Monday, July 25, 2016
We're on the move again, departing Lake Charles early for a long day moving east. Here we are "up close and personal" with a big ship tied up in the Port of Lake Charles.
In Lake Charles, we met fellow boaters from Kemah who were just returning from Florida and they told us one of the major locks in New Orleans is being closed for construction at the end of this week. It will not reopen for 3 - 4 months, so we will need to hurry to make sure we get through before it closes. We could take a detour, but it would be a long one and not what we prefer to do.
Back in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), we transit Calcasieu Lock, our first of the day. Most of the GIWW locks are designed to keep saltwater out of fresh water habitats, usually near rivers or, in this area, rice fields. They also help control turbulence and debris from runoff after heavy rains.
Soon we have storm clouds approaching ...
followed by rain. We saw intermittent rain the rest of the day.
As we approach the cities of Intracoastal City, Morgan City and Houma, we see more waterfront commercial businesses and waterway traffic. Here we are passing barges loaded with scrap metal. We talk to the tow captains (boats pushing these barges) using our VHF radio to determine on which side to pass. The captains' regional accents are a fascinating glimpse of the areas through which we transit. Can you say "cajun"?
Still raining, we finally arrive at a commercial fuel dock in Intracoastal City to tie up for the night.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
An early morning view of our overnight spot with fog slowly lifting.
Proceeding east, we see more signs of civilization as fishing camps become more common.
A highway bridge - another reminder we are not as remote as we seem to be. This bridge is a lift bridge (see gap in center where it opens). Closed clearance is 73', so we won't need to wait for this one! As we cruise, we need to look ahead on the navigation charts to be prepared for low bridges that could delay us if they are closed when we arrive. We can call the bridge operator on the VHF radio to let them know we are coming.
After another partly rainy day, we tie up for the night at the Berwick City Dock, across the Atchafalaya River from Morgan City. The dock facility is barely adequate, but the locals are extremely friendly and helpful.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Today is a gorgeous day! The past two days of rain have cooled temps to mid 70's - low 80's and we are spending the day on the open top deck of our boat to enjoy this break from the heat. We are cruising through the Atchafalaya Swamp, admiring dense stands of moss-draped cypress and willow. We have also seen several alligators lurking low in the water, watching us pass.
This beautiful old plantation-style home sits almost obscured by huge oaks on the banks of the Waterway in Houma.
A local oyster boat is typical of commercial fishing operations in this area.
Still in Houma, huge ships are in dry dock for work. All along this area, evidence of the oil industry slowdown abounds with large numbers of oilfield service ships and equipment idled and rusting.
Soon we end our day anchored behind a small island in the community of Jean Lafitte, named after the infamous pirate. Daytime boat traffic is heavy with numerous air boat operators running nature tours in the area, in addition to local fishermen zipping by. Nighttime, by contrast, is very quiet and calm. Lots of alligators in the water all around our boat - yikes!
Thursday, July 28, 2016
This morning we have a short run to the Harvey Lock and the Big Easy! Here we have just exited the lock. There are two big locks on our route today, one on each side of the Mississippi River. In contrast to previous locks on the Waterway, these will also change the water level from one side to the other. The Harvey Lock will raise us up 3 1/2 feet to match the water level in the river.
Here we are on the Mighty Mississippi! Another Carnival cruise ship, the
Triumph, lies docked in front of the New Orleans skyline. And no, we're not being paid to advertise for these guys - fat chance! Also visible are the Greater New Orleans and Crescent City bridges.
Captain Robert at the helm. We had the entire river to ourselves! No other boat traffic moving in this area. We will cruise a short distance down the river, about 6 miles, to the entrance to the Waterway canal and lock on the east side of the river.
Boka "does" New Orleans!
This 6 mile stretch of the river just happens to wrap around Uptown, the Garden District, Warehouse District, Central Business District, French Quarter, Marigny and Bywater.
Enjoying the scenery.
More great views.
Jackson Square - heart of the French Quarter.
This is one
deep river! Our chart recorder shows 153 feet of water depth.
Finally out of the Mississippi, we are locking into the eastern side of the GIWW. Here we will be lowered about 2.5 feet from the river level.
Just past the Industrial Lock, we had to wait for a train to pass. Now the railroad bridge is being lifted. Clearance with the bridge down is 4 ft.
Shortly after this bridge, we turn north into the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal and our marina, Ponchatrain Landing. We will tie up here for several days to rest and enjoy the Big Easy.
After a short trip from Gulfport across Mississippi Sound, we arrive at Ship Island. This is a deserted strip of a barrier island, heavily eroded by Katrina. We anchor a short distance from the beach. The sailboat is visible past the island, in the Gulf of Mexico. 
One of the benefits of cruising, especially anchoring out, is the 360 degree view of sunsets.
Today we are moving about 35 miles to another anchorage by Petit Bois Island. This island is similar to Ship Island but the anchorage is more protected from wind and ship wakes. As we left Ship Island, we spotted a shark keeping an eye on us. En route we passed one of numerous Pogy boats operating in this area. Google "menhaden boats" to learn more about this commercial fishing operation, common in the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. The catch is used to make fish oil. 
