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| Oleander & raindrops |
Sunday, 11/3/24 ~ We woke shortly after 6 due to the clocks “falling back” for day light savings time. Tillie was walked and the boat prepped. We had a quick breakfast then started the engine. It started on the first try! We be motorin’ today!!! The fuel gauge also seems to be working again. Since we have 3/4 of a tank (28+gallons) we don’t need to top off our diesel. We also won’t need the 11 gallons of gas and tanks we filled yesterday.
We seamlessly left the dock at 7:59 am. Once electrical, lines and fenders were reorganized, we realized we forgot to turn in our marina keys. We let them know that we left and will return them on Tuesday when we pick up the car in Daytona.
Once clear of Addison Bridge, the main was hoisted and depending on our angle to the wind we gained anywhere from 1/2 to a full additional mile of speed. Over the anticipated 13-hour day we should drop our travel time by 60-90 minutes!!
We encountered a number of heavy rain periods. Boy! Do we wish we had put up the enclosure! Even though we were prepped and had our raincoats on, Pete still got drenched. It was interesting to watch a pontoon boat be totally blissful and unprepared for the downpour as it arrived.
Rains crossing the Indian River
Some of the sunken and broken boats from Milton
There were lots more ~ We counted 9 around Titusville.
We continued to motor sail all the way to the Wabasso bridge, passing under it around 5:20. The sun was setting on one of the prettiest and winding areas of the ICW. This is when the engine suddenly shut down. No sputtering, surging or slowing for running out of fuel. It just died at 5:35 pm. Of course, Pete attempted to restart it . . . and nothin’! TowBoatUS was called. The good news is that Pete had verified on Friday that "Unlimited Towing" meant a max tow of 25 miles to “home” or repair facility. He also checked the distance from the Wabasso Bridge to Fort Pierce, just as a reference. Thankfully, it was only 21 miles! The engine area is way too hot to attempt to change the fuse again. We continued sailing peaceful between 2-3 mph with gusts to 3.5. Over the next 90 minutes we sailed a couple of miles until TowBoat met us around 6:55. Of course, we were in the dark with cloud cover and very little ambient light. We were making way, doing about 8 mph while under tow until below Vero. This is when the winds & waves increased. Pete was at the helm, and it was a challenge steering to remain centered behind TowBoat. It would have been helpful to have a a greater than 50-foot tow line.
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| TowBoat pulling PEKABU |
Once in the Marina basin, the TowBoat captain found it tricky switching from tow rope to hip tow in east winds that increased to 20+ mph. With surgical precision, he backed us into slip. Mike and Melissa were waiting for us with their spotlight illuminating our slip, extra-long boat hook and ready to catch lines. New dock hand was also there to help. The TowBoat captain was very skilled, patient and super nice. Once we were secured, Pete signed the paper work and made sure to give a good tip to the captain. After holding it for 15 hours, Tillie was more than ready to get on land. By 10:17 pm we were finally settled down below and decompressed a bit before heading to bed.
Well now you are all caught up on our travel “adventures” to Fort Pierce, let me update the communication with them. . . .
Since we called the marina office at 8:am on June 1st, when reservations open for the winter season, Pete has sent 7 emails confirming our reservations, projected arrival, status, delays due to engine problems with new ETAs, along with the repeated request for one of 2 slips on I-Dock. Today, once underway, Pete spoke with the office, confirmed that we would arrive late today and needed our slip assignment. We were told we couldn’t arrive after closing. We weren’t allowed to dock in the dark. We could tie to the fuel dock and go into the slip in the morning. Pete reiterated that once the engine is stopped, it will not restart. We need to be in the slip and could only arrive after dark after a 90-mile travel day. She would need to call us back. She did and told us it would be a different slip on I-Dock that is smaller, impossible for us to maneuver into, and next to dear friends who constantly smoke. Being a cardiac patient who is highly allergic to smoke, this is not acceptable. In a huff, we were told she would have to get back to us. She did and told us that we needed to take that slip. Pete again explained the situation as unacceptable. In the next call, she told us that they would put us out on the floating dock in an area that puts the boat perpendicular to the strong current. Again, Pete said unacceptable. We did 2 seasons like that and won’t do it again. Pete then asked to speak with the marina manager. When the manager called, he scolded Pete, telling him that the slips we want are already reserved. (Please note: the boat that summered in our slip from last year was moved 2 days ago to H-Dock and it is currently unoccupied- confirmed by 3 friends already on the dock.) He stated that if we wanted a specific slip we needed to get our request in early. By now, Pete's BP was up and steam was coming out of his ears! He informed the manager of the 7 emails between June and mid-October confirming our request for the slip on I-Dock with our ETA as well as all the email communications and phone calls in the last few days regarding our engine issues also with slip requests. The response was “You can choose not to come” (Please note: we have a snowball’s chance in hell of finding seasonal dockage now!) and then he hung up! He called about 40 minutes later, never apologized, but we could take the slip we requested and had last year, but we need to hail the marina on 71 and the dock hand will help with docking.
The good news- we here!
Pete spoke with the mechanic. He has an opening for tomorrow morning. Most of the afternoon, Pete spent researching our engine issues. Thinking back, Pete probably spent a significant portion of the summer researching boat issues and solutions.
The rental car was picked up as well as Jersey Mike’s for dinner. Pete didn’t last very long after dinner. I think he racked up almost 12 hours of we deserved sleep.
Tuesday, 11/5/24 ~ We waited until 11 am for the mechanics, but needed to head north to retrieve our car and get back. It's a 3 hour drive each way. The mechanics were done by the time we got back, but Pedro had called to say that the starter was shot, causing the fuse to blow and the engine to stop. The pump for the fuel injectors might be a problem, Replacement would be 3 Boat Units ($3000), but they can be rebuilt, which would be more reasonable. He will have the unit checked out. There is also a gasket on top of the engine that will be replace as well as some maintenance items that need replacement with the new ones we already have. They will be back once all the parts are in. There is good news, there was nothing wrong with the injector pump. They only needed to tweak it! YEA!!!
It was a windy our first week here in Ft. Pierce. It was the first time I noticed all the crows hanging forever on the east wind that up-drafted as it encountered the park’s shoreline. They seemed to be motionless for hours!
After monitoring conditions for almost 10 days, another depression formed in the western Caribbean. At first, it was reported to have little chance of development but now has a 40% chance of developing and possibly causing problems again in western Florida. As of 11/15, it no longer has a chance of forming, but will add a ton of moisture to a front that will bring much needed rain to a drought stricken area of the country. Much of the NE is under "no burn" orders as there are many wildfires burning.
Thursday, 11/14/24 ~ Barb and Michael, SV ELAN, came from her sister's in Orlando to take advantage of the lesser breeze to turn the boat in the slip.
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| Full moon to the east |
Dave, MV ARGONAUT, completed his 3-day drive from Cape Cod. Diane and Coco will be joining him later this month.
My sisters and I are concerned that our Mom will need more care than she can currently get at home. I did a lot of research regarding NJ elder care, services, at-home and in-facility care, insurance coverage as well as financial assistance. We were scheduled to share a call with our brother. The original call date needed to be pushed back as Mom took a fall and is currently in the hospital with micro fractures of the pelvis. At 97, she is beginning to fail.
My sisters and I are concerned that our Mom will need more care than she can currently get at home. I did a lot of research regarding NJ elder care, services, at-home and in-facility care, insurance coverage as well as financial assistance. We were scheduled to share a call with our brother. The original call date needed to be pushed back as Mom took a fall and is currently in the hospital with micro fractures of the pelvis. At 97, she is beginning to fail.
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| King high tide at the marina. water almost to top of fixed docks |
We were in the middle of the grooming when our mechanics came down the dock, prepared to complete the engine work. Unfortunately, this is the first time he didn’t call to verify when he would come so we were totally unprepared. We couldn’t interrupt the grooming and empty the aft cabin for them. They agreed to come tomorrow, after they splash another boat.
We had just finished cleaning up and changed in preparation of meeting Marilyn and Jon out on the Inlet at Hurricane Grill, when we received a text from Ed, SV SOUTHERN PILOT. They are back in Fort Pierce and would love to get together. Pete called him back and invited them to join us at Hurricane. Connie was deep in a sewing project and sent her regrets, but we had delicious food and a great time with Marilyn, Jon and Ed. We were very disappointed to learn that Taco Dive has been taken over by a burger and shake place. 2nd Street Bistro has taken over the third restaurant on the block. Well, new places to explore!
Dave picked up Diane and Coco from the airport. It was so good to catch up on hugs!
We had just finished cleaning up and changed in preparation of meeting Marilyn and Jon out on the Inlet at Hurricane Grill, when we received a text from Ed, SV SOUTHERN PILOT. They are back in Fort Pierce and would love to get together. Pete called him back and invited them to join us at Hurricane. Connie was deep in a sewing project and sent her regrets, but we had delicious food and a great time with Marilyn, Jon and Ed. We were very disappointed to learn that Taco Dive has been taken over by a burger and shake place. 2nd Street Bistro has taken over the third restaurant on the block. Well, new places to explore!
Dave picked up Diane and Coco from the airport. It was so good to catch up on hugs!
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| Looking to the east at the pastels of sunset |
Looking to the west
There were a lot of crazy drivers also heading south. One passed me doing 90 mph+ and weaving between the three lanes. Of course, I don’t answer phone or text when driving, but the notices from my family on WhatsApp & dock mates for Taco Tuesday had my phone was alerting every few minutes for most of the ride. I pulled into St. Mary’s Hospital campus 45 minutes early, checked text regarding Mom and hospice care. Then checked my confirmation link for the exact building for my appointment. Their confirmation link sent me 5 miles west into a neighborhood. I called office after getting lost and “Yes, it is on the St. Mary’s campus.” Once back, I drove the entire campus looking for building. The guard finally directed me. Instead of being 45 minutes early, I was 10 minutes late for my appointment.
It was 3 pm when I returned to the car. I headed to Wawa’s for soda and mini donut 5 pack since I missed lunch. I was standing in the checkout line when the gentleman before me insisted on paying for my items with his. He had no idea of my stressful day. He succeeded in making my day special. Thank you kind sir!
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| A Peacock moth Pete spotted as we walked the market |
I had made a passing comment about the movie “Wicked” that opened in theaters last night. Pete surprised me by buying us tickets. I know he loves me as he doesn’t like musicals, yet he sat though the 2 ½ hour movie without complaint. The sets and costumes were magnificent, many of the songs were great, especially those performed by Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba). Ariana Grande (Glinda) has a beautiful voice, but we both found her hard to understand. I found Elphaba’s backstory interesting, but she was the only one who was not caricature, which really bothered me. And this is only “Part 1”! I don’t know if I would see “Part 2.”
My Mom's condition has been steadily worsening. With my brother in Italy, and we 4 girls on the east coast, it is hard to schedule a time for all of us to talk. Thankfully, my sibs and I use WhatsApp for communications and keep everyone in the loop. After 2 weeks, Mom was moved to a hospice care area in hospital. We would prefer hospice care at home, but she needs a constant morphine drip to manage her pain.
Sunday, 11/24/24 ~ Pete planned to be up around 5am to head out for the IDPA competition about an hour north of here. For the third night in a row, Tillie barfed during the night. We think it might be the berries from the palm trees she manages to swallow before we see her pick them up. Today, it was just after 4 am. Pete got up and by the time things were taken care of it didn’t pay to head back to bed.
The match went well, but he will be a very tired puppy. The Philadelphia Eagles have the 8 pm game which is televised again. He managed to watch three quarters of the game. With the Eagles with a 14-point lead. Hopefully, the berries and the barfing have stopped!
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| Tillie is tired of being lookout for the gator |
We had numerous visits from the mechanics in November. When they initially came to researched the engine problem, they found the starter and engine fuse were bad, the injector pump might need to be rebuilt, a filter was installed but not needed by mechanic in Mears, and the gasket on top of the engine will need to be replaced. They also checked the engine compression. They later returned to install the sender in the fuel tank only to find the tank completely dry (not the 5 gallons we thought we had!). We did run out of fuel! Pete schlepped 30 gallons of fuel via a 5-gallon tank over a few days. Pedro, the mechanic, requested it be done before they start the engine. By the third mechanic's visit all the air was removed from the engine, but it still won’t start. The engine might need to be rebuilt. new ones have too much alloys and not enough iron. Pedro will get a quote for worst case scenario. He returned once more to recheck the compression numbers and checked for carbon buildup, which might be the culprit. Unfortunately, it was not the case. Looks like we will have to have the engine rebuilt. UGHH!!!
Tuesday, 11/26/24 ~ We had 15 people for our 1st Taco Tuesday of the season! I made sure to include Kate & Eddie (MV TRI 3), whom we met our last week in Daytona along with Cashe, their beautiful and grand champion English setter. Thorn, MV STRIKER, was on our dock last spring. He is currently on H-dock and of course we invited him also.
I will be walking with Barb & Kate on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Barb is excited. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, she now has Kate joining her for Pickleball.
Wednesday, 11/27/24 ~ Today was Barb, Kate and my, first walk of the season. We did 3.5 miles. Besides enjoying the weather, the exercise an each others company, there was some photo ops. As we crossed over to the beach by the Old Fort Pierce Park, Barb and Kate saw two baby alligators, about 3-feet long, sunning themselves, but quickly retreated into the water nearby. I just saw the splash and their tracks on the sand.
The day before Thanksgiving, Pete did laundry. It wasn’t until after dinner, he realize that he left our area rugs in machine. Though he tried daily, he couldn’t reclaim them until Monday. The shop was open, but the ladies who work there had the weekend off (which was wonderful.)
Friday, 11/29/24 ~ The cold of winter has arrived. Temps in the low 50’s with winds out if the N NNW 10-15 mph makes it feel really cold. These cold temps will dip lower and be around for the next 10 days or so! No longer are there discussions about the citrus crop possibly freezing. The growers have been battling a blight for over 20 years here in Florida. However, within the past few seasons, the battle has been lost. Florida will no longer be known as the citrus capital of the world.
Fog courtesy of cool morning temps
Floridians now receive the warnings:
Dear Floridians,
We are going to be ok! 😉
I have put together some quick tips for those who aren’t sure how they are supposed to navigate this weekend’s unholy cold weather.
● Wear real shoes. Your flip flops will have to fend for themselves for a few days. They will be okay.
● Socks! Wear them. Preferably with real shoes. Still a no on the flip flops.
● Put the doors back on your Jeeps, FFS.
● Consider pants. The extra fabric may feel a tad foreign at first, but you gotta power through.
● Stock your fridge now. Publix will be closed. Assume a record number of employees will call in dead. They’ve never been this cold before, and will believe they have passed.
● You've likely never noticed it but there is a setting on your AC unit at home that makes it blow out warm air. Use it. Look for a little fire symbol or the word H E A T
● There is also a similar function for the ac in your car… and turn off the seat AC feature.
● Umbrella. Use an umbrella if you do venture outside. Not for rain, it will help you avoid head injuries caused by frozen iguanas falling from trees. Those suckers are heavy.
● Bring all those orchids inside immediately. A couple hours in that kind of cold will kill them dead in an hour just like it will you if you don't stay inside your house.
● That soft warm chewing gum that's always in your car will now be harder than rock. Please don't break a tooth.
● DON'T use your Evian face spritz outside. It will freeze to your face and you'll have little ice cycles hanging from your new lashes.
● Wash your hair now. You’re not going to this weekend. Perhaps pick up some dry shampoo on your way to pick up the last Publix sub of the week.
● Take deep breaths, you got this. No deep breaths on Saturday though. You’re lungs aren’t used to air that cold. They will collapse… best hold your breath until Monday
Florida, may the odds be ever in your favor... 🤣🤣
Mariah Couch
Posted to Ft. Pierce Connections, Facebook
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
Since the mechanics were coming, I went over Monday morning. They were thrilled that the rugs were claimed. Most times items remain unclaimed. After rewashing the rugs, Tillie and I rode down to PetSmart for more Zomax for her ears. She also picked out a new hard ball.
Thursday, 11/28/24 ~ Every Thanksgiving, the marina teams up with the Fort Pierce Yacht Club for a "Friendsgiving." The turkey and ham are supplied, while we bring the sides. When Pete asked what I would bring, I asked him what HE would like. His answer was quick: potato salad, so I said “OK.” When I made it, he was surprised. He said he was kidding. Well, 6 pounds of potato salad was devoured. All the sides were diverse, plentiful and yummy, and the turkey and ham were delicious! We were encouraged to take home leftovers. We had enough for 2 additional meals!
We were all surprised at the attendance. The office had a 2-page list of people who had signed up to attend. Our group was 10, while there were 2 other smaller groups of 4-6 people. The rest of the 40 or so people were yacht club members. It looked as if they expected twice as many people. It was a shame they missed out on such a great Friendsgiving!
Thursday, 11/28/24 ~ Every Thanksgiving, the marina teams up with the Fort Pierce Yacht Club for a "Friendsgiving." The turkey and ham are supplied, while we bring the sides. When Pete asked what I would bring, I asked him what HE would like. His answer was quick: potato salad, so I said “OK.” When I made it, he was surprised. He said he was kidding. Well, 6 pounds of potato salad was devoured. All the sides were diverse, plentiful and yummy, and the turkey and ham were delicious! We were encouraged to take home leftovers. We had enough for 2 additional meals!
We were all surprised at the attendance. The office had a 2-page list of people who had signed up to attend. Our group was 10, while there were 2 other smaller groups of 4-6 people. The rest of the 40 or so people were yacht club members. It looked as if they expected twice as many people. It was a shame they missed out on such a great Friendsgiving!
Thanksgiving was full of wonderful family, good friends, delicious food and surrounded by the warmth and love they provide. Wishing you and yours the same.
Friday, 11/29/24 ~ The cold of winter has arrived. Temps in the low 50’s with winds out if the N NNW 10-15 mph makes it feel really cold. These cold temps will dip lower and be around for the next 10 days or so! No longer are there discussions about the citrus crop possibly freezing. The growers have been battling a blight for over 20 years here in Florida. However, within the past few seasons, the battle has been lost. Florida will no longer be known as the citrus capital of the world.
Fog courtesy of cool morning temps
Floridians now receive the warnings:
Dear Floridians,
We are going to be ok! 😉
I have put together some quick tips for those who aren’t sure how they are supposed to navigate this weekend’s unholy cold weather.
● Wear real shoes. Your flip flops will have to fend for themselves for a few days. They will be okay.
● Socks! Wear them. Preferably with real shoes. Still a no on the flip flops.
● Put the doors back on your Jeeps, FFS.
● Consider pants. The extra fabric may feel a tad foreign at first, but you gotta power through.
● Stock your fridge now. Publix will be closed. Assume a record number of employees will call in dead. They’ve never been this cold before, and will believe they have passed.
● You've likely never noticed it but there is a setting on your AC unit at home that makes it blow out warm air. Use it. Look for a little fire symbol or the word H E A T
● There is also a similar function for the ac in your car… and turn off the seat AC feature.
● Umbrella. Use an umbrella if you do venture outside. Not for rain, it will help you avoid head injuries caused by frozen iguanas falling from trees. Those suckers are heavy.
● Bring all those orchids inside immediately. A couple hours in that kind of cold will kill them dead in an hour just like it will you if you don't stay inside your house.
● That soft warm chewing gum that's always in your car will now be harder than rock. Please don't break a tooth.
● DON'T use your Evian face spritz outside. It will freeze to your face and you'll have little ice cycles hanging from your new lashes.
● Wash your hair now. You’re not going to this weekend. Perhaps pick up some dry shampoo on your way to pick up the last Publix sub of the week.
● Take deep breaths, you got this. No deep breaths on Saturday though. You’re lungs aren’t used to air that cold. They will collapse… best hold your breath until Monday
Florida, may the odds be ever in your favor... 🤣🤣
Mariah Couch
Posted to Ft. Pierce Connections, Facebook
Saturday, 11/30/24 ~ It is so hard to believe tomorrow is December. Only 25 more days ‘till Christmas! Time to put up our Christmas tree! Our outside lights will be delivered tomorrow. Our dock is beginning to have the Christmas sparkle and not just from the sky!
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
