Gulf ICW route

[Chuck Baier]

Mark,There have been some serious changes since you have been through. But the Houma bridge is 73 feet and we know since we are sitting under it right now. The Houma RR bridge is at least 60 feet since we just came under it. No need to hop in and out anywhere along this route unless you desire. It is a good choice for a single hander since anchorages are frequent, very open and mostly no other boats to deal with coming or going and the water depths are plenty deep almost everywhere. We have found the tug Captains friendly, helpful, courteous, and professional. They have gone out of their way to stay out of our way and always ready to give us local info. Different experiences for different folks. This is our second trip along this coast and we love the trip. Our site also covers the trip the first time a bit further along in the posts. Jim, getting to know a new boat might be better IMHO doing daily runs and resting at night rather than long stretches offshore alone.

[PBzeer]

I would definitely take the Harvey Locks over Algiers if eastbound. We did though have a long wait at the Industrial Canal lock, finally rafting in with a barge that had an empty spot. I also took the canal rather than Lake Ponchatrain at New Orleans.

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by Chuck Baier

Mark,There have been some serious changes since you have been through. But the Houma bridge is 73 feet and we know since we are sitting under it right now. The Houma RR bridge is at least 60 feet since we just came under it. No need to hop in and out anywhere along this route unless you desire. It is a good choice for a single hander since anchorages are frequent, very open and mostly no other boats to deal with coming or going and the water depths are plenty deep almost everywhere. We have found the tug Captains friendly, helpful, courteous, and professional. They have gone out of their way to stay out of our way and always ready to give us local info. Different experiences for different folks. This is our second trip along this coast and we love the trip. Our site also covers the trip the first time a bit further along in the posts. Jim, getting to know a new boat might be better IMHO doing daily runs and resting at night rather than long stretches offshore alone.

Good to know - thanks Chuck!

[Chuck Baier]

Originally Posted by markpj23

Good to know - thanks Chuck!

No problem. We just left Houma this AM and are anchored in the Barataria Waterway waiting to do Harvey Lock and the run through New Orleans to Rabbit Island to stage to cross the Sound. Getting an internet connection on my nifty WiFi adapter that I put together before we left.

[Chuck Baier]

Finally crossed the Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay and waiting to figure out what the weather is going to do from here in Orange Beach Alabama. We have updated the website with details and photos. we must go offshore from here because of 50 foot fixed bridges so a 24 hour run from Pensacola to Port St. Joe is next.