I am tied up at Inlet Harbor Marina for the next 10 days. It is near the town of Ponce Inlet, FL. I met Pete and Sue from Sasha here for lunch. It was a fun lunch and reunion as we got caught up on what has happened since we split up when I stopped at Jacksonville while they continued on to St Augustine. They are back to their normal lives now. Pete is retired while Sue still works. Many of the sailors I know have this arrangement - he is retired, while she still works. I highly recommend it.

The bridges on this stretch of the ICW are all either fixed at 65’, or they open upon request. So I never had to wait for a bridge opening, or even had to slow down. The channel is narrow, so watching the channel buoys, the chart and the depth sounder requires constant vigilance. I’m getting a little more relaxed about it so I can enjoy it more. There are constant reminders of the recent hurricanes. They are trying to rebuild the restaurant here at the marina. It is not uncommon to see a boat tossed ashore among the vegetation on the side of the ICW. Usually on the west bank.

Tomorrow I fly back to Illinois. Sue generously volunteered Pete to drive me to the airport, after all, he is retired so he has time. So maybe there is a downside to my recommended arrangement.

Good night from Florida. I have a feeling that tomorrow night my scenery in northeastern Illinois will be very much harsher. I probably can leave my shorts back on the boat.