VA Project and MY SISTER!

After many months, sweat and my sister's $$$  the Va project began phase I.  She is a mountain to move and a formidable opponent should you choose to challenge her.  DO NOT ATTEMPT THE CHALLENGE.
Our father, Sgt. Young was a resident of the Va center for 3 years.  He did not want to be there, but who does?  However, if you have to be in a nursing home, this is the PLACE! 

The above pics will give you a view of the project Phase I.  We had a working group from each coast who volunteered their time and talent to the project.  The crew included 3 students from MTSU and professionals from across the US.   The Decorative Concrete Counsel is the group of professionals who selected this project, funded a great deal of this phase and generally made the day or I should say the week. 

The above folks are veterans living at the center. The center contains 126 beds and staff is well trained, compassionate and always friendly to our vets. The compass includes a number of symbols, oriented to North, not exact as one vet pointed out.

The above volunteers are best in the country and traveled from Washington State and California to participate in this project.  After all the hard work on broad areas of the concrete is came down to cue tips and very small brushes to stain the flag symbol. 

The above pic was taken by Denise from stern of 0 Regrets. A fitting scene to commemorate Memorial Day and salute all our veterans.  May they all make it to "Arlington".

 

Sail away,

 

Capt. Barry(US Navy), Adm. Denise and deckhands Bella and Bailey(Navy Waves) 

 

PIRATES AND WOODEN BOATS

Our visit to the Pirate's Cove Marina continued through the afternoon.  I asked how long the event would continue Saturday with the answer, "wee hours of the evening".  We were more than surprised by the friendly pirates and custom wood boats.

Well, this is the perfect First Mate!  Lift jacket, collapsible bowl, sun hat and shades.  The mate was aboard an inflatable dingy at West Marine. West Marine Store was our first visit and like a kid in the candy store wandering around a store devoted to boating. 

We thought the message here was particularly telling.  We found the pirates very honest and especially the boat owners who spent so much time rebuilding their boats.  Of course a sign displayed everywhere reminded us of our venture into a realm of which we are unfamiliar;

apron.  The below boat is made of plywood after many coats of varnish and clear coats. 

The pics do not do these beauties justice.  The owners were very honest as the watched us paw their babies.  I cannot imagine the long days spent creating such a finish. The owners also had to rebuild engines, props and all are working boats. 

Now remember, this is a Pirates Cove event which required copious consumption of beer and other drinks.  The facility included "facilities" sufficient for all.  However, one portion of the "facility" seemed a bit unusual.

Yep, you guessed it. This "facility" is a converted beer keg (yuengling) available to all the male pirates in need.  The motto here is "bring your ding-a-ling to the yeung-a-ling"!  I think the brewery should adopt this slogan for national advertising.   Or "leaking in a yeung-a-ling".  Well, you get the message. I think a contest incorporating the facility into a warm slogan for the national ad campaign would be well received. 

I suppose that is enough about the Pirate's Cove Wooden Boat Show and the gathering of pirates.  We obviously enjoyed ourselves and must continue on to new adventures.  We hope you will join us as we cruise by land and water.

Capt. Barry, Adm. Denise, Deckhands Bella and Bailey.
Happy Sailing

PIRATE DERBY PARTY

Not having any plan for Saturday, the Perdido RV Resort planned a Derby Party.  Well, we did not have any hats.  So, we found an small ad for a wooden boat show at Pirates Cove Marina. So off we go.  Not a clue as to what we will encounter.  The view above is from the outer dock looking back to the marina and restaurant.  Seems a bit tame.  Rest assured, there are pirates about.  The view to the right is a soft sand beach with resting Dog(in front of boat) and view toward the ICW. Still a quiet, restful place.  RIGHT!  Check out the video below. DO NOT TRY THIS IS A PUBLIC PLACE.  

 We can only explain that Sea Chanties are well accepted form of entertainment at Pirates Cove.  Now, no one was sober that explains the quality of the song and the video.  Adm. Denise did the taping, I kept the beer flowing.  This is a tradition at Pirates Cove, lead by several salty dogs. 

The wooden boat show included about 30 boats of all size and description. The craftsmanship was wonderful as were the owners on hand to explain their craft.  We visited with the owners on this craft.  He spent years building the sail boat and even created the fabric sails from cotton hospital bedroom curtains.   

The view above is the motor mounted in the center of the sailboat in a hole in the boat. The water can be seen so the boat has a hole in the middle.  Works well and displacement keep water out of boat. 

We continued our tour of the boats and this one struck us both as good workmanship and cute.

The little tug boat is about 12 ft. at best and included an outboard motor and pilot house. Remember, all wood. They would not permit Denise to include me riding in the boat. So, we found another boat.

Well, what do you think of my new boat?  Seems a bit unstable but did anchor well.  The colors did match. 

Well, more to come on the Pirate Cove Party but I need to take some aspirin and rest. 

 

Happy Sailing,

Capt. Barry, Adm. Denise and deckhands Bella and Bailey 

 

 

 

 

MIXED BAG DAY ON PERDIDO KEY

Each and every day on the Key is different. We are only exploring each day and finding more to our liking. 

View .Perdido Key Adventures in a larger map
The above map gives some indication of our location and places we visit. Just click on "splat" for a brief description. As you can see by zooming in or out the area is near many beaches and fun things to do. We are "between" seasons now which is good as restaurants and beaches are not busy and school remains in sessions.  Cuts down on the little ones screaming in restaurants etc.

Wednesday found us without a "plan", typical of our trips. The day was overcast so we opted to go for a walk and maybe breakfast.  Denise lead the way, scrambling up a grassing hill in a short cut to the LARGE and HIGH bridge over the ICW. The mountain goat walk was employed to reach the highway. Wonder what motorists thought seeing two "goats" flop over the guardrail into or near their path.  Good thing they were alert. 

The above view is from the large bridge we walked to breakfast. Our Phaeton is the second from the left, dogs are waving from front window. Can you see them?  The location is wonderful with our boat "fix" daily seeing the many styles and types of boats traveling the ICW.  We cannot wait to bring out 0 Regrets to this area.  You can see the park is not full but they anticipate being full this weekend.  Great time to be here.

Now being an honest man I must tell a story on myself.  I am usually modest and reserved, but I had to come out of my shell today during our breakfast at Triggers.  Our neighbor recommended Triggers for breakfast, so during our walk we decided to walk there for a bit of food.  Now, we both order well and I did not give a thought to the cost. Well,...... I quickly placed $20. in my pocket prior to our walk and the resulting breakfast bill was $22. OOPS!. I then had to explain to our waitress that I did not have sufficient coin of the realm to pay. But, being an honest man, if they would let us walk back to our Phaeton I would search the cushions of our coach for more money.  She was very gracious and permitted me to leave but KEPT Denise as security.  I did hurry back but I learned Denise can sweep a restaurant floor quickly.  She did look good in those shorts the staff provided.   Never leave home without that plastic.


This pix is my view of an energy efficient billboard. Now none of us like all the clutter of these larger signs, but someone has found a way to save energy. This sign changes ads and appears to be powered by the turbine.  I am exploring adding a small turbine to our boat to help charge batteries.  I might need to visit this company.

Well after out long hike, breakfast, insufficient coin and glimpse of new technology, we enjoyed cocktails at the Phaeton and then ventured to our evening restaurant choice. We had several folks tell us to enjoy the Sunset Grille just down the road from out resort.  Venture we did!  

  The view from our table at Sunset Grille.  Denise is the expert with the software but the sun was setting and wine and food was perfect.  This grille is part of a large marina facility and we could dock our boat on this pier seen above for a stay and enjoy the grille.  WE WILL BE BACK!!!!!!  

Another day ends but another awaits us.  
Happy sailing!
Capt. Barry, Adm. Denise and deckhands Bella and Bailey.     

ANCHORED ON THE ICW

We have pulled into our site with waterfront view of the Intercoastal Waterway on Perdido Key.  What a great view. We are not floating but as near the water as possible in a land yacht.  That is Not our boat in the foreground.  We are facing the ICW with a great view of all the varied boats transitioning the area.    

The above is the view looking west along the ICW from front of the motorhome. We have that little beach which is nice and great to relax.  We are a bit past our beach baking days so the water view and constantly changing boats is perfect for use.

After an easy morning we decided to explore the island. Everyone suggested we visit FloraBama bar or Roadhouse.

It seems the FloraBama is famous for the annual "Mullet Toss" contest. We unfortunately were one day late for the weekend event which attracts some 20,000 fish heads.

It seems the object of the contest is to fold up a 1 lb. mullet(fish) and hurl it across the Florida, Alabama state line. The roadhouse straddles the line therefore,the event.

We have reliable information that the above contestant did not win the t-shirt contest but was overcome with joy at managing to sleep thru the event.  I think they rolled him out of the above truck just to help the fish smell better. 

 

We ordered a copious amount of food with our favorite beers while siting at one of many bars in the FloraBama. While driving here we noticed a young man hitching along Highway 20 with a sign reading "I Love Coffee".  Well he was sitting across the small bar from us with his backpack.  I am never shy so I inquired about his coffee and hitching. He is traveling to New Orleans for the jazz fest and started his travels in upstage New York 7 weeks ago. He is couch surfing, camping and generally bumming around. Plans to move to Colorado for school completion. Well, I got his picture, he is on the left, I cut my long hair recently. His name is Thaddeus and is enjoying the free life.  You just never know who one will meet along the road and rivers. 

 

Our first full day on Perdido Key was enjoyed and we capped the day with our favorite wines while watching boats and the setting sun along the ICW.  One day our boat "0 Regrets" will be docked here and we can once again enjoy Perdido Key.

 

Happy Sailing, Capt. Barry, Adm. Denise and Deckhands Bella and Bailey.

     

PERDIDO KEY LAND CRUISE

We have begun the spring Land Cruise.  After completing a week on the Tennessee River, we have transitioned to land cruising aboard the Phaeton. 
The Phaeton has all the comforts of home with more room than 0 Regrets and exceptional amenities.  I have tried to figure out a rudder assembly for the Phaeton but mounting the prop seems to be the problem. 
We are proceeding to Perdido Key for a week stay along the Inter Coastal Waterway (ICW). This portion of the ICW will be our start along the Great Loop Route after existing Mobile Bay. 

View Larger Map
The above map gives some indication of the waterway and our proximity to marinas and all things to do in the area.  We are currently "anchored" in Montgomery, AL. just off I-65.  We have stopped here 2 prior occasions and find it an easy on and off and meets our needs for an overnight stay.  Walking distance to restaurants etc.  We departed Nashville, TN. this am amidst the opening of the heavens with more rain that seen in the Vietnam monsoon season.  Believe me, driving around Nashville pulling our Lexus with the entire rig about 55ft. long is not a lark.  Good thing the traffic moved over for us. 
This is a photo from my childhood. Somehow Denise found this pic in an attempt to embarrass the Captain.

Our travel distance tomorrow is only 171 miles with the landing or docking at the Perdido Cove RV Resort.  We have been assured the fish are biting, sun will shine and all things will be right.  Yep, that is me landing the big one.  

Well that is enough teasing for tonight!  We will weigh anchor early, about 10am. when Denise FINALLY steps out of the cabin.  More fun to report from Perdido Key in the coming days, Alert the Press.

Happy sailing,
Capt. Barry, Adm. Denise, deckhands Bailey and Bella. 

 

CRUISING DOWN RIVER

Captain's Log: Day 6

Planning to set sail from Clifton Marina in the am. upon my 6:30 am rising, I discovered significant fog on the river. Now, we could cruise in the fog using radar, but with many bends in the river and large tow boats, I decided to wait for sun and less fog.  As part of the wait, I planned to let the Crew sleep-in.  NOT!.  I did consider staying another day at Clifton letting the rain stop. I consulted Joe and it was his decision to brave the cold, wet rain and proceed down river.  So blame Joe.
I could not resist a picture of this little confederate girl captured in the Shiloh Museum.  Her parents were good enough to give me permission.  What a smile.

The smiling crew of the 0 Regrets pose for you all.  Bailey is the one with the bandanna.  Of course the Captain is kneeling next to Bailey.  We just had to take another picture of the crew prior to setting sail from Clifton Marina on this rainy day.  We will make good time downriver at about 9 mph. 

View ...Spring Cruise 2013 in a larger map

The above map includes our last stop at Paris Landing Marina after another stop at Pebble Creek Marina on the down river portion of the cruise.  The below sailboat was encountered at the Paris landing Marina.

Noah just fell in love with this sailboat. It is owned by a professor at a Memphis Medical School and seems to be a project boat.  We saw this boat last fall and it has been transformed into a beauty.  Now, Noah is ready for a larger boat with an engine. 

 

The above boat is quite unique. The owner came by 0 Regrets to view our boat as an Albin Trawler is not a common boat in our area. This boat was a "work" boat on the east coast of Florida. Seems the owners used a net to fish their way to Bimini, Bahamas, selling fish there and then doing the same on the return to Florida. The current owner has completely restored the boat with mahogany interior finish.  We always enjoy discovering new boats and are proud of our little Albin.

We plan to sail more this year and will keep everyone up on our cruise schedule.

 

Happy Sailing, Adm. Denise, Capt. Barry and deck hands Bella and Bailey.