Sunday, June 30, 2013

Rose and Mark Sailing yesterday on Lake Pepin.

Back in Minnesota for a week

We went out to SYC where we were once members and lots of sailboats are gone and lots of powerboats. We ran into our old sailing buddy Bill as he was coming in on Joshua II with his neighbor Don. Good seeing him. Looked like they had good wind.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Friday morning walk.

Pier 1 at  St. Pete Marina. This was after the tropical storm that went through. I was messing about with some filters I used with Paint Shop Pro or Picasa, can't remember which. 


Nice morning for a walk.























Saturday, June 1, 2013

A Realistic Post

Bridge Manners

http://www.flagshipsailing.com/index.php?option=com_easyblog&view=trackback&post_id=16&Itemid=106 Bridge clearances in Florida are normally given on charts and are typically measured in feet above mean high tide levels. The name of the bridge can be found on the bridge, some charts, and from cruising guides. Most, but not all, fixed height bridges in the Tampa Bay area have a clearance height of 65 feet. If the bridge you are approaching is a bascule bridge, you will need to request an opening. The most efficient method for this request is to use the VHF radio, channel 9 on low power. (The channel in other states may be different. If you are unable to raise the bridge tender on the radio, you may use a sound signal – 1 prolonged blast followed by 1 short blast of your horn.) When about ¼ mile from the bridge, you should call the bridge tender as follows: Give the name of the bridge three times. For example, “Anna Maria bridge, Anna Maria bridge, Anna Maria bridge, this is the sailing vessel KylieAnn south bound requesting an opening”. The bridge tender will reply giving you the time of the next opening. Some bridges will open on demand. Some are scheduled every 20-30 minutes and some are restricted to certain times of the day. Once contact has been made, follow the instructions given. Let the bridge tender know that you will remain on channel 9 until clear of the bridge when you should go back to channel 16. The bridge will sound it’s horn as the raising process begins. Watch for the gates to come down to stop automobile traffic. When the bridge is fully open, you may begin to move through. Just before the bridge begins to close, the bridge tender will give 5 short blasts (the danger signal) on the bridge horn. When approaching a bridge it is important to note the direction of the wind and current. If they are propelling you toward the bridge, you must be careful not to get too close. Always assume that you could have an engine failure in which case you will need room and time to anchor. There are no specific right of way rules when passing under a bridge. Listen to your radio so that you will know what other boats will be passing through at the same time. Also, note whether or not they will be coming toward you. If you are at all unsure, GIVE WAY.