Final leg: Fort Pierce to West Palm

The Fort Pierce City Marina was completely reworked since we were here last.
I really thought Pete was entering the wrong marina yesterday.
We were on the other side of the ship: MV OCEAN CLUB

Sunrise

      We slipped away from the dock by 6:45. Winds were out of the NNW at 13 and the current just began to flood, so we started our day doing 8 mph. Adding the main we gained another .2 miles. Fingers crossed for the current and winds gods to smile upon us.

     About 7:15, we herd SV PATRIOT call to the marina.  Our friend George, from CCYC, is crewing on a Hylas that left the Chesapeake 6 days ago. We were hoping to say “HI!”, but it wasn’t meant to be.  I hope they had a good passage. We will just have to catch up later.

Someone seeking a colorful life!

     Pete had an early conference call, but the rest of the work day was light.  He was at the helm during the skinny waters by the St. Lucie Inlet and all the squirrelly passage south of the inlet.  As we were navigating the twists and turns, the winds also decided to shift. Sail was rolled in and we motored the rest of the way. Timing was good. We were only a mile or two from the first of the 7 bridges we must pass before Lake Worth. 

Norhaven docked at home

Private marina in Jupiter

Boat larger than its boathouse!

  

    We timed it well with all but one bridge. Our first timed opening was delayed due to a pedestrian ignoring the lights. The bridge tended would not open until she crossed and passes the gates.  That five-minute delay made us 3 minutes too late for the next opening.  We were waiting at the bridges with 3 Canadian boats.   They loved to approach and wait about 50 foot from the bridge. Hopefully, they will not encounter engine failure while they wait in these currents. By 2:15 PM we passed our last bridge for 2016. 

Jupiter Light house

Mega homes in Jupiter

Too much money!
A modified sailboat with a Tuna tower and shortened boom!

     As we were approaching the marina, a 30-foot power boat was wandering at slow speed totally unconcerned as she crossed our bow within 5 feet.  Then proceeded to call us names as Pete through the engine into full reverse to avoid collision!

    The marina surprised us by reassigning our slip closer to the fairway.  Pete was able to back into the slip, making the electrical hook-up much easier. By 3:15, we were secure in our “new home” for the next 2 months.

Active large working yard
next to Riviera Marina

Peanut Island just across from our new Marina

     I called Ann and told her I’d be there by 5.  As I was packing, Pete started talking with the crew of another boat further out on the dock.  I recognized the voices! It was Brett, Jean and Sue from SV WHAT’S NEXT.  They were our buddy boat for the jump from Charleston to Fernandina.  It was wonderful to meet them in person.  They hope to catch the window this Saturday, to sail over to the Bahamas.

       Uber was great and I was at Ann’s by shortly after 5.  She is doing well, but sore, which is to be expected.  We had dinner and watched TV (What a treat! We haven’t watched anything in 3 weeks).  After the long, hot shower, I didn’t stay conscious long.

~ ~ ~/) ~ ~ K & P