We decided to leave Dragon Point Sunday morning, after hearing the weather was to worsen in the afternoon with more rain and wind, as another low front was coming south. We were heading to Vero Beach, our last stop before Stuart. After waiting out a shower, we got underway at 9:30; it rained most of the way, sometimes so hard that we had trouble seeing the daymarkers and keeping in the channel. Most of the trip from Cocoa to Vero Beach is in a very narrow channel, go just a few feet outside of it and you are aground. Luckily we have managed to keep afloat the whole way down the ICW, with just a few bumps along the way.
Just to note - we were still in bermuda shorts. Typical of Florida weather, it cleared and became sunny as we made our entry into a crowded Vero Beach harbor. This is the site of a traditional Thanksgiving celebration for cruisers, and you are required to raft at the moorings; sometimes 3 to a mooring.
Shortly after arriving, we lowered the dinghy and the motor, and went on a harbor tour. It was exciting to see so many boats we've traveled with over the last several weeks. The two cats below are have been with us since Barefoot Landing, NC.
At the Riverview Cafe nearby, we met Steve and Susan on a Calibre 33 who were also at Barefoot Landing the same time we were. It's easy to meet other cruisers - we all look alike, wearing our boat shoes and foul weather jackets.
We contacted Robin Honiss, a friend from Mystic who lives in Vero Beach in the winter. Robin and Judy took us to one of their favorite lunch spots on Monday, right on the ocean. Great food and conversation, fabulous view, and then a guided tour of the area. Bob's sister is building a house in Vero Beach so we wanted to check out the neighborhood. It passes!!!!!!
We continued to experience gusty winds and rain squalls while we were at the mooring Monday. Early Tuesday morning, we fueled up and got underway for the 45 mile trip to Stuart. It was a rough ride with 20-25kt NW winds, white caps, and then a beat up the St Lucie River. We moored at the Southpoint Anchorage at 2:00p, and within a few minutes received a call from Anne and John, who saw SeaTryst from the bridge as they were driving across. We were invited to Jim and Joanna's for dinner, and as always, had a fabulous meal. We have been eating a little too well on this trip and are looking forward to simpler meals in the Bahamas.
On Wednesday we were surprised to hear that Bob's long-time friend, Phil Gilberto was in town. Phil and Dick Tuschick picked us up and went to the Arnold's for a visit. It was like old times for the crew of Dutchess , although unfortunately two of the crew were missing.
We watched engineer Jim make mincemeat pies with a lace top crust, using his ruler and pizza cutter to cut each slice with precision.
Afterward, we walked through historic downtown Stuart, a short walk from Southpoint, and found a great chocolate and ice cream store and then Duffy's, a local pub with 2-for-1 happy hour. We were very happy!
Thanksgiving was celebrated at Dick and Carol Tuschick's with a fabulous dinner, the company of 25 people, and an incredible array of food and dessert. Dick and Carol, who are boat dealers and old friends of Bob's, have a large dock off their patio. Tied up to it are four boats, one of which is their demo PDQ motorboat. Dick took us on a ride through various canals and to a "little" golf course owned by the owner of the Miami Dolphins and a few other businesses (multi billionaire). Once again we heard from Bob "where does all the money come from ... what did I do wrong?"
Friday we visited again with the Jim, Joanna, Anne and John, and went back to Duffy's for our Friday night wine and chocolate call with Larry Bogart plus those two for one drinks.
The weather turned to 80 degrees and sunny, with some light winds. There's been a lot of dew in the evenings, and Rosie took advantage by licking up the moisture on the deck. She didn't go with us to the pub.
Saturday was a trip to a h-u-g-e flea market (Maggie was in her glory), and more visiting and dinner with friends. On Sunday, Bob, John and Jim moved SeaTryst to Camp Carol, where we will stay on the dock at the Tuschick's until we head to the Bahamas in mid December. They are the most gracious hosts. Bob will install a water maker and do some minor repairs. Maggie returns to cold Connecticut for 2 weeks, where she will have oral surgery and close up her office on the Mystic River. Rosie will stay secluded on the boat.
This is the last update for a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for the next chapter around December 20!
We hope you've enjoyed the site as much as we've enjoyed doing it.