This year, we tried to make the most of our time here. December proved to be very busy but definitely colorful and fun!
Some of the wonderful sunsets we've enjoyed
The sunny, breezy and mild days have been good for doing chores aboard. Christmas cards were sent and presents bought. Pete and George continue being very busy with work. But best of all, we are back to enjoying the great food at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings.
Robin & John joined us for lunch the a walk on the beach by the inlet.
Fort Pierce has continued with the First Friday Night Food Festival as well as its Christmas Parades. Yes, “Parades” plural. It is the traditional parade of bands, dance groups, horseback riding cubs, sports groups, politicians, first responders, organizations, clubs and of course Santa! It is a shame that the heavens opened up during the parade, but with the mild temperatures, everyone in the parade continued. Unfortunately, many of the folks on the sidelines, scrambled for shelter. We stayed and applauded the participants. Later that night we were surprised when the winners of the boat parade came into our marina to parade past the fuel dock. We we able to see this aquatic parade from the cockpit of our boat.
We are fortunate watch the rocket launches from Cape Canaveral from here in the marina. We had one night and 2 daytime launchings. Even though we are 73 miles away, it is still pretty spectacular. The Artemis Rocket (even larger than the shuttle) is planned for launch, hopefully in March. That is one we plan to be up close to see!
The Inca used quipus, knotted string devices, to record historical information and keep detailed records, and administer their vast empire.
We also took the virtual tour of Machu Picchu. Sat in pod-like seats, donned the VR goggles, and listened to the speakers in the pod which had some motion during the presentation to enhance the production. We had a bird’s eye view of the site courtesy of our guide: “the grand Inca emperor, Pachacuti, who infuses viewers with the spirit of the condor then flies with them across the magnificent landscape.” We met “the city's ancient inhabitants and experience some of its most iconic locations from the Temple of the Sun to the heights of Huayna Picchu.”
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On our ride to Florida, we hit traffic in South Carolina where the 3 and 4 lanes each way, narrow down to 2 in each direction. Traffic just crawls. So once again it was a longer trip than hoped for. During the ride, I couldn't help but share a photo that someone posted on Facebook. Kel and Chris love camping with a trailer with the girls and Kel's parents introduced them to it. Everyone loved It! This is the photo I shared with them. - - - >
We were home in time to celebrate New Year’s with Ann and Howie, but unfortunately it was canceled as they both had reactions to the Covid Booster shots while I came down with a very heavy head cold, that turned out to be Covid. Pete and I were still able to welcome in the New Year with the fireworks display here at the marina, TWICE! Once at 9:30 (for the very young and very old who can’t make it to midnight) then again at Midnight, for those who can. The best part is that we didn’t need to leave the boat!
We hope you had a wonderful and joy filled Christmas! May family get closer, friendships strengthen and good health continue in the New Year!
Some of the wonderful sunsets we've enjoyed
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| One of the various bands at the Farmer's Market |
I have never seen the Jellyfish attracted to the light. We do see the Sheepshead, Mullet and Amber Jacks around the boats and seeking shade under the docks. Sometimes between the dolphin, jacks and pelicans, the waters get very agitated and lots of fish jump!
We have been able to renew friendships over some really good food. We had appetizers with our new neighbors on I Dock, Barbara and Michael of SV ELAN. They have had a wonderful and adventurous time being cruisers. They have met most of the famous cruisers from the past 30 years, Oh…the great stories they share! We also met up with Marilyn and Jon, of CCYC, at our favorite place: Taco Dive out by Ft. Pierce Inlet before the left on a pre-Christmas Cruise of the Mediterranean. Alexi and Rob, MV LAMANTIN, have been about a month behind us traveling south. We shared a great dinner with them over by the Inset at Pho Deli before they continued their travels south to Key West. Paul, of SV KYA ANNE docked here last winter, followed us up to the Annapolis area over the summer months, but due to scheduling, we were never able to connect. We made sure we shared dinner at Pickles, a great new restaurant on Second Street and Avenue A. We also reconnected with the crew of SV STORYTELLER. We had met up with Robin and John in Daytona Beach 2 years ago. They, too, are docked here for a month. We not only had lunch with them at Hurricane Café, (right next to Taco Dive as it was closed on Mondays), but also enjoyed the Garden of Lights at Heathcote Gardens here in Fort Pierce.
Robin & John joined us for lunch the a walk on the beach by the inlet.
Erosion has created a 10-foot cliff close to the water's edge.
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Garden of Lights at Heathcote Gardens was such an enjoyable evening. Lots of little vignettes, animals figurines for kids to note on their maps, a large display of illuminated Bonsai Trees (that are a specialty of the Gardens) as well as a visit from Santa. Definitely worth the $10 admission.
We are fortunate watch the rocket launches from Cape Canaveral from here in the marina. We had one night and 2 daytime launchings. Even though we are 73 miles away, it is still pretty spectacular. The Artemis Rocket (even larger than the shuttle) is planned for launch, hopefully in March. That is one we plan to be up close to see!
View from the end of A-Dock - Impressive nighttime launch
One of the most amazing exhibits we have seen was the the Incan City of Machu Picchu at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. According to the brochures: we “will plunge into the Amazon rainforest and come face-to-face with one of the most impressive collections of gold treasures to ever tour the world. There was a selection of 192 artifacts from royal tombs that included amazing objects that belonged to noble Andean lords". We saw pottery, jewelry, and listened to the guided tours; of the history, religion and their gods, as well as destruction and theft of much of the culture’s gold (believed to be more than 80% taken by the Spanish Conquistadors).
According to Wikipedia: There is a consensus among archeologists Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui (1438–1471) ordered the construction of the royal estate for his use as a retreat, most likely after a successful military campaign. Although Machu Picchu is considered to be a "royal" estate, it would not have been passed down in the line of succession. Rather it was used for 80 years before being abandoned, seemingly because of the Spanish conquests, and probably due to their introduction of Smallpox decimating the population.
The Inca used quipus, knotted string devices, to record historical information and keep detailed records, and administer their vast empire.
We also took the virtual tour of Machu Picchu. Sat in pod-like seats, donned the VR goggles, and listened to the speakers in the pod which had some motion during the presentation to enhance the production. We had a bird’s eye view of the site courtesy of our guide: “the grand Inca emperor, Pachacuti, who infuses viewers with the spirit of the condor then flies with them across the magnificent landscape.” We met “the city's ancient inhabitants and experience some of its most iconic locations from the Temple of the Sun to the heights of Huayna Picchu.”
After the exhibit, we headed across the street to the center of Boca Raton for dinner. We were introduced to Shepard's Pie at The Dubliner. It was so good. . . and so filling! We enjoyed the leftovers the next night. It was a great way to spend time with good friends, Ann and Howie.
We headed up north to celebrate Christmas at Chris and Kel’s. Our drive went find until we were in North Carolina. Then it just stopped. . . for miles. We took a detour that also had a detour; Hence the bridge with construction and the drive through the country side. We added about 2.5 hours onto our trip. Usually both Kel’s and our family spend the day together. Unfortunately, 4 family members were sick with Covid. Only Sandy and Dan, Kel’s parents, were able to join the rest of our family. The Grandkids has a blast, we had plenty of food and good times. With Bailey’s hind quarters being so weak, staying at their home would mean steep stairs up to the second floor. Instead, we stayed with Greg and Jenn, where she can stay with us on the first floor. It has been a while since we spent time together. Heather was able to join us as she is so close.
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| "Be patient, I'm pushing as fast as I can!" |
We were home in time to celebrate New Year’s with Ann and Howie, but unfortunately it was canceled as they both had reactions to the Covid Booster shots while I came down with a very heavy head cold, that turned out to be Covid. Pete and I were still able to welcome in the New Year with the fireworks display here at the marina, TWICE! Once at 9:30 (for the very young and very old who can’t make it to midnight) then again at Midnight, for those who can. The best part is that we didn’t need to leave the boat!
We hope you had a wonderful and joy filled Christmas! May family get closer, friendships strengthen and good health continue in the New Year!
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
