Settled in Stuart

We arrived here at the Harborage Yacht Club and Marina in Stuart, Florida last Sunday, and checked in on Monday, March 1. We are staying here for a month. Our primary reason for staying in one place is to sew a full enclosure for our cockpit. After all of the cold and rain we have experienced during the 1775 miles we have traveled since leaving Port Henry, we decided that we really need to have protection from the elements for our trip back north.

While in Titusville, Cliff and Judy took us to Walmart, where we bought a sewing machine for $79! We have examined the enclosures on some of the boats around us, and tomorrow we will make a pattern, then order materials. By the end of next week, we should be sewing merrily away on the enclosure! With that and the tillerpilot installed, the trip home will be very different from the trip down.

The facilities here at the Harborage are very nice; two swimming pools, a hot tub, great showers (that is always an important factor!), access to the Yacht Club, a restaurant on the premises, a courtesy van, and very friendly staff. All for only $10 per foot per month. It is a rather long walk off the dock to shore, but exercise is a good thing.

The other boaters here are very friendly. A couple of days ago, we noticed "Plattsburgh, NY" on the stern of a Mariner 28 at the dock. We of course introduced ourselves; the next day we spent some time chatting over a glass of wine, and learned that Claudia and Peter were leaving today to go to the Keys. This morning, they asked if we would mind "taking care of" their car while they are gone for the month. Would we mind?! Wow, what an offer! It will be great to be able to run errands, get supplies (more dog food!), and explore the area a bit.

This evening we enjoyed dessert with Linda and David from Ohio on their Catalina 34and Kathy and Denny from Michigan, who have a Tartan 37. It is fun to meet new people who have have had similar experiences.

Everyone we meet says this is the coldest winter anyone in Florida can remember. Nights are still in the 30's, and while many days have been 40's and 50's, this week has been mostly in the 60's and sunny. Very windy, so it really feels cold. The sun, however, makes all the difference. And next week the forecast is for 70's!!!!