All I want for Christmas...

Well, I did the dentist last week for a new crown, and my two front teeth seem to be good, so...

We look forward to spending Christmas with our sweet daughter and son-in-law.  A kitty emergency came up, and they had to cancel their trip here, last minute.  We are all disappointed, but they need to stay there to care for their oldest furry girl.  We completely understand.

That means, we didn't have to drive to the airport today.  Of course, that means I don't get to have a fancy lunch out in the big city.  I said to Joan, "How would you feel about plunking the boat in this afternoon?"

"I think that would be good for both of us."

I've complained about the dredge operation, but they are just doing their job, and working hard at it.  I drove up and down the two canals we'd need to negotiate to get back to our dock, and determined that they (the dredge workers) left us a way back in... snug to be sure, but doable.

We took the cover off the boat, loaded our stuff into it in the driveway, then hooked it up to the CR-V to take it to the boat launch.  The tide was quite low (expected around the Winter Solstice) - Joan backed the trailer into the water, and I powered it off the trailer.  Not knowing if we'd be able to for sure get to our dock, we left our vehicle and trailer in the Welcome Center parking lot.  Joan came back to the boat, and we shoved off...

Delighted to be back on the boat - it seems like a very long time since we pulled it out... in reality, about 3 weeks.

Of course, we kept our eyes peeled for some views of our dolphin friends...

It wasn't long, and our first view...

We saw several small groups - they all seemed to be focused on feeding, so we gave them plenty of space.

The pelicans were following the dolphins around, occasionally getting spooked when a dolphin came up right by them...

The pelicans are always entertaining to watch, as well...

We decided to head towards home, to see if we can get our boat in the canal; along the way, we saw plenty of small boats out and about (mostly fishing)...

These "big boys" in the Port Isabel Turning Basin...

Even a few kayakers...

A Roseat Spoonbill feeding along the shore...

We decided to take a cruise through the old shrimp basin - plenty of boats in...

It was just happenstance that we went back there... and saw a family in a pontoon waving their arms.  Not just a "friendly wave," they wanted something.  They were tied off to the back of one of the shrimpboats furthest in.  Yep, they were broke down and needed a tow.  "Yes, we'll get you back to your dock."

It turns out, they have a place on our island.  We had them attach a line to their boat, came up alongside them, and took a wrap on one of our rear cleats.  Their pontoon is a lot bigger then ours, and they had a bunch of people onboard.

Good think we came along - Santa wouldn't have known where to find them!  ;-)

We got them to their dock - the Dad wanted to give us something for helping them out... "Not necessary - have a Merry Christmas!"

Back at our dock - yes, we got in with only a bit of concern - we tied the boat off and took one of the scooters to the Welcome Center to get our SUV and trailer.  Hosed the trailer thoroughly, went back and cleaned up the boat.

I did send a photo to Steph while we were out there.  It is a long-standing joke that every time she comes here, the weather turns to crap.  Mother Nature must have heard they weren't coming: the temps were a bit cool (sweatshirt weather), but not much wind and lots of blue sky.  I would trade that lovely weather in a heartbeat to be with our kid... but, again, we truly understand.  We will see them in another month or so.

And, I did get one of my Christmas wishes: boat time and dolphins.

Merry Christmas!

:-)