2/5/12

Still in Stuart, FL.  Actually, Manatee Pocket.  Our friends Dale and Phyllis joined us for dinner onboard.  Just enough room for 4 people at the table in the cockpit.  Hey!  Jerry - what are you taking from my plate!

Dale, Phyllis, and Jerry

Our friend Arno invited us to stay at his marina here in Manatee Pocket.  We tied to his dock where his sailboat is usually moored.

mouse at the dock at Arno's Anchor Marina

We've spent many hours visiting, riding bikes, and helping out.
Jerry helped the Canadian couple, Michael and Lise, purchase another sailboat to take home to use in Quebec (they already live on the one with the blue canvas in the picture above).

Lise and Michael

The pelicans hang out on the pilings at the docks hoping some fisherman will share some of the catch or leftover bait.

Adult Brown Pelican

Younger Brown Pelican

Last Wednesday we rode with Arno, Michael, and Benedict to West Palm Beach where Arno had anchored his boat.  It was a beautiful day for a sail!  15 knots of easterly wind was perfect to sail out the Lake Worth inlet to the ocean and north about 30 miles to the St. Lucie inlet.

Benedict and Arno put up the mizzen sail.

Jerry uses Arno's pole and almost has one!  He still teases Arno about the rusty hook that broke.

Lots of time to visit and tell sea stories.

The trip was planned to arrive at the St. Lucie inlet at high tide.  Even at high tide Arno only had about 6 inches spare below the keel.

Arno's boat at the dock.

Upon return we took "mouse" out the anchor for a few days.  It's only a 5 minute dinghy ride to Arno's.

Today we are back at Arno's tied behind Benedict's sailboat where she spends each day studying to take her first exam to be licensed as a doctor.
This afternoon everyone here at Arno's will get together for another dinner together.

"mouse" back at Arno's marina behind Benedict's sailboat.

The question continues to be, what is the schedule?, when are we leaving?, where are we going? We'll let you know as soon as we figure it out. Unlike previous years spent in Florida, our travels aren't forced by cold fronts, we are not racing south to warmer regions. Every day brings pleasant temperatures and broad smiles.