(See Photos Below Story!)
By: WYC member - Lynda Dreisbach
Under partly cloudy skies, the threat of rain and an ominous weekend weather report, WYC boaters departed Waterford Harbor with high hopes and optimistic attitudes! (If we didn't venture out due to local weather reports we would all have slime on the undersides from lack of use!) Fortunately, with the exception of a few sprinkles the rain mostly stayed away and the sail or motor down to Offats was an enjoyable although slow one, with both a strong incoming current and headwind. A fairly busy Houston Ship Channel helped make the cruise even more entertaining.
A few members actually began the weekend early by arriving on Thursday; joined by those boating in by mid-day Friday, they were thrilled with a "private viewing" of the upcoming Lone Star Air Show as the pilots practiced aircraft loops, turns, spins, formations and more!
The rest of us meandered in Friday afternoon to early evening under cloudy, but thankfully mostly dry skies. Our usual WYC docking services were provided by those already tied up and enjoying a cool beverage or glass of wine (thanks all!). The weather was warm, the slips were almost filled and tropical steel drum music filled the air...
Our Moody Gardens Potluck on Friday evening was a great success with everyone participating. Corn salsa, pasta salad (Brian we want your recipe!), chicken wings, cheesecake and more made for a delicious buffet. Everyone ate more than they should have and smiles permeated throughout the well-nourished and relaxed crowd. With the approaching sunset there came a chill in the air, but many enjoyed exploring the grounds or relaxing on the pier and enjoying friends until well into the evening. Only when we were tucked cozily into our v-berths or master cabins, the rain and wind came forth; the tinkling of raindrops, a slightly howling wind and lazily rocking boats had everyone slipping off into dreamland....
Saturday morning had us waking to predictable cloudy skies, rain and wind. Many of us began the day sleeping in late. Once up & stirring, we continued to see a damp, cloudy, dreary day, accurately predicted by our reliable NOAA weather reports. Much to our surprise, by late morning the sun slowly began to emerge through cloud covered skies and the roar of plane engines could be heard approaching overhead... The Lone Star Air Show was on! One by one the hermit crabs emerged from their boats with smiles and good cheer. Due to incredibly foul weather early in that morning in Kemah (complete with Coast Guard warnings) we had a few members drive down to join the festivities and we were certainly happy to have them there!
A little past noon the remainder of stubborn clouds dissipated and gave way to incredibly bright blue skies and hot temperatures. Long sleeve sweaters were soon replaced with bathing suits or sleeveless apparel, lawn chairs were brought out and binoculars & beverages followed! An incredible array of aircraft, both vintage and modern performed to perfection and to the delight of the many boaters anchored in Offats! The weather was sunny & warm, the show was incredible and everyone was out and enjoying a perfect day!!
Our "5 o'clock (Somewhere?) Happy Hour" with tasty snacks and appetizers was a huge success as attendees shared chilled libations and exaggerated cruising stories. Followed by a delicious catered BBQ Buffet dinner with all the trimmings, the event was deemed a huge success by all and attended by a record number of members!
A special thank you to Suzanne & Robert Donnelly, Sandy & Russ Records and everyone else who helped plan, coordinate, donate or participate to make 2008's Moody Gardens/Offat's Bayou Cruise event a huge success!
