So here we are. It was the right decision getting Capt Rob to help and going the route around all the swollen rivers etc. It was an adventure and we learned a lot about the boat and us. So chalk it up to a Good time and one we could repeat by ourselves if needed. A third or forth hand would be helpful though.
The first day was miserable - The trip down the river was uneventful. At one point we though a oil tank was on fire but it was the angle we were at to the flare.
When we hit the gulf, the waves were low as predicted at 1-2 ft but the Swells were high 4+ ft and 5-7 seconds therefore the boat pitched a LOT. Very uncomfortable if one tried to walk around. When Carol went to the cabin, she experienced a not so good feeling like motion sickness so she mainly stayed on the flybridge. At one time we went below to test if it was really motion sickness or just a combination of everything. It was motion sickness. So back to the flybridge for the whole day/night where she was fine. But she had fixed a lot of stuff for sandwiches/snacks so no one went hungry. Swells started diminishing as night wore on but a light fog started showing up.
The second day; starting at midnight - harrowing - lots of FOG - was clear with a great moon and then the fog seemed to show up out of now where, visibility was very very low. Great idea to have, NO you need to have, Radar and AIS. later in the morning (still dark and foggy) the Stabilizer started acting up and fins would move causing directional issues - turned off. Luckly as we approched the area before Tiger Pass the fog cleared and the moon was brillent. And then came Tiger pass. We entered Tiger Pass at 2200. - the Capt earned his money - Entrance was confusing with all the lights. Had a couple of low water issues but did not stick. Then because of the flooding of the Mississippi we stated incountering a heavy current which increased the closer we got to Venice. At times the current wanted/did take control of the boat but we prevailed.Got into the marina a bit after midnight.
The third day was not that bad - After tieing up at the marina, we had an arrival nightcap and got a good night sleep. Woke up to heavy fog, had a breakfast and decided to wait out for the fog to lift, leave and anchor short of Biloxi that night. When we fired off the engines, Steve discovered a SMALL fuel leak (a drop every 1-2 seconds) around the lift pump. He would have nothing but to fix the leak. Finally fixed by tighting some screws and that resealed the gasket (will replace while in Biloxi -- is not leaking now but ......). Great trip from there (Venice LA) to an anchorage in the gulf about 50 miles from Biloxi. The Mississippi current helped us. At one time we hit 10.1 knts. Out in the Gulf we saw lots of these.
Carol fixed us a supper along the way of Sausage, green beans, and pasta with a presto sauce while we traveled. After we anchored, we all had a Margarita and slept well.
The fourth day was the best there was. Started off with a bang through - the line from the anchor marker float wrapped around the stabilizer fins but we secured it and left. Sea was FLAT and we can't say much cause we just enjoyed the day cruising and the porpoises playing in the bow wake. Arrived at the marina at 1310, refueled $$$$, parked the boat in the slip, had an arrival, found the Capt a car (was a hassle as the rental agents said no cars due to spring break but steve got one on line through a travel agent), sent him off to go back to Houston (his home) and we settled in for a great rest time.
We will stay here a while. Marina Cost is GOOD here. Going to spend a couple of days doing light house chores and RESTING. Then the Admiral says we will have the stabilizers and auto pilot working before we make the next leg or there is no next leg (Ha Ha). After fixing, then we play tourist for a couple of days and leave at the next good weather window.
The Boat is getting stronger each leg so there are a lot of the basic things we just need to check now cause they are ready to go and they seem to like the cruising life and just need attention and maintaining every once in awhile. Soon we will have the next level stuff working the way we want and then the nice to have and at that point we will just be cruising and maintaining.
Will try and keep you up to date and let you know what our next plans are. For now all be safe and enjoy, we are.
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