Spring trips coming up

The last few months have delivered rain and unappealing weather, plus family visits and other issues.  So now we are so looking forward to our Spring trips.

After making Bimini and mainsail cover, Mike tackled the tricky project of the helm seating. Look how great it came out! And, we just had to have a kayak too for added excitement.

Mike and George, our friend and marina neighbor, are headed off for a couple of weeks of guy fun. Then Mike and I will go for a month long cruise along the northern Gulf Coast from our home town of New Orleans. Stay tuned!

New canvas and solar panels

A new bimini and solar panels proved convenient and made our last trip more comfortable. Our old Bimini was, well, getting too old and visibly worn. Not able to really continue to protect us from sun and rain as it was coming apart.

The solar panels were notably the difference between running the (noisy) engines when anchored and experiencing the peace and quiet of nature surrounding us. What a difference!

Now Mike and his mighty industrial sewing machine have produced a minimalist, easy to use mainsail cover. It elegantly protects the furled sail without too much hassle. 

Check out Aventura's new look! 

Overnight Mandeville, LA

Even during the hottest days, such as any day in the New Orleans summer, there's an urge to get away on Aventura, our 37' Lagoon Catamaran. George, our fellow cat owner and marina neighbor, went along for the ride. We left early morning for the 3 1/2 hr. crossing of Lake Pontchartrain, from the "south shore" to the "north shore." That is, from New Orleans to Mandeville, La. There are several communities around the Lake that make it a nice short trip, and they are all pleasant to visit. For example: Slidell, Bayou Lacombe, Mandeville, Madisonville, and a couple of points along the New Orleans lake shore. These are communities that have a history and share the love for fishing and boating. That makes for good eating, good stories and good landscapes. If you visit the area, they are interesting enough to spend time at each one. Mandeville offers a free dock by the Yacht Club. Three nights maximum and you sign up at the Yacht Club. Water and electricity included. Walking or biking along the shore reveals a lovely neighborhood of southern homes, restaurants and other small businesses. There's even a biking trail called the Abita Trail that brings you to the closeby town of Abita with a well-loved brewery. Try it some time. Until next time, keep on sailing!