Impulse Cruising Again

After a very quiet night we woke to two big splashes - there are alligators here too! Gentle rain started and then ramped up to a steady rain which we need badly, but why today? Billy the Tipper arrived around 8:45. He and his partner were sporting ponchos which blew every which way in the wind as they rafted up alongside and Bill started to motor toward the RR bridge. Six barrels were placed on our side deck and filled with water pumped from the canal and we drove under the bridge (see photo). Of course with the water so low not much tipping was necessary, but better safe than sorry! (We require about 53.5 feet and the bridge height now is 52.1.) Money changed hands and ropes were untied and off they went into a downpour. We got on our way around 9:15 and tried unsuccessfully to stay dry all day. We requested one bridge opening and one lock-through (with a drop of 11.5 feet!) and then stopped at Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart, where we picked up a mooring ball to wait for the rain to end (nap time!). Finally the sun came out and we ventured in for trash drop off, registration, and ice replenishment. Met with fellow PGIslanders (our boating club), Collins' and Jorgensens, for happy hour on the deck and a walk around town, then back to the boat for dinner. What a nice small town is Stuart! Looking forward to exploring a bit tomorrow.

32 miles
4.75 hours