12/8/15

Northeast/east winds 20-25 gusts to gale force – that was the forecast along the Florida coast Thanksgiving week.  Sadly, when we left Jacksonville heading east on the St. John’s River we had to turn south onto the Intracoastal Waterway instead of continuing out the inlet to the ocean.  We like wind for sailing but that’s a bit too much.  It was rough on the ocean all week.

We took advantage of the wind and current on the “inside” as we traveled south on the ICW.  Just before leaving Jacksonville Jerry walked to the grocery store and bought an 11 lb. turkey.  On Thanksgiving Day we wrestled with the racks in the oven and were able to find a way to stuff the stuffed bird into the small oven.  All afternoon as we sailed we could smell the turkey roasting.  The stove was unlatched at the bottom so it could gimble as we sailed with the gusty winds heeling us over.  The boat didn’t stay level but the oven and turkey did.  We enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings after sunset anchored near New Smyrna Beach.  Four long days of sailing last week to arrive in Stuart, FL.

Thanksgiving Dinner anchored near New Smyrna Beach

Tania and Jamel sailing "Rainbow Connection"

Dale and Roni live here.  We picked them up with the dinghy and spent a beautiful blue-sky day sailing up and down the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.  That was our second time this year we’ve taken the boat out just for the sake of sailing.  Of course, Jerry and Dale had to look for the other boats in the vicinity and plan how to approach, pass and sail around the smaller boats.  We recognized one of the boats: our friend Jamel and Tania on Rainbow Connection we met in the Bahamas one year.  They’re on their way “home” to a slip at the Sandpiper Marina.   

Jamel took pictures of us as we sailed around.  

Sailing on the North Fork of St. Lucie

Another beautiful picture thanks to Jamel!

 We were again impressed how well the new Persephone sails.  The wind died down and the sun sets as we anchored back where we started.  We shared more stories of sailing, boats, and life as the four of us dine together onboard.

Jerry, Dale, Roni

Jerry and I sailed back up the North Fork the next day to anchor near Sandpiper Marina to find Jamel and Tania when they came home from work.  Jerry ferried them out to Persephone for dinners the two nights we were anchored there.  Tania and Jamel live on their boat all winter.  In the summer they drive to Alaska and operate a commercial fishing boat.  Long days, hard work – they love it!  We’re always fascinated with their tales of work, life, ideas and future plans.  They are both very knowledgeable and experienced and young!  They’re in the “same boat” as we were – trying to sell “Rainbow Connection” and buy something a little bigger.  Know of anyone looking for a nice 32’ Bayfield?

Jerry and I actually had a chance to use our bike and tour the area.  We happened upon the St. Lucie Botanical Gardens and stopped to take a look at the orchids, live oak, bamboo, and other greenery.  I also pumped up the kayak and paddled around on the North Fork.  Until the rain came.

Persephone sailed back to “our spot” near Stuart.  Dale and Roni picked us up and took us to Rancho Chico – an old favorite.  The rest of the week and weekend – rain and wind.  All day, on and off, squalls came through.  On Saturday we donned full foul weather gear – pants and coats, bailed the 40 gallons of water out of the dinghy, and headed around the point.  Our good friend Bob Church’s aunt lives on the water just around the corner.  He wanted us to make sure to visit Aunt Susan.  Susan and her husband Ken were thrilled to have company come by water.  It was nice to sit in their home, look out at the river and rain, talk, and have lunch with them.  Roasted chicken, rice, baked squash, fresh zucchini, apple-banana-cranberry bread, just-made cranberry relish.  Yum!  Aunt Susan sent us  home with a bag of goodies – fresh fruits, more bread, cranberry relish, home-canned applesauce.  Wow!

I suppose it sounds like all we do is sit around, visit, and eat.  We have worked on the boat some – honest!  That is between the visiting, eating, and Scrabble and backgammon.  We’ve also managed to squeeze in the usual grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning as well.  And we still have to figure out when and how we’ll visit our good friend Arnaud in Manatee Pocket.  Back up the St. Lucie River by boat or a long bike ride across Stuart.

This will be the last post this year as I’m flying to NY to spend the holidays with my parents.  Jerry will stay on the boat and continue the visiting.  Best wishes for the holidays!  Write and let us know what’s happening in your world.

Karen and Jerry