Thursday, December 13, 2012

Oso has landed

The MV Eurogracht, carrying Oso from Brisbane, arrived near New Orleans in the Mississippi River on Sunday night.    Karl and I were taken with the loadmaster out to the anchored ship.   It was wonderful to see Oso sitting proudly on the deck after 7 weeks at sea.   We were able to go aboard Oso and begin getting her ready during the 5 hours it took for the loadmaster and crew to prepare her for launching.
 
It was nearly 11 pm when Oso was finally back in the water and we did not think it was wise to begin our 20 mile trek further up the Mississippi in the dark.    This part of the river is loaded with large commercial vessels including barges and many ocean freighters.    The ship's Captain offered to let us tie along side, but we chose to drop behind him and anchor for the night.    It was late August when we left Oso in Brisbane, but the main engine and generator started right up.    She was ready to go!
 
Monday morning we motored toward downtown New Orleans and the Industrial Canal and locks, which lead from the Mississippi to Lake Pontchartrain.   We are now settled in a marina for a couple days of cleaning and provisioning before heading toward Key West and Fort Lauderdale.    It should be a 3-4 day /night run down to Key West where we intend to stop for a couple days before our final leg up to F.L.
 
Everything about our experience with Sevenstar shipping exceeded our expectations!  When I told the Dutch Captain I was surprised she was not dirtier, he said he had his crew give her a fresh water wash prior to arrival. Amazing .......  I give Sevenstar my highest recommendations.
 
We plan on being home for Christmas.
 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Where's Oso?

Oso Blanco is aboard a ship bound for New Orleans, having departed Brisbane about a month ago.   It's not what you would consider a cruise ship, but I am hoping she is enjoying her 9000 mile passage with someone else doing all the work.    It has been a very frustrating 9 month process trying to arrange her shipment and get her safely back to the USA, but we finally found a credible shipping agent and things are moving along on schedule. Last night we were able to log on to the Panama Canal cameras and watch Oso pass through the Miraflores Locks strapped to the deck of her 'mother ship'. It was great to actually see her and it brought back fond memories of when we transited the canal along with Kellie Anne.
 
Plan A is for Captain Karl, of the good ship 4 Pack, to meet me in New Orleans to unload Oso, get her cleaned up and put back together, and head for south Florida as soon as possible.   It will be a bittersweet final voyage aboard our beloved Nordhavn.
 
Other stuff .............
 
Winter is arriving gently here in Park City, but the mountain has been open over two weeks.    Natural snowfall has been spotty and the temps are mild, but the mountain crew is doing a great job making snow and keeping the limited terrain in good shape.    Both Ann and I have joined the Masters (as in old) racing program which trains from 9am- 3pm  Monday – Friday all season.   So far I have skied 15 days and have high hopes for eventually being able to keep up and compete with some amazing skiers and excellent coaches.    I never knew 70 yr old ladies could be so fast.    
 
Bear is adjusting well to the real world and school.   This last week saw a number of accomplishments for him when he finished in first place in his school's "Geography Bee", brought home his first ever report card – with straight A, and qualified for the Park City Ski Team – which is one of the top teams in the country.
 
Eric