Taylor Outfall Bayou to Bow Tie Marina

The wind came up during the night as a cold front pushed through and we hesitated to leave however made the decision to go for it. We left at about 7:30 AM and just crossed Sabine Lake which was quite windy but not as bad as we anticipated. We'd like to get to Bow Tie Marina today so we can freshen up, clean up the boat and go out to dinner. Will add more later after we arrive. I'll sure be glad to get out of the industrial areas and into a prettier and warmer climate!

Offatts Bayou to Taylor Outfall Bayou

We left Offatts Bayou near Moody Gardens early but then had to wait at least an hour for the Galveston Railroad Bridge to lift which set us back. It was another long day and we anchored out in Taylor Outfall Bayou which is next to the Big Bayou Wildlife Management area. It was very peaceful out there and we even spotted a couple of alligators, one of which came kind of close to the boat and seemed to be checking us out.

4th Day - Matagorda to Offatts Bayou

It's the beginning of our 4th day and we are just about to get underway. It was another long day yesterday and rather chilly and overcast. Therefore, no photos. It appears it's going to be the same today but a little warmer. We may cruise from the lower helm to make it a little more comfortable. A good note from Kathy's perspective - I was able to pick up Dancing With The Stars last night on the TV. Our destination today - Taylor Bayou just before Port Arthur, TX.

1st Day Rockport to Matagorda, TX

We've begun our adventure ..... leaving Key Allegro Marina at 0742 Saturday, March 26, 2011 with a party cloudy day and winds 12-15 knots. A long day, 9 hours, but no problems and we saw some nice scenery. We decided on passing at a anchorage at Army Hole and push onto Matagorda Harbor where we are now staying not one day but two - small electonics problem and we were beat and wanted to kick back. Leaving tomorrow headed for Galveston where we plan on anchoring out in Offats Bayou opposite Moody Gardens.

Last Night in Rockport

Well the time has finally arrived! After years of planning and preparation we're casting off the lines in the morning. Mike has been working on getting the dinghy situated most of the day and now feels like it's as good as it's going to get. He's like a cat on a hot tin roof and very excited with anticipation. It's time to get going and as Oprah says on the first page of her magazine - "Here We Go".

Pre - Cruise Preparations

Well, our departure has been delayed mainly because of activities related to getting Queen Kathleen ready.  Our time in Rockport has been spent with the following:

Haul out - waxing the hull, scraping and repainting the propeller, through hulls, adding a prop cutter to the
                shaft, new zincs
Installed new holding tank (existing one leaking)
Scheduled maintenance on Cummins engine and PowerTech generator
Repaired ice machine
Adding new electronics - new VHFand antennae with AIS, Raymarine radar, new flybridge speakers, new
                radio with Sirius, new TV in the salon, PLB, handheld VHF and GPS
New Archilles 9'2" rigid inflatable dinghy with Honda 9.9 hp motor
Sanding all teak rub rails and adding teak oil

We're now back in San Antonio wrapping up a few last minute business and personal items and hope to finally cast off Saturday, March 26th.