2009

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July 19, 2009

Pics from the Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

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July 13, 2009

Sailed from Bayou LaBatre out 150 miles into the Gulf aboard the Kimberly Dawn, a 90 foot shrimper converted to a research vessel.

Sailed on a Monday just after a really big thunderstorm.

Dauphin Island Bridge from Bayou LaBatre Channel-> Pascagoula refiners from Bayou LaBatre Channel->

Sun setting as we headed to Horn Island Pass->

Ships waiting to go into the Mississippi River to Port of New Orleans->

Just over that strip of land lies the Mississippi River->

Heading south->

Stabilizers on the outriggers made for a nicer ride once placed in operation->

Stabilizers in operation-> Stabilizer visible underwater->

Busting swells->

View of topside->

Dolphins heading to the boat like a bunch of frisky puppies->

Bad photo, but it looks like momma will have a baby shortly->

They love the bow wake of big boats->

They exhale just before surfacing-> Then take a breath as their blow-hole clears the surface->

Sun setting-> Perry cleaning the windows->   On the deck at night-> 

Dragging the Try-Net-> Rooster crab->

Other creatures->  Big nice shrimp->

Skate-> We ate these too-> Mantis Shrimp->

Yes, they were nice->  Second drag-> Bag full of sea life->

Water sample device-> Stabilizer visible underwater->

Hooking up with snapper and amberjack->

Reeling them up from 300 feet down is not fun. We nearly had a heat stroke->

We had to eat my catch since I didn't have a fishing license->

Morning breaking on last day at sea->

Deep water drilling ship sitting over 900 feet of water-> 138 fathoms = 828 feet->

Hitchhikers->

This buoy marks an oil/gas rig that capsized during Hurricane Ivan->

As you can see, it is spilling a lot of oil and gas, and has been doing so since Ivan->

Official estimates are 3 or 4 barrels a day->

 Last sundown as we cruise our last dozen hours. A stiff scotch and fresh pipe->

Arriving back at the bayou at 5am Friday morn->

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April 26,2009

Trees destined to be cut down for drainage project->

Over wash on the west end due to high tide and strong southerly winds.  Not too bad though..

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February 28, 2009

Audubon Bird Sanctuary

Another regular feature of this beautiful setting.  Dregs trashing the place.

Finished with your garbage?  Just toss it into the lake->

Freshly damaged sand fencing->

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