2010 VOYAGES UPDATES

UPDATE#22 08/01 TO 08/31/2010

Howdy Everybody,

The adventures of 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and thru 07/31/2010 have been published on the website. We continue with the latest edition.

UPDATE 2010 #22 08/01/2010 to 08/31/2010

At last update, we were on hiatus from the GEMBA relocation trip. At our home in San Antonio, we are in the midst of numerous renovation projects. Welcome back to our continuing adventures…

08/01/10 SUNDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

The deck project is progressing nicely. The foundation has been shored up and restructured. We decided to completely replace the decking lumber that surrounds the hot tub pool. Of course, the spa cover is in terrible shape and beyond repair. The hot, Texas sun is brutal to everything that sits outside. I will need to have a new lid, custom made to fit.

08/03/10 TUESDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

We are delighted to have Judy’s youngest son and his family here in San Antonio for a visit. Judy spirits are so cheerful and bright to have a couple of her grandchildren showering her with love. Of course, it was only right to show them the sights and attractions of San Antonio. Since I was all tied up with the renovation projects, Judy accompanied them on their adventures. A trip to Sea World delighted them all. There is nothing like a bright blue candy pop to beautify a tongue… Hey Ashlyn, are you the ‘Smurfette’?

Judy’s granddaughter, Alexis, is a talented artist. She may have inherited some of that artistic ambition from her Grandma Judy. For fun, she had her hair done up in Caribbean bead braids. Vacation time is always so much fun.

Judy and her youngest of her three sons, Scott… You can always feel the wonderful love that these two share.

08/04/10 WEDNESDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

With the new deck boards in place, the spa pool needed some finishing touches. I built the trim pieces to fill the gaps and add support to the pool rim. Each piece had to be custom made to accommodate the slightly irregular surfaces. I was very pleased with the results of my time-consuming efforts.

To provide a durable, non-skid surface that would seal and protect the deck surfaces. Tyler came up with the suggestion to use a product made by Synta, Inc. called, “Deck Restore”. Although he had not used this product before, it was reported to be a good choice. I did some research, found good comments and recommendations, and gave him the OK to try it out. The product is applied with a special roller that lays down a thick coating of a gritty, rubbery compound. The product is also formulated to seal imperfections, splintering wood, and restore worn areas. An additional attribute is the range of colors that will enhance the esthetic effects.

08/05/10 THURSDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

Unfortunately, the spa pool and deck were not in usable shape yet for the family’s visit. Ashley sure looks cute in her favorite Disney Princess outfit. I guess girls of all ages like to get dressed up…

Now, there is a happy Grandma Judy and Granddaughter, Ashlyn…

08/06/10 FRIDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

Tyler had finished laying down the Deck Restore product. We were surprised at the amount of product that we needed for the coating. We are pleased with the result so far and amazed at how well the product filled the voids and splits. He turned his attention to the side vertical areas of the deck. Wood repairs had been made and we decided on a good quality, matching paint for their coating.

Tyler, the superb craftsman of Premier Remodeling in the San Antonio… For this gentleman, I can honestly give my highest recommendation. He provides honest, competent, and quality workmanship in all of his projects. If you live anywhere in the vicinity, I am confident that you too will be delighted by his services. If you are interested in his valuable know-how, I suggest you call Tyler at 210-317-0082. Tell him that Fred Reed sent you.

With Tyler’s expertise, the job was coming together nicely. As we agreed, it will be up to me to put on the finishing touches, such as rebuilding the air conditioner housing, sitting bench, and various trim work. Without Tyler portion of the project, I could not have accomplished it all.

There is nothing like a slice of juicy, cold watermelon to quench the summer heat. Just look at that cute Ashlyn grin and her gooey, sticky, red face.

Miss Lexi got seriously into this big slice of juicy goodness.

Even Mom, Sarah, closed her eyes in delighted bliss…

08/10/10 TUESDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful LOVE, JUDY

It was Judy’s (39^th) Birthday again. She seems to get more beautiful to me all the time. It was dress up night to go out and celebrate.

She chose one of our favorite eating places, The Cheesecake Factory.

The food is delicious and delights even the most discriminating of taste buds… One of our favorites is the Chicken Marsala with mushrooms.

Judy and Fred… Now, my friends, this is what true love looks like!

OK y’all, now help me sing it; Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday Dear Judy, Happy Birthday to You. I wonder, what her wish will be?

08/13/10 FRIDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

The awaited day for more of Judy’s family visits had finally arrived. Much to her delight, her middle son, Chris, came to San Antonio with some of her grandkids. Cailyn and Emily had lots of fun burning off all that excess energy at our nearby playground.

Cailyn…

Cailyn was really swinging high while Chris had little Emily grinning and laughing ecstatically. Chris is a wonderful, loving Dad and really enjoys his children.

Our egg chair is a constant favorite of all the kids (and some of the grownups too). For Cailyn, I guess all of the playtime has plum tuckered her out.

08/14/10 SATURDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

For Judy, the day’s activities had to include another visit to Sea World with the kids. Little Emily and her sister, Cailyn…

Emily loves to play, rock, and swing in the comfy egg chair.

08/15/10 SUNDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

Judy poses for a great family photo with her grandkids, Cailyn and Emily; her son, Chris; and Emily’s Mom, Rebecca.

Such a fantastic group of beautiful people…

All too soon, it was time for the family to head off home. I know that this has been a wonderful time for Judy and she has such a renewed spirit. For parents and grandparents, these kinds of visits are extremely important and highly valued.

08/16/10 MONDAY SAN ANTONIO to BEAUMONT to SABINE PASS, TX

Finally, the day had arrived to return to GEMBA to complete the voyage to Rockport, TX. One of Scott’s fellow pilots, Mark, owns this terrific Cessna 206. He had agreed to fly us to Beaumont. By 6:30am, we had the house already shutdown when Scott picked us up. Mark was waiting at the Bulverde airport and ready for our departure flight. The weather was smooth and nice for the 2 hr, 10 minute flight to the Beaumont, TX airport.

Those smooth talking pilot boys schmoozed a friendly airport gal into loaning them her truck for the transport to the boat. Mark drove us and then returned the truck before flying back to Austin, TX.

We spent the rest of the day getting GEMBA ready to continue her westbound voyage. As per usual, there were the batteries and other fluids to be checked, miscellaneous chores and repairs to be accomplished, and more trip planning to be done. GEMBA had not been here the full planned month, but schedule changes permitted Scott to return earlier that expected. We had plenty of provision onboard, but we would wait until tomorrow’s first light to depart.

08/17/10 TUESDAY SABINE PASS to FREEPORT, TX

At 05:30am, it was prudent for us to review all of our briefings during Commander’s Coffee Call. At 6:30am, all lines were aboard and GEMBA was underway, northbound through the Port Arthur Ship Channel. Stagnant offshore oilrigs line the edges of the commercial waterway. I wonder if they will ever see active service again or just rust away in their storage state.

A large shrimp boat fleet stands ready to net those tasty crustaceans from the offshore Gulf waters. Fresh Gulf shrimp can win any succulent taste contest. Plucked from their natural habitat, these scrumptious shrimp are far more flavorful than those farms raised ones.

At 7:24am, we rejoined the GIWW at mile 290 WHL (west of Harvey Locks in New Orleans). Scott made arrangements at the Bridge Harbor Yacht Club in Freeport, TX for our overnight dockage. We arrived at the fuel docks at 4:52pm. There was no one available to assist us with docking but conditions were favorable for an easy docking. By phone, we were instructed to add our own fuel before signing in at the office. After making payment, we were assigned an inside dock by the office, to which we relocated. As I was backing out of the fuel dock and turning, the transmissions would not respond from the upper helm, I scurried down to the lower helm and was able to use the redundant levers to continue to the overnight dock. I had hoped our problems had been over. Having gotten responsiveness from the lower controls, I suspected that somehow, some more air had gotten into the upper controls. Again, we proceeded to bleed and re-pressurize the hydraulic system. A test trial run at the dock seemed to indicate that we had achieved resolution.

Again, the Texas weather was hot and humid. The big pool was a refreshing reprieve and delightfully cooling.

I climbed up onto the office balcony to capture this overhead picture of GEMBA.

We enjoyed another great dinner, cocktails, and well deserved relaxation and rest aboard GEMBA.

SHIP’S LOG: 113 MILES TODAY; MOVING AVERAGE SPEED 11.0; MOVING TIME 10 hrs, 18 min; TOTAL TRIP ODOMETER 1122 MILES.

POSITION: N 28 57.712 W 095 17.537 : GIWW 393.4 WHL

08/18/10 WEDNESDAY FREEPORT to ROCKPORT, TEXAS

Aboard GEMBA at the office dock of the Bridge Harbor Yacht Club, we reviewed our plans and procedures at our 5:30am Commander’s Coffee Call. By 6:35a, I was backing GEMBA down the long fairway to the turning basin. As I shifted into forward, I could only get the transmissions into neutral. The lower controls were unresponsive too. Fortunately, and very lucky for us, we were at dead slow and GEMBA came to stationary rest in the middle of the turning area. On both side of us were moored boats, behind us was an imposing concrete seawall. I don’t know how, but GEMBA just hovered there as if the guardian angels or Poseidon himself was holding her. While Judy stood deck watch armed with a long boathook, both Scott and I hustled in the engine room in search of some way to gain controls. We cycled linkages, checked pressures and cables, and quickly added some fluid to one of the transmissions. Remarkably, we had control on that power source and I hastily maneuvered GEMBA from the confines of the constrained area and out into the waterway space. Dropping anchor, we continued to work to restore the other transmission. More fluids were added and we were soon on our way. What we now are beginning to understand is that the transmissions are developing fluid foam after reverse operations. Hopefully, the solution can be totally isolated now.

At 6:55am, we were back westbound at GIWW 393.7 WHL. The Brazos River Flood Gates were open to the river and we passed unimpeded.

The Caney Creek Pontoon Bridge responded quickly to our VHF radio call and we motored on through at 9:12am. Long cables operate these bridges. Boaters must be patient for the all-clear signal to allow sufficient time for the cables to sink to the bottom and permit safe passage. A cable caught in a propeller would certainly end your day.

With everything operating smoothly, Scott took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the comfortable upper deck seating.

At 11:07am, we entered the tranquil Matagorda Lock and exited the structure just 11 minutes later. This lock serves to control flooding waters from the Colorado River. During times of high volume and flow, the lock can lift the vessels into the river waters. During those conditions, the high rate of flow causes very hazardous condition in the river. On the other side of the river, another lock controls traffic and flooding situations. Today, stage levels were favorable for an easy, continuous passage.

In many of the Texas bays, there are wide-open waters. When the winds pipe up, the wave patterns can get short and steep. Due to their significant windage, tow barges have complicated problems staying on course. They will often delay their bay crossings until the windy conditions subside. Today, it wasn’t any problem for anybody at all. Note the green/red clips that serve to constantly remind us of the correct interpretation of the waterway markers.

Just east of Port O’Conner, we found that the GIWW channel had been displaced. Although our GPS chartplotter showed us exactly in the open channel, the water depth began to shallow enough that we had to reverse our course to look for deeper water. We could see a shrimp boat traveling to the south of an island off our beam. We backtracked and ‘felt’ our way over to that area. Although the chartplotter map was not indicating good water, we surmised that if the deeper draft shrimper could make it, we could. Following our depth sounder and using visual techniques, we worked our way around to join the inbound ship channel from the south. With sufficient depth, but slowed somewhat from the ebbing current, we made way back to the Port O’Conner channel. We would later learn that the Coast Guard had shifted the GIWW channel at least a mile further north than the depicted route. Oh well, no harm done other than a little bit of time delay.

As our voyage neared an end, we made the turn into the Key Allegro channel at 7:10pm. GIWW Marker #43 led to the inbound channel markers #1 and #2 near GIWW 521 WHL. The lovely place, here on Little Bay, is a vacation home for famed country singer, George Strait.

With the docks at Key Allegro Marina in sight, we eased into GEMBA’s slip and her homeport destination.

At 7:35pm, GEMBA was at home. Although convenient for boarding, the inside dock will be challenging to maneuver in and out.

Scott had friends standing by to assist with the docking lines.

Of course, the evening was enhanced with visits from friends, celebratory cocktails, and another great dinner. Our voyage had been successful and we were proud of our accomplishments.

SHIP’S LOG: 135 MILES TODAY; MOVING AVERAGE SPEED 10.7; MOVING TIME 12 hrs, 34 min; TOTAL TRIP ODOMETER FROM FT. MYERS, FL 1257 MILES.

POSITION: N 28 02.529 W 097 01.900

08/19/10 THURSDAY ROCKPORT to SAN ANTONIO, TX

The weather was absolutely gorgeous and I enjoyed walking around the docks. For over a decade, I kept my Tartan 37, JEANNIE LIN, in one of these slips. Some of the same boats are still here; many are new additions. Since I first came here, the ownership and management has changed numerous times. Now, I don’t know any of the staff, however, I did have a chance to see a few old friends.

It was an extra special treat for Judy and me to return to Key Allegro, our favorite marina. This particular place has generated some of our fondest memories. Many years ago, it was right here on these docks where we first met each other. …and now you know “the rest of the story”.

The voyage of GEMBA from Naples, Florida to Rockport, Texas now resides in her Ship’s Logs and in our memories. It was the kind of adventure that we will all remember for a lifetime. I think that we will always reminisce about the wonderful opportunity we had to travel halfway across the United States in a very beautiful yacht. I think that we will always reminisce about the scenic beauty of the southern coast. I think that we will always reminisce about the generous hospitality that our friends extended along the way. I think that we will always reminisce about the bond of friendship that we have with Scott. I think that we will always reminisce about the admirable way that we handled adversities and our personal contributions to the overall success. We are the “Crew That Saw It Through” and that will be our lasting mindset. Perhaps someday, Judy and I will have the good fortune of traveling aboard GEMBA again.

I know that Scott appreciates all that Judy has done to make the trip successful because he said so. I can say positively, without any doubt, we couldn’t have done it without her. She’s terrific! With the addition of Scott’s advanced mechanical skills, his on-board contributions were essential and deserve significant accolades. To sum it all up, “We Were Magnificent and We Had Fun!!!!!”

The Paradise Key Restaurant at Key Allegro Marina…

Scott’s van got loaded with everything we could jam in there. Soon, we were off for the 3-hour drive to San Antonio. Judy and I have a favorite little Mexican place in Mathis, TX. The Puerto Vallarta Restaurant makes the best crispy tacos that I know of. We talked Scott into stopping there for lunch.

Home by the early afternoon, I somehow found the energy to tackle the spa pool cleaning project. I had already made the necessary repairs and alterations to the pump plumbing and installed the aerators and new vacuum switch controls. After draining all the water, I scrubbed all the sides until they were sparkling clean.

I stuck the garden hose in and started to refill the pool. The hose flopped around like an electric eel on a double cappuccino. Every once in a while, the hose would flip in the air and the spray would shoot a huge arc across the pool. It was strangely intriguing and fun to watch.

08/20/2010 FRIDAY SAN ANTONIO, TX

Sad news came today. My ex-wife’s father, my children’s grandfather, and my grandchildren’s great-grandfather, Ralph Stanley, passed away. I know that he will be missed very much. My most sincere condolences go out to all of his loved ones.

08/31/10 TUESDAY SAN ANTONIO to LUFKIN, TX

Judy and I went to Lufkin, Texas to visit with two of her sons and their families. Once again, we were fortunate to have been offered to stay at Mark and Dawn’s great guesthouse. Being very near to the family home, we could rest in comfort and privacy. To be with the family, we just go over to the “Big House”. Since they all live in Lufkin, it was a great chance for Judy to spend quality time with her sons, Mark and Scott; their wives, Dawn and Sarah; and her grandkids, Tyler, Nick, Alex, Lexi, and Ashlyn.

Scott had the “Chef” duty tonight. He has become an accomplished virtuoso of the culinary arts. This evening, Scott created a fantastic dish featuring baked spaghetti in a creamy, cheese and chicken sauce. This recipe will be one that Judy and I will try to copy again soon. Delicious!!!!

In the upcoming update, we will continue our visit to Lufkin and cover so many more of our adventures in the month of September. Join us there soon. Thanks.

CONTINUING UPDATES ARE IN PROGRESS…

WATCH FOR THEM, COMING SOON…

POST SCRIPT:

We sincerely hope that you will review the previous years of compilations to give context to the current editions. Please let us know if you have any special suggestions and thoughts.

REMEMBER: The website is now fully active and you can visit it at any time. You can also review any of the previous logs from the years 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 to learn more about the crew and their many adventures. Enjoy.

ATTENTION: SPECIAL NOTE:

You may contact us via email anytime.

Thanks for allowing us to share our life and adventures with you.

Lotsa Luv,

Fred Reed and Judy Law

AMARSE

MT40

"AMARSE" is pronounced "AM-ARE-SAY".

Our website is: www.amarse.net .

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CONTINUING UPDATES ARE IN PROGRESS…

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