Lessons Learned: If possible, call to ensure you can get fuel or any supplies at your next destination. ALWAYS PLAN AHEAD. Food preparation prior to departure makes it a breeze to prepare meals on the open seas
Our first stop at the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico was the Galveston Yacht Basin fuel dock to fuel the boat. Unfortunately, the fuel dock was closed early on Sunday. I spotted a number to call if the fuel dock was closed, and someone would come. The voice on the other end said: this service had been discontinued, but we could find fuel at Pier 19. The crew Kent Brownhill, myself, and Jon forged out for fuel at Pier 19.
As we motored by the Carnival Conquest (on our port (left) side), the excited and happy passengers waved to our small sailing vessel. In comparison, our 42 foot sailboat looked insignificant to the 952 foot luxury liner. Ironically, we were on the same seas in our sailing vessel going across the Gulf of Mexico; also looking for adventure.
We could not locate Pier 19, so back to the Galveston Yacht Basin to dock for the night. This was a great plan, since I was exhausted from the excitement of our departure.We had only gone 26 miles by boat, which took 5 hours at 5 knots. By car it would only take 30 minutes at 60 miles at hour. Our crew, Kent Brownhill, called his wife Diane, one of my close friend for over 20 years, to come join us for dinner and stay the night. It was great reminiscing with my girlfriend. about life, children, friends, and trying to solve all the family, and world problems
Before dinner, we toasted our safe arrival with Full Sail beer supplied by our good friends; Gerhard and Daisy Meinecke. Jon then made a great dinner of fresh salmon, and all the fixings. It was a gourmet delight. We used the salmon since it had not been frozen.
In advance, I had prepared 12 frozen meals (compliments of Nancy Triggs' and Jay Scott's freezer) that were now kept on dry ice in the ice chest. All I had to do is heat the meal in the oven, and serve. We had sandwiches for lunch, and my loving husband would prepare breakfast: since his eggs are a little bit better than mine according to my granddaughter Payton Williams.
The next morning Diane had already departed, when I awoke. We fired up the engine, and off we went to replenish the fuel tanks. Upon leaving the fuel dock, we had a grand escort from the Galveston Coast Guard. Five boats of proud young eager men and women. How proud it made me feel to see the dedication, and determination of these sailors, who are serving our country, and keeping us, the JonNe', safe at sea.
Ecstatically, we were now on our crossing to Pensacola, Florida with calm emerald green seas. The movement of the wind blew gently in my curly white hair, and in the full sails of the JonNe'.
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| Still on the phone |
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