Cloudy skies and a foggy morning welcomed our start to day 3 and the scenery was mostly industrial docks and ports. We’re getting more comfortable with all the barges and the lingo (like a “two whistle” means passing our starboard side if we’re over-taking). We were able to motor sail part of the day which is always a pleasure. Kaleo feels more comfortable when she’s heeling a bit and the rigging is humming with the breeze. The Ellender Lift Bridge was our first ICW navigational challenge as it’s only 50′ tall and our mast is 49′. The bridge requires 4-hour notice so we had to plot our route and make a best guest on our arrival time. Kaleo arrived 15 minutes ahead of schedule and the bridge opened up right away for us. Other highlights of the day was passing a barge with a Navy Patrol boat onboard, logging over 60 miles and Christie pouring through the pages of Maiden Voyage (one of her favorite sailing stories yet!).
Ellender Lift Bridge
That evening we made it to a great little marina, called Bow Tie Marina & Valet, just past the new L’auberge du lac Casino on Lake Charles. Doug, the owner, was kind enough to stay late for our arrival, and gave us a great deal on diesel and a night’s stay. Bow Tie is a clean and quant marina, with all the amenities a cruiser needs. It felt especially secure as the Coast Guard keeps over 10 of their patrol boats there and they make nightly runs in and out.
Sunrise on the marina as we motor away
N 30° 12.50/ W 93° 14.97
