It came as quite a surprise when the News started reports about a hurricane. The cruising groups we follow on Facebook have been suggesting boats hunker down for the heavy wind/rain event heading towards the East coast this week. The reports state that the tropic depression looks to be intensifying and will probably become a low Cat 1 before hitting the eastern coast of mid-Florida. Yep, the spegetti models like the Treasure Coast (including Stuart, Ft. Pierce, Vero) area! Monday, the boat was prepped, canvas was removed, lines doubled, extra “stuff” in the cockpit and dinghy were either removed or secured. AFTER we completed our prep, the dockmaster told us they were moving us off the T-head, where the eastern winds would be the worst, to a secure slip, between MV BOLD RASCAL and MV ARGONAUT. By this time the winds were increasing and probably in the high teens-low 20’s. That made dancing in the basin, waiting for a dock hand “interesting.” Without excitement, we secured into the new slip. Of course, it has full pilings that we needed to tie our aft and spring lines in the wind more interesting for sure!
It was a challenge, but I managed to pack for a month in 1 carry-on and a small backpack for my flight to NJ. Pete dropped me off at West Palm Beach Airport and my sister, Deb, met me at Newark. Just before I boarded the plan, Deb called to let me know that her radiation therapy was cancelled as the disease is no longer visible in the most current MRI. It is great news, but Mom is still due to come home from rehab. We don’t know exactly when. After a medical appointment for Deb in NYC on Wednesday, I will have a week or two of not being needed. Hopefully, I will complete the blog, start an online class, visit Mom, and still have time to get her settled back in before I come home.
Hurricane Nicole did come ashore near Ft. Pierce. Friends offered Pete a place to stay during the storm, but he wanted to remain on board as it was only a minimal hurricane. (He did pack a jump bag and put it in the car, just in case.) Sue Ann, Ray as well as Morgan and Zack, who just bought their 43-foot Catamaran 2 weeks ago, also opted to stay aboard during the storm. The winds howled and the rains pounded. Pete checked things every 2 hours, adjusting lines when needed. The surge come in after dinner and thankfully didn’t coincide with the King Tide high that was earlier in the day. Waters only inundated the docks with about 6 inches of water. He was without electricity for about 48 hours. The marina cut power as a safety. The marina staff made rounds and posted photos during the storm. The marina and boats were fortunate. There was just minor damage on 2 boats that Pete knew off. Pete was glad he was there, but doesn’t think he would stay on board in a hurricane again. Everyone returned to the dock around 8 on Thursday to check and return to their boats.
Rains & Winds of Nicole as she came ashore just south of Fort Pierce 
Our great marina staff kept us posted as they checked the docks and boats
By the time the tropical depression hit NJ, it was winds of 15-18 and heavy rains for a couple of hours. Deb made some Mushroom Soup, which was perfect for the cold, rainy, and raw days. The biggest problem for me was the rain on top of the leaves. I haven’t needed to worry about leaves on the street in years. Come to think about it, I haven't seen the leaves change on the trees in years either. I do enjoy the colors and crisp air of Autum!
During one of my visits with Mom, she had mentioned that she has a lot of clothes that she doesn’t wear, many of which no longer fit. Deb and I decided to help her by going through all her clothes and donating 10 bags of clothes that are too big, shoes that are too small or unable to be worn due to the heals, and pocketbooks. I’m so glad retro styles are coming back. A lot of those clothes from the 70’s will be used again! The room was cleaned, the closet and drawers were organized. The next time I visited Mom, I told her we took her at her word that she wanted to go through her things and get rid of that which she doesn’t use. I promised her that we made sure we kept her favorite things and that which she uses.
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
Rains & Winds of Nicole as she came ashore just south of Fort Pierce
Our great marina staff kept us posted as they checked the docks and boats
dudring the storm. The tides rose to cover about 6 inches of the docks
Speaking of favorite things, Mom loves all the colors and sparkle of Christmas, In fact, whe loves it so much, Christmas is up all year long. They were already for Christmas when I arrived November 6th.
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
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