2023 - 2024 Cruise ~ Week 6/ Week 1 Fort Pierce

Tonight's Sunset

     Once lines are tied off for our 6 month stay here in Ft. Pierce, there are still lots of chores that need to be done. Sunday, because boat desperately needed it, we power washed of the topsides, washed pedestal and helm seat, the canvas, windows, and enclosure, which needed to be hung to dry before putting it away for the season. Then the window coverings were put back in place. The lines were reorganized, dried and put away.
     After showering, we were so fortunate that Marilyn and Jon were available to head over to Taco Dive with us to celebrate our return to Ft. Pierce. It was so good to catch up, but boy, were we tired.
     The tarpon have been very aggressive eating, banging and splashing against boats. It’s gonna take Tillie a while to get used to it.

     On Monday, Pete worked until about 2 pm. He then rode the electric scooter over to pick prescriptions for both of us. He had to wait for his to be filled, but was back after about 80 mins. Unfortunately, they only filled 1 out of the 3 prescriptions I needed.

 
Windy App showing the winds hitting the Florida Coast, The marina cat waiting 

for Barbara and Mike's arrival and the beautiful yacht JUSMAD
 

     We finally found time to enjoy the cockpit & read until dinner. Pete’s birthday dinner was chicken parmesan with leftover Bolognese sauce from the freezer. I had planned to make a chocolate pudding pie, but the milk was frozen solid. We need a new thermal regulator, which is on Pete’s Honey-do list.

     Tuesday was a pretty day with the same breeze and temps as yesterday. Pete worked for a while this morning while I was under the weather. He called for an UBER to take him to Enterprise for the rental car. He also stopped by the pharmacy for my prescriptions. Once back, he grabbed the laundry and headed to the laundromat as we had 3 full loads. No trick-or-treaters in the marina, but there were some along the main street.

     Early Wednesday morning, I drove Pete down to West Palm Beach Airport.  Pete’s partner George picked him up at Baltimore Airport mid-afternoon, shared dinner then dropped him off at our car. Of course, I tried to finish up the blog, but a headache delayed the process. I did meet Rick from Astraea (Island Packet) who has joined us on I-dock for the season.

     I was shocked Thursday morning when Tillie let me sleep to 8:15! We took a long walk, before breakfast. Once back spoke with Pete, who was south of Savanah, He raved about his first Bucky’s stop for their super clean bathrooms, delicious BBQ and inexpensive fuel.
     He asked me to close engine intake and open aft cabin hatch for some fresh air. Well. . . I needed repaired screen before putting it in the hatch. To do so, I needed to move enclosure that was laid over everything. So… emptied cabin to get at enclosure wrapping materials. Wrapped up enclosure, then proceeded to reorganize and inventory everything in the aft cabin so I the enclosure could be stored back there too.
     We have been experiencing super high tides all week courtesy of the King Tides occurring during the full moon. Thursday, it was 2 inches from top of dock. Needless ot say, it was very challenge getting on & off boat.

     Sue Ann, Ray, Dave and I welcomed Melissa and Mike and Maggie, MV BOLD RASCAL back for the season on Thuraday.. Pete made it back shortly after they arrived.
     A short while later we heard sounds that sounded like 2 shots. We all looked, but didn’t see anything. However, 20 minutes later, as I went to walk Tillie, there were 7 police cars in our parking lot and across the marina was more police, a police boat, fire and rescue. Our prayers are with the family of the young man who took his life on one of the docks.

Police activity at the marina

      On Friday, I was fortunate to meet up with Taura, Joe and Leo of SV SETTING SUN. They will be heading out shortly with the hopes of crossing over to the Bahamas soon. Unfortunately, the NNE Winds have been blowing for almost a week and look to continue well into next week. They are more than ready. The boat has been converted to lithium battery power. Courtesy of our “free table” here at the bath house, they are now equipped with a water maker, as well as most of what they needed to head out on their sailing adventure. We all wish them the very best. What an education it will be for Leo who is 5. I can’t wait to catch up with Leo’s adventures on YouTube:  

      https://www.youtube.com/@HiGuysLeo 

     We planned on grabbing dinner at First Friday held at marina square. We overlooked the fact that the “season” has not fully arrived, so many of the food trucks were not there. Our choices were so poor, that we opted to eat at Cobbs’s. We knew their food is alsways good.  Their outdoor dining area was expanded a few years ago and is very popular. We were able to be seated outside with Tillie in tow. She did remarkably well with all the pedestrian traffic, the other dogs, and the excitement of the restaurant. This scenario was to be our last session with Hiede, our dog (and people) trainer up in Maryland. She would be and we are so happy with Tillie's progress!!!
     When I walked Tillie later that night, there were at least 3 bands playing in Marina Square. I was able to hear rock, Jamaican and Latin competing for attention.

     The Saturday Farmer’s Market is also not fully geared up for the season. However, the Jamaican Bowls stand, which makes the delicious omelets and home fires, the bakery and the smoothie stands were all very popular. With it being such a busy week, we decided to relax and read. With the mild temps and the breezes continuing from the NNE, it was great to sit up in the cockpit.
     I spoke with both Diane from ARGONAUT and Barbara from ELAN. We look forward to their arrival on I-Dock in the not-too-distant future.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  P & K