Part two of the journey to Orange Beach, AL

Monday August 29, 2011
We spent our last night at Seabrooke Marina in New Orleans where Anticipation had a little paint and pampering done to her bottom.

Tuesday August 30, 2011
We head out of New Orleans East bound through our Louisiana waterways. Enjoying the beauty and serenity along the way. My mind is flooded with childhood memories of spending time on the Mississippi when dad was a river boat Captain...all so long ago. I must admit that I never expected to be able to enjoy this lifestyle on the water and I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful dream come to life with my husband. I am amazed at how compatible we are...and look forward to many years with Anticipation!

Just before sunset we arrive at Pass Christian Yacht Harbor where we will spend the night. So far in this journey we somehow manage to be a little too busy to kick back and enjoy the setting sun completely...no worries! Our time is coming!

With confidence we put Anticipation into the dock slip (yes I am proud of myself for being comfortable as 1st mate!)

More friends come by to greet and welcome us into the "boating community"...or should I say "family". I am starting to realize that boaters are very special people and more than willing to go the extra mile to assist in any way!

Shaggy's for dinner...yummy! Great staff and friendly service...seared tuna bits and fried fish were great...pretty good margaritas also :)

Day two:
Fueled up at Point Cadet, it was quite convenient; David and .... Were very helpful and the tiny store was packed full of fishing stuff, caps, and T-shirts...yes we left with a few goodies!

Into the Mississippi sound and we are rocking steady all day long!

Wait let's back up a little...we stop to take care of necessary things, shut the generator and engine down in order to hear the macerator...clear things out...umm...generator will not start! Did I mention it was another hot day? Therefore, no spending time cooling off inside! Still no worries just more time spent together.

Cruising right along and all of a sudden I look over to port side and see two dolphins swimming in our wake! I was able to get a couple of cool shots and video clips, they are amazing and fun to watch.

As we enter into the canal at Orange Beach the sun is once again dropping into the horizon painting another beautiful skyline. This time of day is surely one of our favorites.

The new Tacky Jack's is open and looks great from the water...hope the margaritas are as good as the original restaurant so we can add it to the margarita run...hope Reece & Scarlett are ready for the event!

Wharf Marina here we Come! Ahh...shore power and a/c...life is cool again!

Bon Voyage - Leaving Morgan City, LA

Monday August 15th, we unloaded many of the previous owner items and loaded her up with our personal belongings. Mid-August in South Louisiana...the temperatures are close to triple digit, combined with the humidity levels and we were almost to the point of melting. Hot as it may be, we were ready to discover all there is to know about her as we prepare for the first leg of journey...As we worked diligently to get everything in it's place, the sunset grabbed our attention as always so we paused for a minute as if to pay tribute to Anticipation's final sunset in Morgan City.

Tuesday August 16th, we were hoping to get an early start...Scarlett and Bonnie B. arrived bright and early to taxi us off to Morgan City...well, 2pm and we are underway, heading to New Orleans, LA where Anticipation will have her bottom cleaned, painted, and waxed!

Did I mention it was HOT! However, we were having the time of our lives. Within the first hour of getting underway we were going through the first of four locks and a couple of bridges! Needless to say, I was a bit intimidated at first but all is well and I am no longer intimidated by locks or bridges! Jimmy is not only a wonderful husband but a great Captain and gentle instructor also!

Here are a few pictures of our trip from Morgan City to New Orleans. It was a priceless time. Jimmy and I enjoyed being together creating more wonderful memories...

So long Morgan City!

 My wonderful husband and Captain

 love our Louisiana wildlife and landscape

 peaceful reflections

 our first sunset underway

it was a long hot first day and we are proud!

We spent our first night in Houma at the city dock. The dock and park were very nice and clean. Staff came out after hours to set us up with water and power without hesitation and with great hospitality! We were excited and exhausted at the same time. Mexican and Italian were the menu selections (TV dinners actually...lol) paired with one of our favorite bottles of Red Rock!

0400 Wednesday morning...in less than technical terms: a circut breaker tripped...co2 alarms went off and we were scrambling to see what was going on! Fortunately, Jimmy knew exactly what the issue was and resolved the matter quickly...whew! A few hours later we are up and ready to seize the new day!

ready for departure!

Anchored out in Harvey, LA right outside of Boomtown Casino

It was another hot day but we enjoyed our time together doing what we have been looking forward to for so long! Setting the anchor was a bit of a challenge but after much effort and a little help from a dear friend Marty dropping by to say hello we were all set...great timing Marty!

A nice dinner at Boomtown and back to Anticipation we go! Here is the tug boat we were anchored next to...

View of Anticipation  from the shore as we are anchored out.

0400 Thursday morning...a tug boat goes by and pardon the expression..."waked us" out of a deep sleep! We can laugh about it now...so two nights on board and two nights of rude awakening! We are off to a great start ;-)....and still loving every minute!

We make it to New Orleans and another great friend provides a car for us to run around town...Jimmy Q....

Did I mention we have great friends!!!

Visiting with our family and friends the following two evenings were wonderful even if we did not leave the marina.

 Jimmy & Dana

Jimmy & Kell

Leo & Tiffany

Shelley & Kell

 Steve & Mary Ann

Me & My Captain

The following week Anticipation gets a new bottom paint job and hull wax! The staff at the Seabrook Marina were excellent and did a great job! We appreciate the accommodations, they provided us with power and water at no additional cost.

To be continued...