After 2 weeks in Stuart, we are heading back to the west coast. Not home, but just back to our familiar waters. For those of you who have not had the privilege of cruising the west coast of Florida, that should be put on your to do list. We have no intention of going back to Burnt Store any time soon. Too many anchorages to visit, and particularly in the now improving weather.
Last night the three couples had their farewell dinner at, of course, Duffys. The wind continued to blow out of the north at 15 to 20 mph. We all decided that it was time to split up and do whatever we individually wanted to do, So, we are on our way back. This morning we woke to 54 degrees and 15+ wind. COLD!!
It was too cold and windy last night to put the dinghy away and get the boat ready to head west so we did that this morning. We delayed our departure for a couple of hours so it would warm up, but it never quite did until this evening. All day I wore pants, sweatshirt and a windbreaker. The sun was out strong but the cooler north wind won out. We left the ball field around 11:00 a.m., got the 1:00 p.m. lock opening and arrived at Indiantown before 4:00 p.m. We were the only boat heading west. Unreal. We have stopped here several times in the past and it is old Florida. Nothing fancy here but there is no wind and we had dinner in the cockpit for the first time on this cruise.
Tomorrow, we are leaving early, getting under the bridge and hopefully being able to sail across Lake O. Instead of stopping at Clewiston, we are going up to Moore Haven, a new experience as we have never stopped there. It will be a long day, but worth it to avoid Clewiston. Maybe the city dock there will have wifi, although I doubt as the cruising guide says that the only thing of interest in Moore Haven is a café/diner in town. Will be interesting.
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Still having to rely on the iPhone so this will be brief and no picture.
Left Indiantown early this morning and got under the bridge again with no problem. Lake O was flat with no wind. Went on to Moore Haven - a long day. City dock is $1.00/foot including tax, shore power and shower. Will come here again.
On to LaBelle tomorrow. Then, Glover Bight. Hopefully will find wifi access soon.
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A quick note as we are now heading back to the west coast to continue our 2012 cruise in familiar water and much improved weather. The wifi here is not reachable from our slip so I will do a full posting later. Going to Moore Haven tomorrow, then LaBelle Thursday. We are glad to be on the move again in great weather finally. No regrets about not reaching the Bahamas.
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A couple of days ago I reported about the previous night's weather and the storm that arrived as I started to grill our dinner. Patty took this picture with our phone. Actually, over the years living aboard and grilling as much as we do, this picture is not unusual for me, particularly during the summer/rainy season. It makes the dinner all that much more appreciated.
Looks like the weather has left us finally. We did have a couple of brief downpours yesterday, so we timed our going into town to the market and the concert. Unfortunately, the concert was not up to par so we skipped it and headed back to the marina for some reading time and cards. The wind did blow a bit last night but the stars were out and no rain. The wind is now light and out of the north. It was in the 50s this morning with low humidity and clear skies. Paradise is back.
We will be leaving tomorrow morning to head back to the west coast. Our plans are to take a short hop to Indiantown to position ourselves for the railroad bridge and lake crossing on Wednesday. We intend to skip over Clewiston and go to Moore Haven City Dock. Then, to Labelle the following day and finally to the west coast somewhere Friday. Then we will start our "cruising" for this year, after our 2 week visit to Stuart.
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They say weather is an inexact science. Boy, is that ever right. Yesterday, it was predicted that we would have thunderstorms, windy, and gusts to 60 to 70 mph. It didn't happen during the day, although it was primarily cloudy all day. The sun was even out during the early evening. It all changed around 4:00 a.m. this morning when the wind started in. It's hard to describe the sound of high wind through the rigging of a sailboat, particularly when you are trying to sleep. So, we got up to check things out and looked at the weather radar, including the posted tornado watch, and knew the next hour or so would be interesting. The line of rain was rapidly approaching from up river. We did not have the wind instrument on, but I am sure one gust was well over 30+ mph, as the boat swung quickly and healed over. It lasted about an hour and then settled in with a light rain. Once again, the weather app on our phone showed that the worse of it was over.
Yesterday afternoon, the marina hosted an end of the season pig roast for its boaters. There were around 100 guests to enjoy the meal and music. As we have always said, Sunset Bay Marina is at the top of being boater friendly. When we were here in 2009, Patty and I even thought about moving here and working at the marina, which had then just opened.
Today is farmers' market day and another concert on the river. The weather is improving so we will take part. Our group will be splitting up this week and heading in different directions for the balance of our trips. We might meet up with Tom and Maureen on the west coast again. As always, we keep our options open.
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Before we could head into shore for our morning walk, I had to pump out the dinghy as it had a couple of inches of water in it. Fortunately, several years ago, my son, Austin, had given us a hand pump which he had used as a kayak guide one summer in Maine. It really does the job and moves a lot of water. We then went into shore and had our walk, this time without stopping for ice cream. Ten a.m. is a bit early anyway.
Before the predicted storms were to arrive yesterday evening, we all agreed to get together for our daily game session. This time it featured Pegs and Jokers, which is like Parcheesi or Sorry. A good way to pass away a couple of hours. Men 1, Women 1.
After heading back to the boat, Patty and I thought we had enough time to grill steak. Well, we waited a bit too long as it started raining as soon as I put them on. Of course, I weathered it out and finished. The real storm was yet to come. As predicted, it began around 8:00 p.m. and blew hard for well over an hour and a half, with lightening this time. Lots of rain. After the worse part had pass us by, there was just a nice steady rain. Great to sleep by.
Today we expect a repeat. The weathermen state that this pattern is very unique for this time of the year. I'm not sure if we need to experience it, particularly for the next 2 days.
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