So, now that we're launched, we're settling into our cruising life; or at least the preparatory phase. We are on a mooring in Stuart, which as I've proclaimed in the past, is a great place to stage in preparation for moving south or east. We know lots of people here whom we've met in the past and meet lots more. The marina is first class and they know how to attract and sustain cruisers. Stuart is a fine place with every conceivable store and service and there are many restaurants of varying calibres.

We've been very busy provisioning the boat and it's great that we have our vehicle here so we can transport the many, many grocery bags down to the dinghy. We share our vehicle with other cruisers who would do the same for us if the situation was reversed; we're glad to oblige.

There's lots of music around and we listened to a couple of different bands today and had a few dances to a really cool jazz combo at the Sailors' Return, the upscale restaurant on the site of our Marina.

Weather here has been pleasant during the day but cold at night; but not as cold as last year (yet). We're almost finished our provisioning (good thing as there's no more room on board for anything). So, when we hear there's a window on the horizon, we can quickly leave to head to West Palm, Fort Lauderdale or Miami to exit for the crossing to Bahamas.

Here's a shot of Judy and Chopin in their mid-day repose in the main cabin; its not all work.....