of the cockpit. Yeah, we won that.
Back home, it was drinks on the deck to watch the sun go down. Warm, but a nice sea breeze. What a day!
Best wishes,
Jim
Jim,
Today is a picture perfect PNW day thanks to a small breeze from our Canadian cousins. Bright blue sky, sun is shining on the mountains and it's a toasty 40F outside. We have our dose of full spectrum light and it should stay that way for a couple of days. Perfect weather for a C-Dory and a Wallas (that works).
Only thing missing is the nice blue water. Currently we have a kind of dirty brown mix with very hard lumps in it due to last Monday's slightly damp and windy event.
Don't know what the water temperature is and sure as heck not going to find out.
Love the "Diamond 5" from the pelicans. When are you going to run a course on the "real" art of photgraphy rather than the phototrickery??
Keep it up, we need your daily dose of sunshine..
Merv
Today is a picture perfect PNW day thanks to a small breeze from our Canadian cousins. Bright blue sky, sun is shining on the mountains and it's a toasty 40F outside. We have our dose of full spectrum light and it should stay that way for a couple of days. Perfect weather for a C-Dory and a Wallas (that works).
Only thing missing is the nice blue water. Currently we have a kind of dirty brown mix with very hard lumps in it due to last Monday's slightly damp and windy event.
Don't know what the water temperature is and sure as heck not going to find out.
Love the "Diamond 5" from the pelicans. When are you going to run a course on the "real" art of photgraphy rather than the phototrickery??
Keep it up, we need your daily dose of sunshine..
Merv
Hi Merv,
As part of my work, I used to do seminars for professional photographers. Many years ago I taught adult-ed courses in photography. All of that was on a schedule... and these days I don't do schedules. 8)
With the C-Brats being a sharing, caring group, I know that if you post any photo questions here, you will get a whole boatload of answers. I did post the "Photoshop 101" thread as a discussion on how to get better basic images from any digital camera.
Now, regarding the "photo-trickery"... I maintain that what I did for over 3 decades was "enhancement", not trickery. Usually with lighting, often with positioning, and rarely beyond simple retouching. Have you noticed that clothing never fits you like it does the models in the catalogs? Maybe it's not "trickery"... maybe it's you? :twisted:
Best wishes,
Jim
Oh, you better not shout, you better not cry.
Don't be "grumpy", I'm telling you why...
:xlol
As part of my work, I used to do seminars for professional photographers. Many years ago I taught adult-ed courses in photography. All of that was on a schedule... and these days I don't do schedules. 8)
With the C-Brats being a sharing, caring group, I know that if you post any photo questions here, you will get a whole boatload of answers.
I did post the "Photoshop 101" thread as a discussion on how to get better basic images from any digital camera.Now, regarding the "photo-trickery"... I maintain that what I did for over 3 decades was "enhancement", not trickery. Usually with lighting, often with positioning, and rarely beyond simple retouching. Have you noticed that clothing never fits you like it does the models in the catalogs? Maybe it's not "trickery"... maybe it's you? :twisted:
Best wishes,
Jim
Oh, you better not shout, you better not cry.
Don't be "grumpy", I'm telling you why...
:xlol
Jim,
I am still laughing at what you did to Patrick. So now I have to believe it, roght ?
I love digital cameras we have a NIkon 8800 with big zoom and a 1.7x teleconverter. Love it for bird work (the other kind). Instead of a cupboard full of old prints you now have GB's of add-on hard drives.
Felt like a teenager again on a recent trip to Switzerland, taking pictures of one of my colleagues with my cell phone and e-mailing them directly to his wife !!! (Still friends).
Keep it up !
Merv
I am still laughing at what you did to Patrick. So now I have to believe it, roght ?
I love digital cameras we have a NIkon 8800 with big zoom and a 1.7x teleconverter. Love it for bird work (the other kind). Instead of a cupboard full of old prints you now have GB's of add-on hard drives.
Felt like a teenager again on a recent trip to Switzerland, taking pictures of one of my colleagues with my cell phone and e-mailing them directly to his wife !!! (Still friends).
Keep it up !
Merv
Well, it's been a while since I've posted anything here. We've been using the boat almost daily, enjoying the local area. A couple days ago, we pulled Wild Blue out to get some service done, clean and wax the hull. Yesterday we put her back in and I spent most of the day cleaning and polishing everything from the rubrail up. She is looking pretty!
Today I messed with the trailer and then put it back in storage. And then this afternoon...
What a glorious day! Perhaps the prettiest day since we've been back in Texas... 79º, clear blue sky, light breeze. I considered not taking the boat out since she is all clean and pretty... that consideration lasted almost a nano-second. :wink:
Sorry I didn't take any photographs. The water was gorgeous. The excursion boats were nearly full - the winter visitors are here and enjoying the weather. With all the dolphin photos I've posted, today I saw something I've only ever seen at Sea World: two dolphins leaping out of the water towards each other; it was beautifully choreographed, making a heart-shape. I just stood at the center window, transfixed. Always something new.
And another tip of the day: never argue with a bridge tender. No, not me. A guy on the radio tried to intimidate, then guilt the bridge tender into opening after he called 3 minutes late for an opening. Dumb move. Especially with all the boats in the area listening. Hope he enjoyed doing circles for another 57 minutes while he waited for the next opening. :twisted:
How's this for a guilty pleasure: after days of working on the boat, I got a nap onboard while out this afternoon. Ahhhhhhhhh!
Joan and I went out for supper, using one of the gift certificates we received from the Lighted Boat Parade. Good Italian food with a sinfully tasty dessert. When we got home, we walked around our neighborhood to look at Christmas lights (it was still 72º). This is my idea of the Christmas season.
Merry Christmas C-Brat friends,
Jim B.
Today I messed with the trailer and then put it back in storage. And then this afternoon...
What a glorious day! Perhaps the prettiest day since we've been back in Texas... 79º, clear blue sky, light breeze. I considered not taking the boat out since she is all clean and pretty... that consideration lasted almost a nano-second. :wink:
Sorry I didn't take any photographs. The water was gorgeous. The excursion boats were nearly full - the winter visitors are here and enjoying the weather. With all the dolphin photos I've posted, today I saw something I've only ever seen at Sea World: two dolphins leaping out of the water towards each other; it was beautifully choreographed, making a heart-shape. I just stood at the center window, transfixed. Always something new.
And another tip of the day: never argue with a bridge tender. No, not me. A guy on the radio tried to intimidate, then guilt the bridge tender into opening after he called 3 minutes late for an opening. Dumb move. Especially with all the boats in the area listening. Hope he enjoyed doing circles for another 57 minutes while he waited for the next opening. :twisted:
How's this for a guilty pleasure: after days of working on the boat, I got a nap onboard while out this afternoon. Ahhhhhhhhh!
Joan and I went out for supper, using one of the gift certificates we received from the Lighted Boat Parade. Good Italian food with a sinfully tasty dessert. When we got home, we walked around our neighborhood to look at Christmas lights (it was still 72º). This is my idea of the Christmas season.
Merry Christmas C-Brat friends,
Jim B.
Steve Grover
New member
Jim
I saw on the news to night that South Dakota needs all hands to shovel snow and ice. I know you know how. Don't waist all you time hanging around enjoying life with your Wild Blue, Joan, great temps. tooo much great food..you"ll get fat and boring. Just some advise from one that is..
I saw on the news to night that South Dakota needs all hands to shovel snow and ice. I know you know how. Don't waist all you time hanging around enjoying life with your Wild Blue, Joan, great temps. tooo much great food..you"ll get fat and boring. Just some advise from one that is..
On a sailing forum, one of the participants mentioned the Demotivators series of humorous posters. It gave me the incentive to play a bit, and here's my twisted little gift to the C-Brats for this holiday season...
For those who've enjoyed the 22 vs 25 thread...
For the weather fans...
For those considering their next trip...
And the one that got me started on this...
And for Dixie...
Merry Christmas,
Jim
For those who've enjoyed the 22 vs 25 thread...
For the weather fans...
For those considering their next trip...
And the one that got me started on this...
And for Dixie...
Merry Christmas,
Jim
