This leg of the trip is the first of one of the longer legs so we decided to leave at 05:00 in the dark from Spud Point Marina. We had our track into Bodega Bay on OpenCpn which I could follow on the way out. Murphy’s law hit and our hand held search light went out when we cleared the marina and in the dark went slightly past “R”34 marker and ran aground. Luckily we were going slow and I was able to back off and get off the ground but it was a bit exciting since could see nothing. Patty was a real sport and stood on the bow trying to use a flash light to find the markers on the rest of the way out.
Calm flat seas today and we rounded Point Arena with no problems but did have to dodge a lot of crab pots. On night trips we cannot see the pots so we keep outside at least the 300’ depth line where the water is usually too deep for pots. On the way we have noticed pots out too 270’.
Annoying Crab TrapsPoint Arena
Arrived at Fort Bragg (Noyo Harbor) at 13:30 in good shape.
This harbor is for smaller size boats and we fit in but with some effort.
Noyo Harbor Entrance
Noyo Harbor is another fishing working harbor, like Spud Point Marina, where not many pleasure boats visit. Many of the nice older classic wooden fishing boats as well as newer steel hulled ones were in the harbor.
Noyo Harbor MarinaWater Dog At Noyo Harbor Marina
There is not much to do at Noyo Harbor but there is a nice stretch of grass in front of the marine for the dogs to play with the chuck it.
Patty/Dogs In Front Of Marina
Monday May 14 2018
Monday morning we took a hike out the front of the marina and out to US 101 to the Pomo Bluffs park that is on the ocean on the south side of the entrance to the harbor. On the way back we stopped at the Harvest Market which is a high end very nice market just outside the marina.
Patty/Dog’s Pomo BluffsPomo Bluffs Sign Off US 101Pomo Bluffs
Saturday morning we got out at 7:00am bound for Bodega Bay for the first leg of trip up coast to the PNW.
Under Golden Gate Bridge On Way Out Bay
Nice day but not perfect conditions with the forecast for 10-20 kt winds with wind waves 3-5 ft and NW swell at 4-6 ft. Did notice buoy data at Station 46214 – Point Reyes showed wave hights of 14’ but this station is quite a ways out from Point Reyes at 21 nm and should die down a bit by the time we got there. Made the decision to go since things should be improving later in day according to grib data from Predictwind.
Here is the NOAA forecast that morning:
12NM SW San Francisco CA
Marine Zone Forecast
May 12 NOAA Forecast
NW winds 10 to 20 kt…with gusts to 25 kt this morning. Winds becoming SW 10 to 20 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. NW swell 4 to 6 ft at 12 seconds. Patchy fog in the afternoon.
Due to swell from NW it was almost too much to take short cut, not use the shipping channel through Bonita Channel but turned out OK to cut across. Did hit some good wave though cutting through.
When coming across Point Reyes the 3 to 5 ft NW swell was easily 10-14 feet and we pitched heavily until we rounded point and headed toward Bodega Bay which took the waves off our nose and more on our beam which the stabilizers took care of. Hollie looked a bit sea sick, sea dog Terra just got a little wide eyed. Patty took a meclizine sea sickness pill at this point, I had taken one at Bonita channel crossing.
Crossing Point Reyes
The winds clocked around to the SW which helped push us to 9-10 knot speed for final leg in too Bodega Bay Spud Point Marina when we docked at end of C dock at 1:30pm.
Spud point is mostly a working fishing boat marina with many very nice old wooden fishing boats.
Week end guy at Spud Point Marina was very nice and too good care of us. If no one in office just look for a guy/girl in a blue uniform and ask to check in.
Bodega Bay EntranceWater Dog At End Tie Spud Point MarinaSpud Point Dock Fishing BoatsSpud Point Marina Office
That afternoon for Lunch we got white clam chowder st the Spud Point Crab Co across from the Spud Point Marina office, amazing stuff. We went back the next day for another bowl each it was so good.
Spud Point Crab Co
Saturday May 12
Got going on our hike for the day walking down the back road just outside the main road circling the North end of Bodega Bay to go in too town across the bay on the east side from marina. Plan was to walk to town and then do a dune walk on the way back.
Patty And Dogs Bodega Bay Walk Back Road
We passed the other small marina and bay side RV Park on the way. RV park has small spaces and looks like it used mostly by people fishing.
On the way back via the same route we cut through the Bodega Bay camp ground in the woods too find a path to the dunes to the west. Really nice looking camp ground for an RV or camper.
Bodega Bay Camp GroundBodega Bay Dunes Behind MarinaBodega Bay DunesBodega Bay DunesBodega Bay Dunes
While waiting for our weather window on Saturday we decided to head over to Ballena Bay Marina on Alameda Island for an overnight stay on Tuesday. The marina has been sold by Almar to a new owner which is replacing some the old decrepit docks with nice new ones.
Water Dog At Ballena Bay, Krogen Whale Back in Back Ground
We pulled in too the guest dock to the West of the fuel dock and where surprised to see a Krogen Whale Back docked at the guest docks also.
We took a hike out of the marina and then keeping along the Bay south of the marina to the Alameda Park along the bay. Nice hike to end of park
Alameda Walk Looking Back At Houses On BayAlameda Park Shoreline
On way back went out to small point to see entrance the Ballena Bay looking out to bay to the east.
Ballena Bay Entrance
Wed-Friday May 9-10
Cruised over to San Francisco Small Boat Harbor Marina just inside the Golden Gate Bridge to spend Wed and Friday.
Water Dog At SF Marina Golden Gate Bridge In Background
On Thursday we walked through the Marina Green East of the marina past Fort Mason and then around to the Safeway grocery before heading back to boat.
Marina Green, Patty and Dog’s.Marina Green East End View Of SanFranFort Mason On Bay
Friday morning we took Lyft ride from marina to Lands End near the Sutro Baths with the dogs and walked back along shore line to the Golden Gate Bridge back to the marina. This is one of our favorite hikes and is very beautiful.
Dog’s got to swim at Bakers Beach then again nearer the marina at Crissy Field Beach.
Lands End Hike StartView Of Golden Gate Bridge From TrailDogs at Baker BeachDogs at Baker BeachView Of Bridge Once Past It On Hike From East Side
Saturday morning we got out at 7:00am bound for Bodega Bay for the first leg of trip up coast.
Monday April 30 to May 8
Lots of work on boat to get ready for our trip up the Pacific coast starting at San Francisco Bay, up the Northern California coast then Oregon and Washington State. The waters up the coast are known to be fairly rough at times so you need to be well prepped. We loaded up the 1100 pounds(400 foot) of 3B ½” chain in to the back of the pickup and hauled it over to the boat ramp in our marina where Joe our next door boat neighbor was nice enough to help us load the chain with his heavy duty inflatable. We then hauled chain up in to chain locker with the windlass from the opposite side of the dock where the dinghy was from Water Dog’s bow. Went well and only took ½ hour or so.
Chain In DinghyJoe Watching Chain Go Up
We also had the 6 man Viking life raft inspected by Sal’s Inflatables in Alameda for $2400(ouch!) and used the dinghy crane to haul it up in out cargo net to place in it’s cradle.
Patty Hoisting Up Liferaft
Next up we put up the plexiglass storm windows on the Port side to protect the windows from any large waves we should not encounter but better safe than sorry.
Alex Putting Up Storm Window Covers
We also epoxy glued some more WeldMount Footmans Straps in to lazzerate to use with 1” NRS rafting straps to make sure nothing moves while underway. We use blue tape to hold them in place until the epoxy glue cures.
Holly Helping Patty Strap Up Under FlybridgeFootmans Straps with Blue Tape And Small Zip Tie Hold DownsEpoxy Curing Footmans StrapsFootmans Strap PackageNRS 1″ Straps
Big Bend is a beautiful place with great hiking but dogs are only allowed where cars can drive so no hiking with them unless you are on a paved or dirt road.
Stopped at panther Junction to get camping permit for the primitive road camp sites but all was full and we would need to stay over night outside the park! Presidents day weekend ugh…
Big Bend Panther Junction Park Office
Primitive camping in Big Bend is first come first serve where you get a two week window for 12$ where the ranger at Panther Junction will tell you what sites are available on what day’s and you can pick the night and locations you want.
We did pay and get assigned Gravel pit 3 for one night then 2 nights at Paint gap 2 (dispersed campgrounds, dry camping).
Since nothing available the night we arrived so they send people like us to Stillwell ranch or Terlingua which is just outside of NW park entrance. We ended up at Terlingua Resort in parking lot type place for the night.
The people running it where real nice and there are some nice walks out back of the park and dogs did get to run a bit.
Terlingua Resort Camp Ground
To burn some time for the afternoon we drove over from the camp ground to the Terlingua Ghost Town which contained a store, bar/theater, an art gallery and coffe shop and some old adobe ruins.
Very interesting place to stop with a certain desert counter culture vibe to it.
Terlingua Ghost Town SignStarlight TheatreStarlight Theatre Front Porch SeatingArt Gallery Building
In front of the art gallery is a molten metal slag heap of gears etc melted together from an oil well fire.
Art Gallery Oil Well Blow Out Fire Slag ArtGhost Town Adobe Ruins
Friday February 16th we did driving tour. Left Terlingue and went back into park. Immediate SW took Old Maverick dirt road after entering park down to St Elena Canyon (made by Rio Grande, 1500 foot cliffs).
Old Maverick Dirt Road
The road was well graded and any car could travel it.
On the way we stopped at a marker for Luna’s Jacal where Gilberto Luna lived, pretty amazing he lived to 108. Very primitive and makes you think of the huge disparity of all the things we think we need verses what you actually require.
Luna’s Jacal SignLuna’s Jacal House
At Santa Elena Canyon Trail Took 1.6 mile hike into canyon (no dogs).
Santa Elena Canyon Trail Head
The trail starts on the US side of the Rio Grand, with Mexico on the far side, and winds up the canyon wall to the right.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail StartSanta Elena Canyon Trail StairsPatty and Alex Santa Elena Canyon TrailSanta Elena Canyon Trail View Back To Trail Head
We then drove on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and saw Mule Ear and had lunch at an overlook.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Road ViewMule Ears from RoadLunch At Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overlook
Then went back out to the main drag Hwy 118 past Panther Junction to SE edge of park near Rio Grande Village and took walk to Boquillas Canyon which was another short hike.
Boquillas Canyon Trail Head Sign
You will find Mexican wire art and walking sticks left by Mexican’s for sale in little piles on the trail where you can purchase by leaving money in can next to items. Park Service does not want you to buy of course.
Boquillas Canyon TrailBoquillas Canyon Trail Mexican Guy’s Across Rio Grande
Then drove to our Gravel Pit 3 camp down river road then gravel pit road. Ended up being pretty nice as we could walk down to river. DOOnt let the Gravel Pit name put you off, would say this was a lot nicer than what we saw at Pain Gap. Dogs had a swim, saw a Mexican horse but no illegal immigrants ?. Had Calm night (No fire) but I heard someone in middle of night drive up which scared me a bit…just someone camping I guess.
Saturday Feburary 17th: Drove to Chisos Basin from Gravel Pit and had a long range view from road of mountains the basin is in.
Chisos Basin In Background from Road On Drive Up From Gravel PitChisos Basin Road On Drive Up
When you get to the high point of Chisoc Basin Road you get a view down in to the basin where the camp ground is. The entry to camp ground is on the right once you descend in to the basin.
Chisos Basin Camp Ground from Above On entry Road
We were lucky and the camp hosts gave us a site that some had reserved and had not shown up and found a campsite as we got there around 12pm. This is a very pretty camp ground with pretty good privacy for how crowded it is. Also a great place to take guest hikes from since multiple trail heads are within walking distance.
Chisos Basin Camp SiteChisos Basin Camp Site
Then hiked to the Window trail that start right in camp ground.
Window Trail StartWindow Trail SignWindow TrailWindow Trail Rock Climb At EndWindow Trail Window At End
Illegal hike in afternoon with dogs from campground to lodge and Alex had a drink.
Patty and Dogs At Chisos Mountain Lodge
Lots of small rental units around the lodge for rent with many nationalities from around the world taking advantage of them.
Chisos Basin Pinnacle Trail TrailheadPinnacle Trail Looking Down At BasinPatty and Alex On Pinnacle TrailPinnacle TrailPatty On Steep Pinnacle Trail
Then went to check out our Paint Gap camp which had a nice view of the outside of the basin but was a dust pit with no cell service. Decided to drive on to Lajitas and stayed in Lajitas Golf Resort campground. It was ok…just had soup and went to bed.
Headed south towards Big Bend with plans to stay at Seminole Canyon State park for two nights. Arrived around 2-3 pm. Opted for electric site with pretty good cell service at the sites at the end of camp ground past first set of sites.
Some neighbors in Cougar 5th wheel from Netherlands and Canada. They spend six months traveling and six months in Netherlands.
Seminole Canyon State Park Camp Ground
We chilled that afternoon and planned (and did) stay two nights.
Wednesday February 14th we took nice rim hike (about 7.5 miles) with dogs. It went to rim and overlook on Pecos river canyon joining Seminole Canyon then out to border/ Rio Grande where the Pecos river dumps into the Rio Grande.
The trail starts at the lower camp ground at point A on map on the Rio Grande Trail, click on map below to enlarge. We then took a left at point C on Canyon Rim Trail. Keeping left at point B takes you to the Panther Cave Overlook where you can see the Glyph’s across the river if you have binoc’s or a zoom. We then completed the loop around the bend on the Mexico border back to point D on the Rio Grande Trail.
Seminole Trail MapTerra On Pecos River Canyon Trail
Canyons are deep with steep walls. Not a border crossing area hear. At end of trail there are petroglyphs across the way, only can get there by boat but we could just see large panther tail. The Glyphs are across the river and using the camera zoom was able to get a decent idea what they look like.
Petroglyphs Over LookPetroglyphs Over Look Sign, Glyphs Across CanyonPetroglyphs Over Look Sign
Petroglyphs Over Look Glyphs Across River
Picture of left side of Glyphs, if you click on picture and zoom in you can see fan shapes on bottom of 4th and 5th figures to the left of panther on over look sign.
Petroglyphs Left Side GlyphsPetroglyphs PantherRio Grande On Hike Return Back
Got back and chilled then cooked dinner and left next day. Rio grand slow here as down stream is large Amistad national reservoir.
We left Natchez early Sunday morning to go to Garner State Park for some hiking on some trails we had read about taking small back roads as usual.
Route: HWY 21 SW, then 12, then 32west, then 3424 South, then 306w, then 281north, then 473W, then 27 through Comfort, TX. Then 39 scenic route SW to 83 south then 1050 to the state park.
On the way over to Garner Patty found the highly rated Picket House Restaurant which is in an old house and serves boarding house style fixed menu. The walls are covered with antique circus posters and would recommend a stop there.
Fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, biscuits/corn bread was very good and very unique.
Picket House RestaurantPicket House Restaurant
Once done with lunch we ran in to a very cool small town Comfort Texas: stopped for coffee at Highs Coffe shop, had a bunch of old buildings made of limestone. Went in antique mall and found an ice cream scoop to give to Richard.
Down Town ComfortHighs Cafe comfort Texas
On Highway 39 we were along the Guadalupe river, very cool but not much river access as mostly youth camps and residences. Saw one public boat ranch
On HWY 39 and 83 we saw a bunch of big ranches with very tall fences. I guessed and then later confirmed these were game hunting ranches with exotic ungulates as well as dear and pigs.
This is the hill country of Texas and is dry but beautiful.
Texas Hill Country Drive
Arrived at Garner: had site 143 in river crossing camp which had nice river view.
Garner State ParkGarner State ParkGarner State Park
This place is great on the off season while we are here but during the summer seems very popular with the crowds. Has putt putt course and boat rental and tube rental and shuttles so likely in hot Texas summer its very crowded.
Walked Blynn river trail that evening very clear fairly rapid flowing river, The river is the Rio Frio which means cold river.
Dogs got wet fun!
Dogs at Garner State Park Blyn River Behind Camp Site
Had Taco Soup from Alice for dinner ?
It seems during season the Texas two step is popular at the “Dancing The Nights Away” at the “Garners Historic Pavilion”.
Garners Historic Pavilion
Monday February 12th
Woke up early and took near 5 mile hike on park trails Blyn River to Bridges trail to Foshee trail up to Old Baldy then down. Great hike with awesome views. Dogs swam at beginning as we started on the Blynn River trail.
Left around 10am. Stopped at Macon’s house as he wanted to see the rig. Drove a bit on I-10 through Baton Rouge then scenic HWY 61 to Natchez. Stayed at Natchez tourist visitor center parking lot with electric for free for two nights!
Natchez Visitor Center
Really nice town and we discovered that Natchez Mardi Gras was the next night so decided to stay another night to see it.Basically the parking lot with 15A outlets at each space.
A lot of road noise and a parking slots not level. Got fairly level by putting right front wheel up on curb by pulling up then backing tire back up in ramp built in curb, worked pretty well.
Natchez Visitor Center Camp Spot
A suggested river side hike is a loop up on the upper side walk along top of the Natchez river walk and return by the nature path down below by the river. You can go through the middle of the tourist center and through the Centers pavilion down the side of the road and then take a left in to Rosalie fort.
Rosalie mansion is next to the Fort where you get a great view in front of mansion of the river.
River View Back of Rosalie Fort/MansionRosalie Mansion
Then proceed to the right along fence on river then you will find a break in fence in too river front park at the top trail with railing you follow past the Casino below until you reach the far end where stairs descend to the nature trail below.
Upper Path with Nature Trail BelowLower Nature Trail
You then can follow nature trail on lower path all the way back to town of Natchez Under The Hill where Jerry Lee Lewis played and follow road back up to the Visitor center.
Bridge At Under The HillNatchez Under The Hill Info
We actually cut through by walking down the rail road tracks and then scrambled up the hill to the back of the center where a gate was located with a chair sitting there for some ones viewing pleasure.
Rail Road Tracks
The next morning we took a long walk around town doing mansion walking tour and did go inside Rosalie Mansion for a tour.
Three Building Below InfoTrinity Episcopal ChurchGlen AurburnTemple B’nai Israel
For lunch we dined on BBQ at The Pig Out Inn along with the local police force. Highly recommended and a very popular place with the locals.
Police At Pig Out InnPig Out In Crew At Work
Then walked the dogs and watched them line up floats and bands for Natchez Mardi Gras parade! We took dogs back and then went back downtown to watch parade. Was fun to see, not as many of floats as New Orleans but nice to share in celebration.
Left Fair Hope AL fairly early ie 9:30am ish. Plan to get to Anne and Herschel’s house and they had afternoon appointment so wanted to get there by noon. Just took I-10 to be fastest. Arrived around 12 at their house on Camp Street in the Garden district. Herchel has his 2011 King of Rex Crue flag flying out front.
Ann And Herschels In Garden District
Had a visit from Graden District Security guy where Parking restrictions and even more so because its Mardigras so we had to trim bushes in the back alley and the pulled up against their back alley access fence.
Garden District Camp Site
Good thing they had this. If we go again with ANYTHING bigger should stay at Macon’s or local state park. We planned to stay one or two days but ended up staying 3 nights.
Monday we walked around neighborhood/garden district with dogs. Had Po Boy’s for lunch (oyster for alex, beef for me…good!). Then red beans and rice for dinner very Louisianian! Had king cake for desert and also many pettifores during the stay.
The oak trees are amazing on the streets here.
New Orleans Street Trees
Tuesday Cathryn picked us up at the house and we picked up lunch then went to Macon’s house. Cool place on the Batture referred to by Jefferson Parish as “camps” — atop pilings over the water and at its edge. (Macon has one of 13 remaining houses on outside curve of MI on wrong side of levee). Then back to the house around 3pm.
Macon’s Deck on BattureMacon and Katherine At Macon’s House
After that we went to the Fly/Avengers park on the outside edge (riverfront) of Audubon park. Played with dogs and walked around the park. Got back around 4pm and hung with Anne and Herschel.
Ball Throwing On “The Fly”Audubon Park Tree Of LifeAudubon Park Tree Of Life
That night we went to Mardi Gras parade on St Charles street/uptown (just 4 blocks from their house). It was rainy and cold so no pictures but we did see the Druids parade and got some booty from the throws. We wanted to see the Nyx a female Krew but they got held up and we had waited and been in cold rain for awhile so we aborted.
Wednesday we went to the WWII Museum which was cool. Anne had bought some Salmon and alex cooked this for dinner. Highly recommend a visit to the museum.
WWII Museum PlanesWWII Museum PlanesWWII Museum Planes
Left Jenny’s Friday January 19th. Heading to Deland to spend some time with another great friend Danny. Stopped in Orlando and had lunch with nephew James and we had Pho at Pho 88. Twas good. Onward to Deland to see Dan Smith a friend of many many years. Another great campsite in a great friend’s front yard 🙂
Danny, Patty and AlexDanny’s House Camp Ground
We hung out a bit and toured his house, had some cocktails then went to downtown Deland and had a very nice Italian dinner. Danny took us to a local brewery (alas we were the oldest there in this college town) and had a brew.
Saturday we ventured out after a nice home cooked breakfast. Went to check out Blue Springs state park where tons of manatees are but 1/2 hour line of cars to get in so we aborted. We ended up taking hike in Black Bear Wilderness which in part was along St John’s river. 7.7 mile walk. Very nice since it was cool and not buggy. Saw one Alligator, many birds and one Armadillo. We started at like 3:30pm and sunset at 5:30pm so we had to walk fast! It was a very nice walk
Danny and Terra Black Bear HikingDanny At Black Bear WIlderness
After the walk we checked out the near by marina and found a pool bar comedy club: Otter’s on the river which was the Boat Tree Marina (actually we were in Sanford). Then Saturday night cooked Chili and tried cornbread (tried Gary’s method… it tasted ok but not great).
Alex and Danny Making Corn Bread
January 21 st: We left Danny’s on the way to meet Mom in Ocala for her eye appointment at the Retina Center. We got up very early and went to Blue Springs State Park to beat the crowd and see Manatees. Mission accomplished it was very cool and 389 counted that morning. Saw a tiny baby and lots of others. One smaller one, likely a youngster was playing in the spring. He’d swim across and get pushed up and then would do it again.
Blue Springs SignManatees at Blue SpringsManatees at Blue Springs
Had a nice couple days with Mom and Calvin in Ocala. Did not do much as Mom was fighting a cold. Said good-bye to Mom and Cal Tuesday and went to Juniper Springs State Park. Spent the night and it was nice.
Juniper Springs Camp Ground
Big sites, private because not many people there.We got there early afternoon so took a walk on the Florida Trail and a connecting forest road with the dogs. Then went to the spring and had a swim all by our selves.
Alex Swimming Juniper SpringsPatty Swimming Juniper SpringsJuniper Springs Water Wheel
Walked the nature trail along Juniper Run and then had an easy supper and to bed early. Heading to Gainesville tomorrow.
January 24th and 25th we spent in Gainesville. Got there near noon and met Jane at Blue Highway for lunch. Actually first met at Tioga parking lot and walked the neighborhood with the dogs then had lunch. After lunch she took us on a campus tour: WOW things have changed! We stopped at her hubby’s Todd’s office and lab for a quick visit. She had to go do kid things and we hung out at Forest Park while we waited to meet Bob and Anne for dinner. Anne brought home a lovely Vietnamese dinner for us and we had dinner at the house. Met a friend of Bob’s after dinner as we sat around his pool under very cool heat lamps (it was cold). Camped out in Bob’s yard. Had lunch with Dennis the next day, walked near Hogtown creek (Loblolly trail) and then Dinner with Jane.
So the plan was to head west after this Gainesville visit but Alex found a house in Largo so we headed back down to Largo to look at a house. It filled our ideal requirements: on the water, deep water dock, near dog beach and neighborhood park. The house had good bones but needed lots of work and was way over priced so not the house for us.
However, on the up side, we got to spend more time with Tampa bay area friends. Spent Friday night with Gary and Marcia then Saturday we were planning on going to their Dekle beach house. Saturday we went to visit Jenny for a few hours and took a great hike in Hillsborough River State park with all four dogs (Solstice, Sierra, Terra and Holly) and Dan, Jenny, Leah, Alex and myself. It was nice hike. Sadly said good-bye to bestie Jenny and family for real 4pm ish and drove to Dekle beach house to meet Marcia and Dallas dog.
