Views of the Neighborhood – Big Foot

February 4, 2018 · by John W. Howell · in Views of the Neighborhood · 66 Comments

This week’s View of the Neighborhood follows the Bigfoot Drilling rig as it moves down the Corpus Christi channel to the Gulf of Mexico. The oil and gas rig is headed to a position about 250 miles off New Orleans. It will be anchored in water about a mile deep. Once productive it will deliver 25,000 barrels of oil and 25 million cubic feet of gas per day. It is currently moving in the Gulf at 1.9 knots on a heading of 172 degrees. The rig is 60% owned by Chevron with other partners controlling the balance. The picture above is a storage facility for other platforms. I will use it as a reference for the photos to follow

Here is a shot of Bigfoot from about a mile away. The white boat is a ferry. The rig storage facility is on the right.

Getting closer.

Starting to take form.

Now across from the storage facility. You can get a relative idea of its size compared to the other platforms.

She is being pushed and pulled by eight ocean-going tugs.

A closer shot yet.

This one gives you a good shot of the tugs. For reference, the hight of the legs from the water to the top of the red stripe is 85 feet.

Here is a photo showing the platform as it reaches the mouth of the Gulf.

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, Our Justice, Port Aransas, thriller fiction, Views of the Neighborhood

66 comments

Dan Antion · February 4, 2018 - 5:43 am ·

Wow, John. You had to know there was a ‘wow’ coming from me. I understand the science that explains how this can float and be moved without tipping over, but it’s still amazing to see. Thanks for hanging out for a while and sharing the journey with us.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 7:51 am ·
  
  Took over an hour. But at 1 knot I knew that would be the case. Thanks, Dan
  
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  1. Dan Antion · February 4, 2018 - 8:03 am ·
    
    I could think of worse ways to spend an hour.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 8:14 am ·
      
      Those tugs are fascinating as well. They have to steer and propel.
      
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    2. Dan Antion · February 4, 2018 - 8:15 am ·
      
      And eight of them working together must not be as easy as it looks. Given that I struggle to edit a document with eight coworkers…
      
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    3. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 9:11 am ·
      
      Ha ha ha. There is one that floats ahead of the pack and is the leader. They all do what he says.
      
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kethuprofumo · February 4, 2018 - 6:11 am ·

Impressive, dear John!

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 7:49 am ·
  
  Thanks, Maria.
  
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GP Cox · February 4, 2018 - 6:17 am ·

That is definitely something to see.

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1. Dina · February 4, 2018 - 6:40 am ·
  
  Indeed! Have a lovely Sunday, GP Cox. x
  
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  1. GP Cox · February 4, 2018 - 6:55 am ·
    
    And you as well, dear Dina.
    
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2. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 7:49 am ·
  
  It is, GP. Nice to see commerce on the move.
  
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Dina · February 4, 2018 - 6:39 am ·

WOW. This is amazing. Unbelievable how big the platform is. Great photography, John. Really enjoyed seeing this. I’d go klicking mad with my camera … 🙂
Have a wonderful Sunday. x

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 7:48 am ·
  
  You would, Dina. I have a drone (which I still need to gain more practice) and I could imagine going up on top and taking photos with a downward view. Maybe next time. Thank you for the visit and comments.
  
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  1. Teagan R. Geneviene · February 4, 2018 - 8:25 am ·
    
    Look out… John has a drone. That’s going to be fun. 😀
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 9:09 am ·
      
      When I lost it, Molly posted the fact on our neighborhood site so folks could return it if they found it. Everyone had a good laugh on that one. (My daughter found it two neighborhood over)
      
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Jennie · February 4, 2018 - 6:44 am ·

Enormous! Eight tugs to move that thing. Wow!

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 7:45 am ·
  
  Big tugs too. Thanks, Jennie.
  
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  1. Jennie · February 4, 2018 - 9:22 am ·
    
    You’re welcome, John.
    
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Jill Weatherholt · February 4, 2018 - 6:47 am ·

It certainly drew a crowd, didn’t it? Great photos, John. Thanks for sharing. Happy Sunday!

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 7:45 am ·
  
  Thank you for the visit, Jill. 🙂
  
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shoreacres · February 4, 2018 - 7:46 am ·

I’m so glad you had a great day for the photos, and it’s great to see another platform headed for its new home. Were you in the area when Bullwinkle left? We came down to watch that. The funniest thing about the departure of that jacket is that a lot of coastal sailors lost one of their best landmarks. We didn’t know how accustomed we were to seeing that thing looming up over the horizon!

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 8:07 am ·
  
  No I was living in the Midwest when Bullwinkle was deployed. That must have been something. I can see how the navigational reference would be lost. Thank you, Linda for the visit and comment.
  
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rijanjks · February 4, 2018 - 7:51 am ·

Wow! Look at that sky!!

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 8:09 am ·
  
  Was beautiful, Jan. After two weeks of cloudy it was a treat.
  
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macjam47 · February 4, 2018 - 7:54 am ·

Fantastic photos. Thanks for taking us along to see Bigfoot. It’s amazing that it can float. I wonder how much of it is underwater.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 8:11 am ·
  
  I am also amazed it floats, Michelle. Thanks.
  
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Charles Yallowitz · February 4, 2018 - 8:06 am ·

Awesome shots.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 8:13 am ·
  
  Thanks, Charles.
  
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Teagan R. Geneviene · February 4, 2018 - 8:08 am ·

Happy Sunday, John. When I saw the “Big Foot” title, I thought of everything *but* the drilling rig. So let me get it out of my system… Good Golly Miss Molly!!!
So… the big platform is as big or nearly as big as the whole storage facility? Bigger maybe?
Regardless of any thoughts I might have about big oil (fleeting or lingering) these posts absolutely fascinate me.
You did a great job of leading us into the photo story and explaining increasing closeups, with just a few words. Stunning post, John.
Now get your blanket, beer, and popcorn ready. Enjoy the game. Hugs.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 8:12 am ·
  
  Thank you, Teagan. It is very hard to get a perspective on something that big. I had hoped I succeeded. Thanks for the confirmation. Have a great Sunday. Fly Eagles, Fly.
  
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coldhandboyack · February 4, 2018 - 8:17 am ·

That’s so cool. Just saying, one of the key elements for a good horror story is isolation. Miles offshore, you can’t leave the facility, some creature from the deep shows up, etc. These days it’s not hard to sell a storm that prevents rescue. The hero must rise and deal with the problem.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 9:10 am ·
  
  Harrison Ford as the antagonist. Thanks, Craig.
  
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  1. coldhandboyack · February 4, 2018 - 9:22 am ·
    
    Huh, the actual Ford has a helicopter too.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 10:33 am ·
      
      And a plane that he routinely crashes.
      
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    2. coldhandboyack · February 4, 2018 - 10:44 am ·
      
      That too.
      
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  2. Teri Polen · February 5, 2018 - 3:37 pm ·
    
    I’d totally go see this movie.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 5, 2018 - 5:22 pm ·
      
      Yes for sure. Yo couldn’t see it in the picture but there were two people up on the helo deck. Whaaaaaattttttt?
      
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Gwen Plano · February 4, 2018 - 8:38 am ·

This is extraordinary. I’ve never seen anything like this or close to it. And, what a feat to move it! Engineers are amazing – building bridges, rockets, and complex structures such as this. Thank you for sharing the experience with us. It had to have taken your breath away. Hope your day is as sunny as when you took these photos. 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 9:04 am ·
  
  Right now we have heavy fog, but that is because the air is warm and water cold. Hope your Sunday is terrific.
  
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Keith Channing · February 4, 2018 - 8:55 am ·

That is big. I mean BIG! Can’t wait to see what you can show us with a drone.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 9:07 am ·
  
  Only lost it once and crashed it three times. But I’m getting better.
  
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Jan Hawke · February 4, 2018 - 9:04 am ·

Wow! That’s a big boy! 😀

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 9:05 am ·
  
  And how. Thanks, Jan.
  
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patriciaruthsusan · February 4, 2018 - 9:51 am ·

Wow, John. That is huge. Great pictures. 🙂 — Suzanne

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 10:32 am ·
  
  Thank you, Suzanne,
  
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Debbie · February 4, 2018 - 10:44 am ·

Fascinating, John — thank you! These things are rather dear to my heart, you know.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 2:43 pm ·
  
  😀
  
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sorryless · February 4, 2018 - 11:13 am ·

It’s astounding how productive these rigs are.

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 2:42 pm ·
  
  I know right? That is a lot of power.
  
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  1. sorryless · February 4, 2018 - 2:43 pm ·
    
    I was amazed by that.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 2:45 pm ·
      
      Me too.
      
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thelonelyauthorblog · February 4, 2018 - 12:29 pm ·

I could spend the day observing the water

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 2:42 pm ·
  
  I do at times. Thanks, Andrew.
  
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Jacquie Biggar · February 4, 2018 - 1:20 pm ·

They’re huge and otherworldly, aren’t they?
Tempts me to write a science fiction story 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 2:41 pm ·
  
  They are. Yes, they are great inspiration.
  
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The Coastal Crone · February 4, 2018 - 1:31 pm ·

Great shots! We see them from this side but it is nice to see them heading out. Still amazing! Have fun with your drone…

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1. John W. Howell · February 4, 2018 - 2:40 pm ·
  
  Thank you.
  
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aFrankAngle · February 5, 2018 - 7:14 am ·

WOW … that’s thing is huge!!! Something to add to the Wonders of Trump! How long it will take to reach it’s position?

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1. John W. Howell · February 5, 2018 - 7:51 am ·
  
  At 1 knot per hour about two weeks. That’s a guess since I don’t know her exact destination.
  
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Jane Sturgeon · February 5, 2018 - 10:02 am ·

WOW John and thank you for your patience in taking these shots…what a scene they show. A real engineering feat. Hugs for you. Xx

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1. John W. Howell · February 5, 2018 - 11:49 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jane. 😀
  
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noelleg44 · February 7, 2018 - 1:34 pm ·

Holy cow! Very impressive, John, but I’d never want to work on it! The close ups were colossal!

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1. John W. Howell · February 7, 2018 - 7:43 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Noelle.
  
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Hugh's Views and News · February 9, 2018 - 9:39 am ·

We don’t see anything like that in the Bristol Channel. Impressive. Reminded me a little of something from Thunderbirds (for some reason). 🤔

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1. John W. Howell · February 9, 2018 - 1:30 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Hugh.
  
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