Friday 27 November 2020

Closest restaurants and pubs to Ft. Pierce anchorage not open so remained
aboard. Celebrated Turkey Day with rib-eyes - definitely not white meat. A
non-traditional meal accompanied by red wine - an off-color Thanksgiving.

Finally got accommodating conditions for the big ocean. Unfortunately forecast
for wind has shown steady decrease and backing over last two days so apparent
(that's cool nautical talk for wind experienced on the moving boat as opposed to
true which would be felt if one were stationary.. if you don't care, that's OK)
is close to nothing once underway and no Gulf Stream countercurrent to help move
us along. Constant motoring is getting tedious, but at least constant attention
is unnecessary. Hoping for a bit of onshore breeze later in day, but suspect
wind fairy is taking a sabbatical.

Departing the inlet was a rush hour stream of boats, most with people going
fishing instead of spending their life-savings to keep economy afloat. Perhaps
they're waiting until tomorrow which has now been designated Black Saturday for
small businesses. Florida Rigging will be having Black November (or possibly
December if it takes awhile for any necessary parts to arrive) on us. The
marina will be doing OK as well. They're enjoying black, kitty is seeing red.

Saturday

Slow progress arrival at dark was a bit sporty with heavy current and
temperamental autopilot making anchoring in desired spot a challenge, but
emergency use of emergency tiller (it's called that for a reason) helped us to
our happy place. Had traditional Thanksgiving Friday meal - no, not turkey
sandwiches - pizza. Anthem ale procured up north (had to buy some) wasn't too
bad either. Now determined to eat bird at Christmas. Distaff crew likes white
meat; rest of complement prefers dark. No waste for the Jack Spratts.

Given substantial boating activity around Lake Worth Inlet there are no
restaurants, pubs or cafes (not necessarily in order of importance) nearby.
What up widdat? After rigger comes tomorrow morning as promised and if work not
to be done immediately, will re-anchor three and a half NM south off West Palm
Beach for free dinghy dock close to above mentioned amenities.

Again ran into (almost literally, see above) Steve & Helena from
noforeignland.com who had been headed for Bahamas. One of the required covid
tests came back positive so they're quarantined aboat until next crossing window
when they'll retest to show result as false positive. Either that or remain
until clean. Visas expired, but CBP was uncharacteristically unfussy about that
little detail. By the by, Jan's visa died in August and no word on extension
which, if approved for three months has already run out. Don't worry, be happy.

Jack & Jan