Establishing ourselves into Texas

Between 2/27 to 3/12 a lot has happened! it was a 1300 mile drive from Guaymas to Galveston (the last 700 we drove straight through). Networking and connections are the heart to a vagabond lifestyle.  Our good friend Colleen introduced us to Marc a few years back. (not the same Marc as Colleen's new husband.) This Marc happens to live in Houston, with a freshly purchased sloop docked in Clear Lake. We met Marc when he came to stay on Colleen's boat, while we were living in Dana Point.  Being true Texans at heart, these two are the most hospitable of friends we could ask for.

While in the Houston/Galveston area, Marc and his girlfriend Claire, (I know, right...jeez.) were the best of tour guides!  We were instantly sold on the new location for our home.  They truly rolled out the red carpets and gave us the run around. 

In the past two weeks we have managed to :

• drive 1300 miles Guaymas, Mexico to Texas coast
• stayed on Marc and Claire's newly purchased Morgan 30' in Clear Lake
• Sailed Clear Lake and Galveston bay
• anchored at Red Fish Island where the Tanker surf rolls through (links 1, 2)
• Marina shopped the area
• Surfed the Octagon in Surfside
• Eaten at as many local restaurants as possible
• Filed my taxes (thanks Ms. Joy!!!)
• Acquired a Texas mailing address
• Celebrated my 26th birthday on March 4th (michael)
• Toured the Pyramids at Moody Gardens (one rain forest, one aquarium)
• Gifted a hotel room from Claire's parents Laura and Rob! THANK YOU!
• Found a job! (michael)
• Acquired boat insurance
• Claire mailed in for a transfer on her Cosmetology license from California to Texas
• Deposit down on a slip in Legend Point (click for aerial view)
• For Sale flyers up for our trailer (also on craigslist) 
• ordered bottom paint and other necessities from West Marine, to be waiting our return
• Camped and scored surf at Matagorda
• met local restauranteurs, bar owners, musicians, surfers, and sailors
• Had drinks with Molly!!
• hung out at Marc and Claire's flat in downtown Houston

Now we are ready to move, fully established ourselves into the area. We shall head back the way we came. Back to Guaymas, Mexico. There we will gather our belongings, de-mast our home, load her up on our trailer, and caravan back with Marc and Colleen.  These two have been camping their honey-moon away at The Wall in Santa Rosalilita, Baja Norte!

sunset before we left Guaymas

i told them you address sister, they should be there by now. soup!

fog rolling in across the dessert

cold front

Galveston Bay

Kemah

Red Fish Island

Claire's "first" time surfing! 

she paddled out down the beach by herself and stayed out longer than any of us.

my birthday lunch at the Star Drug Store.

Texas...Mexico... what's the difference?

we drove 2 hours down farm roads, past oil plants, over bridges, beyond the cows, through the marsh, down the beach, around to "the cove" at Matagorda.  Where the strong NE wind swell wrapped around the jetty into an offshore cove, with SE ground swell down below.  A-frames broke front and center in the 200 yard cove.  On the other side of the south jetty is the mouth to the Colorado River.

Marc's girlfriend Claire

Marc

looking over the Colorado to the uncharted point break southward

unknown local surfer cross stepping

Marc slash

not too shabby for never surfing Texas.  and it just went on...reconnecting as it went inside

blacktips and tiger sharks!

we surfed on and off all day while the swell kept building.

sorry to say we didn't take more photos of the surf as it progressed

lock system on the GICW

GICW

(gulf intracoastal waterway)

Marc at the helm of his Morgan 30'

Kemah boardwalk

claire squared

full sail

we were out there at least 8 hours!

La Sancha dogged it like a 1983 champion 4 cylinder stick shift should.

set up shop.

after our dawn patrol session

MEATLOAF

CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN

jealous torch??

driving far

our first glimpse of Galveston Island

Marc's Morgan 30' at Clear Lake

piña just went ahead and made herself at home

red fish island where the tanker surf happens

The Octagon

we found a vietnamese coffee house and turned it into our office. 

probably explains how we were so productive.

this is our new mailing address

happened to find some shrimp and grits

my birthday cake from Claire!

Zucchini spice cake.

I ate it for breakfast 4 times.

Piña chillin in downtown Houston

Piña kitty networking with Pickles

Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs at Baby Barnaby's 

Legend Point, duh

Piña really appreciated the hotel room as well :)

cat freaks, gross

TEXAS

 Claire's second time surfing! 

that's her rail grabbing down the line, making the section.

sorry, the photo was in the moment cell phone shot

claire's new wine bar