January has been a very interesting month. We have had some pretty awesome weather days. Temps in the mid 70’s, breezes in the 10-15 range, and fluffy clouds. Great reason to spend winters in Florida. However, there have also been so cool to downright cold days with winds in the 25-30 mph range that have made it a bit more challenging as far as “shorts' weather.” Here in Florida, not only do we have, “storm” warnings, “high winds” warnings, “heavy precipitation/thunderstorm” warnings, “possible freeze” warnings, but we also have “high surf and rip current” warnings. The most unusual warning, but very real, is the “falling iguana” warning. I joke you not! Apparently when the temperatures drop into the 30’s, the iguanas go into a hibernation while up on branches, become unconscious, relax muscles and fall. With the cooler temperatures, more manatees can be seen in the creek leading up to the Manatee Center in the morning. Thought there is no more power station to heat the water in the creek, the water must be warmer than the open areas of water with currents from the inlet. We have to be more vigilant in spotting them as they usually just pop their noses out of the water and sometimes, we catch a flattening on the surface where the back rises as the head submerges.
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| Dolphins |
I love seeing dolphins in the marina. Last Sunday, I was just climbing onboard, when I saw a dolphin about 15 feet away from the boat, get completed airborne with a mullet in its mouth! (Too amazed to think of taking a photo!) A smaller dolphin traveled with her. They continued to fish near the boat, but no more aerial displays. The channel cats and the sheep’s head fish can be seen along the bulkheads and pilings when the current is right. We also caught site of snook resting among the rocks, probably after his breakfast. Rumor was confirmed by two of our dock mates who saw a goliath grouper near the dock by his boat. The fisherman around here say that they don’t usually wander far which means he could probably be caught, but they are a protected species. We still have our resident night heron walking our decks in the late evening and the blue heron sleeping on the raised dinghy.
Green heron, channel cats and pelicans
We continue to enjoy the Farmer’s Market here at the marina on Saturday mornings. It is well attended and everyone follows Covid protocols. Of course, the masks come off for consumption of the fabulous foods. Our favorites continue to be the bakery, that always has fabulous bear claws, croissants, scones, muffins, Danish, sticky buns, fresh assorted breads; our favorite is still the Italian bread. The orange juice stand just introduces a new orange into the juice, Honey Sweet Oranges. It changed the texture of the juice, making it slightly thicker, and very tasty. They use whatever type of orange that is in season. I prefer the banana-strawberry smoothly. There are also folks making eggs, bacon, sausage and home fries; another who is selling homemade breads of banana, cranberry, and zucchini; There is also a Gyro maker, which is also delicious. Of course, there are the farm stands, floral stand, herbs, soaps and lotions, assorted types of mushrooms, not to mention all the crafts. It is a great way to spend a morning.
Channel cats (grey), snook (black by piling) and sheepheads (striped) I caught an advertisement for a Laser Show at the local fair grounds, put on by Cabin Fever Enterprises. We ordered tickets which were sold by the car, not the number of people within. Ann and Howie joined us. It turned out to be a nice night of music and lights that flashed about 12 feet over our heads. There were hundreds of cars, lots of people, but we all managed to stay 6+ feet apart. We had snacks and assorted yummies from the bakery during the show.
Pete and George continue to be busy with work. I keep busy with chores around the boat and reading. I had planned to sew the new fitted sheets for the forward bunk, a new canvas cover for the Life Sling (as ours is disintegrating after 10 years in the sun.) I also had a few more sewing projects, including more face masks, and some minor repairs. After fitting the one sheet, I went looking for the other one. Then I started looking for my general sewing box as well as the box with all the Sailrite’s needles, book, adapters, etc. They were nowhere to be found. I even tore apart the aft compartment (our onboard basement/storage) with no luck. Trying to sew delicate poly/cotton with a large needle was a disaster. I wound up screwing up my thread tension. After 8 hours, I finally gave up with not a stitch sewn. I spent a good deal of the day grumbling. Pete and I finally realized that we must have taken off the bag with all the sewing machine stuff and placed it into storage in PA. After much thought, I decided to order the thinner, more appropriate needled (which I already have in my “missing” sewing stuff!) from Sailrite. Of course, these industrial needles are not carried by Joanne Fabric or Michael’s, but I did pick up a few things, such as a stitch-ripper, small scissor, hemmer, and more straight pins, which will be added to the large collection I already have (in storage!). P.S. Earlier this week, with the frigid weather, I dug out my crock pot to make a hardy soup, and there under the crock pot, was my 2 missing sewing boxes! The sheet and other sewing projects must be in the canvas bag removed from the car. When I cleaned out the aft cabin, I didn’t move the crock pot which was in a pillowcase, and obviously missed what was underneath. Hopefully, I will be able to fine tune the thread tension and complete at least a few sewing projects.
Georgia is the woman on our dock, who has a canvas loft. She comes highly recommended. Pete had her replace all the isinglass on our dodger. I forgot to cover and tape the window panes when treating the window covers as well as the rest of the canvas with a petroleum protector before we left for the cruise. It stippled, fogged, and distorted the windows. It became very difficult to see once darkness settled in, while traveling, and when the rains came. WOW! What a difference. I watched the video, but with position of some of the snaps, plus lacking the space for the canvas, it would have been a real challenge to attempt the replacement on board. I know my frustration limit! We also asked for a quote to replace the interior cushions as well as canvas replacement with the exception of the enclosure. We are planning for the future.
We continue to enjoy meeting with friends for lunch or dinner. Marilyn and John, SV ESCAPADE, invited us to join them and Miles, SV IRISH MIST, for dinner at the
Vero Beach Yacht Club. We had a very enjoyable evening visiting with these friends we know from CCYC. We have also been meeting Tim, SV EVENING STAR and Linda for lunch at the
Taco Dive every other week. Paul, SV KYA ANNE joined us for dinner at
Second Street Bistro. I have been in touch with Lin and Bruce, formerly of SV ALIZE, who now live here in Ft. Pierce. Due to health concerns, we will visit by phone, but will wait until next visit to spend time together.
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| Sad day at the marina |
As you can guess, Covid seems to be the major topic of discussion. We are fortunate, that fellow boaters have lots of other topics to discuss. Unfortunately, last weekend the major topic of discussion was the death of a young man who fell overboard and drowned here in the marina. Our thoughts go out to his family.
Otherwise, topics covered included chores, recommendations and stuff left for the taking up by the rest rooms. It is amazing what appears and quickly disappears up there. Pete dropped off our wagon with the broken wheel, by the trash, and it was gone in 3 minutes. It reappeared about a week later (Guess when the person realized that the replacement wheel was more than the wagon, which is why we replaced it.) and quickly disappeared again.
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| End of another pretty, but cooler day |
Remember I talked about the cold weather. . . Well, over the weekend, the Northeast got hit with a winter storm. After 2 days, Chris in southern PA had about 8 inches mixed with sleet and ice. Heather, Greg and Jenn had about 18 inches, while my sister outside of NY had 22 and another in NW Jersey had 32 inches of the white stuff! While the temps hovered at 31 degrees in PA, we had 33 degrees two mornings ago! We were under a frost warning. We are now back into the 70’s, but another cold front will be descending upon us later this weekend. They say there might be snow in the upper state around the panhandle and over to Jacksonville. We will see!
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ P & K
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