March 2022 in Fort Pierce

 

     It has been a strange year with weather and everyone is talking about it.  We have had so many weather fronts accompanied by strong winds.  In the past, we would have wind and heavy seas about 3 times a month. Now they blow almost every week and last for 2-3 days.  We had one particular storm with heavy downpours: 5-6 inches of rain, wind gusts to 40 mph, lasting 4 hours and then it was gone.    Anchorages as well as marinas are full. Lots of folks are waiting to make the crossing to the Bahamas (and vice versa). Anchorages as well as marinas are full. Lots of folks are waiting to make the crossing to the Bahamas (and vice versa).  They have had to wait weeks, and then the openings are small.  Friends have been caught in rough seas and winds once they started their crossings. 

 
A couple of morning of fogs

 
Before and after the storm                                                    

 

     Of course during that heavy rain storm, we found that the port side salon window was leaking substantially.  We moved things and set up buckets to collect the water.  I was able to reseal the windows the next morning with white duct tape.  Thank heavens for the white duct tape as it is not noticeable.  It will have to stay on until Pete has mastered kneeling.  There is no way to do the reseal without kneeling.  The tape should hold until we get back to the Chesapeake.

     While the motion is very comforting, we have come to realize that the noise, rocking and choppy waters from wind, or motion in car upsets Bailey.  We assume that she really becomes uncomfortable trying to counter the motion with her hips. It is a real shame that she now must be sedated whenever we travel.

Opportunistic, thirsty pigeon and pelicans

 

Sources of bubbles against the hull

Snowy Egret fishing from a line

  
Amber Jacks under the docks and . . .                     the dreaded fuel spill in the marina

     The  sounds of fish slapping along the hull has increased. When relaxing OR SLEEPING, it can be somewhat startling. Being so close to the ocean inlet, there are lots of larger fish: Tarpon, Amber Jacks,  and others feeding in the marina. Such a rich nutrient environment also encourages growth on the boat bottoms. We have had to have the driver come 3 times over the past 5 months.

      Mother Nature always has her ways of making life interesting!

    The city of Fort Pierce has decided to crack down on parking violators, especially in the north parking lot for people in the marina. About 2/3 of the 40 spots are reserved for boat owners paying $50/ month for that slip. The rest of us have purchased parking permit stickers for the rest of the unmarked spots and are lucky to get a spot about 80% of the time. Now anyone parking with out a permit should receive a $50 ticket and towing costs. In the past few weeks, I know of one unhappy person who was towed, another who had their car blocked in by the slip owner, and 2 who were forewarned and moved their cars. Unfortunately, they only enforced for a week or so. Now reserve spot holders have to call to have them ticketed. For those of us with just the parking permit, we are very cautious where we park.

The only parking enforcers we've seen! And, YES, there is a permit on the windshield!

Hibiscus I couldn't pass
without grabbing a pic!

    George and Pete are still very busy. Pete had purchased a note pad, Remarkable 2, that links to the computer in place of this paper notes. It has made his life so much simpler as notes can immediately be filed with the project and/or amended, AND it is seamless across the computer, iPad and phone!

  

     Pete accidently kneeled on his incision while the staples were still in place, re-injuring the incision.  With a number of PT exercises, he reopened a portion of the incision once the old Sterri strips fell off. The doctor was very pleased with his progress at the 8-week mark.  He has exceeded all goals as far as mobility and flexibility, but the separation of skin was readdressed with more Sterri strips. He was told to ease up on the PT. He has been so aggressive that he caused tendonitis. PT was modified and the tendonitis has calmed down.   Despite the minor setback, Pete is very pleased with his progress. No more hip cramps every 100 feet steps or so. His leg is now straight. The healing ache is so much less than the constant pain he has dealt with for years.

Our Socializing Continues. . .

     I now look forward to breakfast with my dear friend, Carolyn. With her "anchored" to her home in PA, and we in Florida or wherever, in-person is definitely out of the question, However, thanks to technology, the phone and Facetime is the next best thing. It is a great way to start our day!

    And, of course the Saturday Farmers' Market . . . 

     SV SEA BREEZE was docked on A Dock, but was moved due to a large club of boaters coming in for the weekend. Laura and John were a great addition to I Dock, even if it was only for a few days. Laura went to do laundry and was instantly mobilized to do a deep cleaning of the area. She even had John get the wet/dry vac to clean out the lint from the driers. Then John worked and was able to get one of the two fans working. She also organized a great I-Dock Party. Everyone on the dock was able to make it; Great food and wonderful conversations. The biggest hit was when Laura took pictures of the boat dogs, then had the owners create a speaking part that was paired and animated via the phone app,  My Talking Pet.

     Betty and John, Martha and Dan, and Jeanne and Gerry had a beautiful 3-bedroom time-share in Orlando. It was worth the 2-hour drive to catch up with them. Wonderful friends, lots of shared memories and topics of conversation, along with delicious food. The very next day, we all met at Marilyn and John’s in Vero Beach. More laughter, great food and conversations, wonderful friends and more memories created! We plan to do this again next year, but the time-share location much closer; Less traveling and more laughter!

     Friends from our old neighborhood, Legacy in Delaware, have been vacationing here in Florida. While traveling from North Palm Beach to Orlando, Roselle and Al were able to meet us for lunch at Cobb's. It was great to catch up on changes to the neighbors in the 6 years we have been cruising.

    We tried to meet up with George and Lisa, SV BAYWIND. They have been in Port Canaveral for the past 3 months. Between the holidays, Covid, and Pete’s surgery, we didn’t think it was possible to meet up with them before they cruise over to the Bahamas. We thought they be leaving in Mid-February. We found out that they are anchored in the Fort Pierce Inlet for 3 days while they do their Covid testing and fill out the medical clearance for the Bahamas. It is proving to be a real pain as they can only do via their phones. Any incoming call will terminate the data and it need to be repeated. We were trying to meet for lunch, but the data would not upload and if not submitted within 3 days of their arrival in the Bahamas, the application and non-refundable fees have to be resubmitted. This is a very brief and tricky window (2 days) to make the crossing before another front comes through.

  

      It is always a great time when we have dinner with Alexi and Rob, MV LAMANTIN. We met them in Cocoa Beach and walked over to Ryan’s Pizza and Pub. Pete had the Shepard’s Pie, but it wasn’t as good as the one we had at Dubliner’s in Boca Raton. I had a great veggi pizza, but left the box with the half eaten pizza on the table!

 
Cocoa Beach waterfront

 

      We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Burton’s in Boca Raton with Ann and Howie.  Somehow, Pete left his credit card at restaurant, but it was not found.  What a hassle to get a new one! When Pete followed up with the bank after canceling card through app, he received a text asking him to call this number.  When he did, they asked him which of the 2 accounts was it? He only has one with this bank, Then, they asked for his complete SSN. He declined, hung up and called the number from the bank website. Customer service agreed it was a strange conversation with the original number, but the number was correct. His new one arrived within the week.

      Of course, we made sure that and we had another lunch at Taco Dive with Marilyn and Jon before we headed north.  It was quite windy, but we still had a great time and great food.  Nothing blew away! We look forward to resuming this custom when we return in November. 

    

      In between all the visiting and working, there are still chores to be done. Pete was able to make the final repair to the GPS (a modulator needed to be placed in the wire connections). We needed a new TV and treated ourselves to a small sound bar. What a difference. The sound bar is Bluetooth and I can connect Pandora from my phone. Regular chores like pump-outs, water tank refills, house cleaning, food shopping for fruits, veggies and perishables, all take little bits of the day. 

     The old docks here at the marina do not have pump out capabilities. That means that every 2 weeks or so, we do need to head over to the fuel dock. We try to do it during the calm of early weekday morning and be back in time for Pete to start work. The engine is running smoothly again.  What a difference!  The engine mounts must have been shot for a long time.  How everyone missed it is beyond our comprehension.

     We wanted to have a full detailing of boat by another of Pedro’s family. He showed up to give a quote. Said he would be back next week. After 2 weeks, Pete left a message. We were informed that he would be here that Thursday. Now he said he will be here next Wednesday.   I really have little faith that the boat will get detailed before we leave.

  Watching the boats try to dock at the fuel dock with the wind has become amusing. Lots of people have no clue of wind and current and those with thrusters think that they can overcome docking challenges with just the thrusters. There was a 50-foot sports fish taking on water. Everyone on board was in panic mode. As they approached the fuel dock they asked for water pumps.  It is not something most marinas have, unless they have a working boat yard. Deck hands suggested calling Boat US but  the boater didn’t have insurance.  They left with their aft dragging about 5 inches below the water.  We hope they found somewhere safe and helpful. Another sailboat was having problems and left, but was towed in about an hour later. 

 
Two of the big boats that stop for fuel

     Humorous to many, but not to me. . . I was “christened” by a pelican while visiting with friends on the dock.  Needless to say, I came back to the boat and immediately washed my hair! Why did it have to be such a big bird with appropriately sized excretion!

     After a lot of discussion, we signed an annual contract for the slip that we used this year. We love the group on the dock, the closeness to the bath house, grass for Bailey, he view of the fuel dock and fair way, and the parking - kind of…. As I mentioned earlier, we pay a monthly fee for the privilege of hunting for an unreserved spot. I can’t tell you how many people think it is free convenient parking and take the spots we pay for.  The city is supposed to be enforcing the parking with sticker policy, but we know of only one person was towed and another blocked in by the owner of the spot. Since we are not in the slip for 5 ½ months, we only pay ½ the monthly fee with no parking or liveaboard fees for that time. This way we do not have to be concerned with making the reservation list in July or slip availability which will be very tight for the next few months, the possibility of being assigned a slip that keeps us glued to the dock due to current, or so far out on A-dock, it is a ½ mile walk for Bailey to find grass. Also, Safe Harbor Harbortown, here in Fort Pierce, will be closing April 15 for dredging and installation of new docks.  That means that there will be a lot of liveaboards looking for dockage in already crowded marinas.

      With our season coming top an end and folks leaving the marina soon, I put a sign up on our dock door announcing a “I-Dock party.” Once again, great food and great company. My crockpot of meatballs and sausage was empty when we packed up. (Thankfully, I put aside portions to freeze for our cruise north!) We all agreed that next winter, we will do this more often.

     Melissa and Mike, MV BOLD RASCAL, Lynne and Don, MV ENDLESS LOVE, and we went to Chuck's Seafood for a farewell dinner. Lynne and Don leave the following day to return to Charleston. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time. Lynne and Don were concerned with their next day departure as the winds are supposed to be 20+ from the SSE. There is a significant amount of windage on the 40' Carver.  It turns out that it was an interesting but uneventful 1st day's ride.  It is amazing that they made it to Isle of Palms Marina in 3 days. It must be wonderful to cruise at 20 + mph instead of 7!

     After we left the restaurant, we headed out to the inlet to watch the inlet and the sunset.  What a wonderful evening! 

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

January & February 2022 in Fort Pierce (and Delray Beach)

      A previously mentioned, I welcomed the New Year with decongestants, cough suppressants, plenty of liquids, and tissues. Since I was positive right away, they postponed Pete’s knee surgery for January 4. When they went to reschedule for the following week, the hospital could not schedule due to staff out with Covid. By the third week, Pete had been confirmed as positive, so he was scheduled for January 27^th. We only had to have groceries delivered once. While maintaining proper distance we were able to speak with fellow dock mates for some interpersonal contact, while walking the dog or heading to the bathhouse.

     Once our sick days were done, we were able to reconnect with Coleen and Charlie of SV SILLY CHARLIE. They left our marina on Kent Island the day after Thanksgiving to begin their cruise without an enclosure or auto pilot.  By the time they arrived in Ft. Pierce, the Bimini and enclosure had been completed and the autopilot on order for installation in Key West. It was so good to catch up over dinner at their marina Harbor Cove Seafood Bar and Grill.

 
I found Blue Water Lilies in the pond at the Manatee Center while on  a walk

     We contracted with Georgia to make us new cushions for the salon. Our seating is firmer and thicker while the backings are curved for more back support. The lighter material brightens the salon. I ordered extra material so I can do the wrap arounds for the base of the sofas as well as the headboard for the aft bed. Between the new cushions, newly covered throw pillows, and the bed covering, I really like the new appearance.

 
Pretty, aren't they?!

    One of our transient neighbors on the T-head was Cher and John, MV SOUTHERN GRACE (a Biloxi Lugger, similar to the Buyboats of the Chesapeake). They are a super nice couple from Maine, who were originally from Rhode Island. After comparing notes on RI, they accepted Pete’s offer for a lift to Publix and the liquor store. They are heading south, but unsure if they will be heading over to the Bahamas. Waiting to see how things shake out.

     Our dock mate, Dianne, MV ARGONAUT, mentioned to us that we could request our current slip for an annual slip and only pay ½ month’s storage when we are not in it.  It will be ours when we return in the fall. There will be no pressure to leave or return on a specific day.  Just keep the marina posted on our departure and arrivals so it can be rented while we are away.  We really like Fort Pierce and the people of I dock.  It is worth keeping such a prime location.  We sit across from the fuel dock and the activity is pretty constant.  It is easy to pop over for a pump out. The bathrooms, laundry, parking (when there is a spot- which is about 80% of the time) and grass for walking the dog are conveniently close. Besides the big Farmers Market on Saturday, there is a smaller one on Wednesdays.  There are about 25 eateries within walking distance here in town, a performance center, and shops, and a great bakery. We have good friends in the area and great views. And friends who pass through here heading elsewhere. It is a really good place to be. Add to that, slips are really at a premium just about everywhere. Even our cruiser friends are having a very hard time finding slips during their travels.  Getting an annual contract is definitely a smart move on our part.  Thank You, Diane!

      Pete’s surgery was done at Boca West Hospital with the assist of the Stryker Maco computer on January 27th. Our good friend, Betty, had the full knee done with the computer aided and the healing and results we remarkable.  According to their website: https://patients.stryker.com/mako-robotic-arm-assisted-technology  . . .

     Mako SmartRobotics™ is an innovative solution for many suffering from painful arthritis of the knee or hip. Mako uses a 3D CT-based planning software so your surgeon can know more about your anatomy to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. By guiding your doctor during surgery, Mako’s AccuStop™ technology allows your surgeon to cut less by cutting precisely what’s planned to help protect your healthy bone.

  

   
Poe monitoring his
patient while he recovers 

 

The computer takes out the guessing as to where to cut the bone. Between previous CAT scans. stabilizing rods in the leg, and a computer guided cut that matches perfectly with the new partial knee replacement components. The procedure took about 90 minutes. He recouped for another 3 or so hours, then walked to the wheelchair, with the aid of the walker, and used the walker for the next week. He so looked forward to the cane (so he wouldn’t look so infirmed!) Thank heavens for great friends.  Ann and Howie opened their home once again for as long as we needed. There is no way Pete could have done the stairs as well as on and off a floating boat.  Their home is one-floor and perfect. Follow-up appointments and initial PT was done in the Delray area. Pete felt stable enough to head back to the boat after 3 weeks.  As the therapist said, “It is the rule of Threes: first 3 days are hell, the first 3 weeks one askes himself, “Why did I do this?”, and after 3 months, “Why didn’t I do this sooner!” Thankfully, his grumpiness began to subside after the 2 weeks, due to the reduction of pain. He is still healing, and PT sometimes leaves an achiness, but is definitely manageable. There are still 3 more weeks of PT. His leg is straight, his mobility is 120 degrees, he can walk, drive, climb off and on the boat and even lift and walk the dog, but muscles that haven’t been used properly in the past years need to be coxed back to working. All and all, he is doing fabulously! So. . .  most of February was pretty full of medical appointments.  Pete’s work didn’t stop, he just worked around the schedule. I even caught sight of a launch while walking Bailey. It was the spinning, separated boosters AND the rocket’s trail that drew my attention. Even though it was a daytime launch I was able to track the rocket across the arc of the sky!

The separation of the fuel and rocket, Bailey "you can't see me!" and 

a trio of Foxtail Palms

Thunbergia Gransifloria (Blue Flower), Bailey's creative use of a bed, and

sunset on Silver Oak Circle

     While we were away, Pedro, the mechanic, and his crew, came and completed installing the engine mounts and the hot water heater.  That meant that we needed to reorganize the boat before we could return. We had moved everything from the aft cabin forward, as well as emptying the cockpit and sugar spoon storage to give them access. Thankfully, it only took about 90 minutes, which is so much better than we thought! We moved back on board the next day. We also were able to move the PT appointments up to Fort Pierce. Now PT is only 6 minutes away!

Breakfast, moonrise at the marina & 5-K Charity Run finish

Gathering for the Cracker Boys' Parade

     Oh yea! We are back to having Saturday breakfasts at the Farmers Market. This past weekend, we also watched the Cracker Trail Association Parade. It is a celebration of the Cowboys who used the sound of their cracking whips to drive the cows across the state from Bradenton to Fort Pierce. The about 150 riders, ranged in age from 10-ish to 70+, maybe older and spent the week crossing the state.

    Earlier this week, we joined Barb and Mike, SV ELAN and Brenda and John (SV AWAY) up in the captain’s lounge above the Marina Office.  We sat out on the deck overlooking the marina with good food and great company.  Unfortunately, Brenda and John left on Friday to begin their trek home to the Great Lakes.

 

Some new friends, messy pelicans and a Tricolored African and ? Lizards

     We also enjoyed the company of Julia and Mike, who are selling their 38’ Juneau, SV PAINTED KITE. We opted to have dinner at Lola’s Seafood down in Stuart. Over delicious seafood dinner, we learned that they are very begrudgingly selling the boat. She has a business in Croatia while his is here in the states. They and their children split time between the two countries, plus they are starting to build a home on the Adriatic that will require more time spent in Croatia. As Mike said, his “brain can only handle so much until it leaks!” (The great line from the 1986’s movie, Flight of the Navigator)  Julia is a medical doctor, who also works with WHO and aids patients in the Ukraine. Both she and Mike are very concerned for friends and patients with Putin’s war for possession of Ukraine despite some heavy moments, we really had a wonderful evening. We will definitely keep in touch.

    It feels great to be back home!

 

     ~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~     K & P