A Sincere Apology....

It has been a long time since my last posting, and I can blame it all on upgrades, repairs and family. We had to take a trip north to deal with a family issue, and when we got back, we started dealing with bilge pumps and a marine air conditioner installation. After that more family issues that resulted in moving up our pull out date two weeks early.
I will post photos and more information as soon as we recover from the transfer from water to land.Stay dry and safe!

What a Spring So Far!

Posting these past two months have taken a back seat to multiple family issues. While trying to do upgrades and a little sailing, we had to head North to Iowa for Elden's parents who were not doing well and a week later for his dad's funeral. After returning to Stuart for some R&R, we had to go North to Pennsylvania for my mom who wound up in the hospital with pneumonia. Both mothers are doing well now, and we are finally heading back South to try and recoup.
     We did replace the traveler for the mainsheet and have the Isenglass replaced in the dodger, so we have accomplished something.   Now the lifelines are next on the list. A few measurements and fax it to the company for a quote and we should be good to go.
     Below is a photo of the new traveler and endstops.

More later as the upgrades and events unfold!

Exploring Florida through "younger" eyes...

This post explores Southern Florida through the eyes of our grandchildren. I is great that they are able to visit and stay aboard with us, even for a few days. It breaks up the normal routines, but adds a bit of adventure to our days.
The first day was spent sailing on the St.Lucie River. I've got to give the kids credit for sticking it out as motion on a boat didn't agree with them, especially the son. But the girls loved it and wanted to go back out. The winds on the first day were just right and we spent about an hour sailing. Each one got a turn to steer the boat.

Annabelle at the helm. Yes, here eyes are squinting, but that's why Grandma is there.

Abigail's turn was a bit more exciting. She kept trying to turn the boat, even when we didn't need to!











The next adventure was to a wildlife farm. It so happened to be the same day that the shuttle "Discovery" was being launched. So we got to see pumas, alligators, vultures, tortoises and turtles and all kinds of wild animals. The best part was the alligators. We saw them everywhere. Even when we were on the pontoon to see the launch.  And did I mention, they got to hold some of the critters? Including a baby alligator, tarantula and scorpion? Yuck! Needless to say I drew the limit on the scorpion and tarantula. The alligator and snakes I can handle, but the girls have no fear!

"Goliath" and his handler

Sunbathing alligators were everywhere.

Annabelle and the scorpion. No way was Mom and Grandma going to try this. The girls were really good at this.

The largest alligator in the world showing it's latest "catch"!

Grandpa feeding a peacock. They followed anyone who had bags of food!

Discovery on her last mission. Glad we got to see it.










It's always great to spend time with family and now it's even better as we don't have to "rush" back to a job. 
Til the next time,
Elden & Susan

Wow, Has it Been That Long???

Whoa, it has been a long time since I posted on this blog. You would think that there would be time to catch up and keep this updated! But, since the last posting, the social climate has, in a word, exploded.  It all started at a potluck get together, with the participants coming up with numerous ideas for activities for the boaters and condo residents. And of course, they needed a "person" to pull it together. Guess who got elected? Or should I say, drafted? So, I have been a little busy getting the activities posted on a sheet to let everyone know just what is going on. At least it keeps me out of trouble!

The list includes a potluck, open art studio( one of my favorites!), game night, bridge club, a pool meet & greet(actually water exercises), a ladies luncheon and yoga sessions.  Another boater started a Facebook page to list other stuff, from other activities to restoring a lost puppy to her owner.

Hopefully I can get some photos of the groups to share.

We are still waiting on one part of the main sail traveler, but managed to get out for a sail with some friends. The weather has been great, with only a few cool and rainy days. We even made it to the beach last week. Didn't go swimming as the water still hasn't warmed up enough.

Jensen Beach

Enjoy the photos of the sailing vessels in the area and I will post more as soon as I can.

Till then, stay warm and Happy Valentine's Day!

S/V Smart Move, our friends 1978 Pearson that they will be sailing to the Caribbean this spring.

S/V Lily, a charter vessel that sails three times a day on the St. Lucie River.

Life in Stuart, Florida

It has been a few weeks since the last post, so here is a glimpse of what it's like in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. Most days are warm and sunny, but fronts move in and it gets a bit chilly. The days activities vary from organized potlucks and swimming groups to an open art studio or game night. Most days are spent walking or bike riding or just hanging out on the boat just putzing around. It's amazing how many boats come and go here. Most stay one or two months with some staying the whole winter till spring.

We're still waiting on parts to fix the traveler. It seems that the company that made our current one changed the way they set up the cleats and sheaves, making it impossible to work on the track we have. So, we had to order a Lewmar system. Which is better, but we still can't fix it because the track is on backorder for 5-6 weeks. Talk about a slow process! Good thing we are not in a hurry to go anywhere! I will post photos of the new traveler when we get it replaced.

In the meantime, I am attaching some photos of the sights we get to enjoy while we stay here.

 Soteria in her new floating dock slip

 Sunset on the dock, Roosevelt Bridge, Route 1

One of several skates seen along the marina walkway

Eclipse photos

Here are the promised photos of the lunar eclipse that occurred on this year's winter solstice. It was hard to get up at  2am but it was worth it.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas to all...

As we celebrate the day commemorating the birth of our Savior, Jesus, we wish all our friends and family a blessed and safe Christmas season and a fantastic New Year. It is 70+ degrees and sun here in Florida and wish everyone could share it with us.  The following are a few photos of lights on our boat and another that was here for a day. And lets not forget the one with us in the jacuzzi on Christmas Eve.

We also were able to see the lunar eclipse on the winter solstice. A few shots are also included.

The next post will have the upgrades and additions to the boat since we got here. Two collapsible bikes, LED/LCD TV and brightwork. Til then have a great holiday season!

Soteria decked out in lights

Visiting yacht on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Day in the jacuzzi

Ok, Who Turned Off the Heat???

We have been in Stuart for a little over one week enjoying the sights and supposedly warmer weather. But some cold fronts have moved in with a vengeance. Even the locals are bundling up with the below freezing temps. At least the sun during the day warms it up a bit. And the weekend is looking good with warmer air moving in.

We have started repairs and upgrades on Soteria as the wallet allows. Bikes have been ordered and should be arriving within the next week. Walking has been the mode of transportation lately, but the 2-3 mile hikes are wearing on my feet!

The brightwork is progressing as warm sunny days allow. At least the bulk of the paint has worn off, making the sanding easier.  Photos will be forthcoming. The traveler will have to wait until we figure out how the old track was attached and how we can attach a new one. No way we can put a new car on the older track.The old alcohol stove will be coming out, replaced with shelving for a microwave or toaster oven and more storage.

One of the best things about the marina has been the fellowship of other sailors, both sail and power. We have been blessed with new friends who are willing to share their experiences and knowledge with us and other "newbies".  Makes us realize just how much we still need to learn.

Until next time, fair winds and warm days to all.

We Have Arrived in Stuart, FL !

We are now in Stuart, FL and having an extended vacation at the Loggerhead Yacht Club and Marina.  It is fantastic. It has a heated pool, jacuzzi, weight room and three restaurants on site, and it within walking distance to grocery and department stores. The weather is typically winter here, with highs around 70 and lows around 40. Perfect Iowa spring weather!  Sorry, folks.  This is what we have been working for. The following photos show the marina and other cool things we have seen since we've arrived.

The trip from Ft. Pierce was another great run with speed up to 7-8 kts.  The trip up St. Lucie River was against the tide, but we still made 4-5 kts.  The river by the marina is wide and deep enough to do some sailing as well. It was sunny but cool with another cold front that passed through. It was 28 degrees in Stuart last night.

We've seen more manatees, and surprisingly, jelly fish in the harbor.  We will be attending the local marina's Christmas party on Thursday. Should be a great time to meet new people who are also on extended vacations!

Thanks to all who have followed this blog, and we will have more to come as we explore Southern Florida.

Melbourne Harbor

Traffic jam on the ICW

Walkway to Yacht Club from dock

Coconut Palms everywhere 

Heated swimming pool & jacuzzi

Jellyfish in the Harbor

And on we go..

A lot has happened since our last post. After Fernandina Beach, we set off for St. Augustine. We made it just before dark and was able to get our anchor set. Not so good for our fellow traveling companions. They arrived at the same time, but the anchorage had been turned into a city owned mooring field and space was limited. They had gone a little too far past the 6 ft depth and wound up going aground. Our solo sailor was able to get off with the help of a towing service, but our friend on the Cheoy Lee were hard aground on the sand bar. The tide at St. Augustine is quite severe, and when it went out, they were 45 degrees heeled over on the bar. We were helpless to assist them as we could have gotten stuck as well. It is not good feeling helpless, but they were at least safe. The tide came in and they were able to get to the mooring field for the night. When we checked the tide the next am, it was predicted more severe, so we got a mooring ball for two nights. We were able to have a great time touring the city, as one of our new friends had went to school there and knew her way around.

St. Augustine Marina

 Original city gates

San Marcos Fort





After several good nights rest, we set off for Daytona Beach. We anchored out and were able to have a potluck on board a Jeanneau 44, with a really great family from Quebec, as well as our two convoy friends. The next day we anchored at Titusville, just above Cape Canaveral/Kennedy. You could see the assembly building for miles and miles, and the space shuttle on it's launch pad. It's scheduled to launch Dec. 7th.. We saw places we visited on land, but from a different view.

 Daytona Beach anchorage with a surprise guest!

An osprey on top of the mast.

We crossed from Mosquito Lagoon to the Indian River through a canal that was packed with fishermen. Boats anchored everywhere with little room to maneuver. the Indian River was wide and shallow and smooth as glass. We got there at the right time. It is not a good place to be when the weather turns ugly.

Indian River

One last day of moderate winds led us to Melbourne and a marina. The winds were forecast 15-20 and building to 20-25 from the NW. Not a good time for an anchored boat. The city marina was nice, but a little overpriced. It was the only one open as the others hadn't recovered from the storms last year, so there were no choice. It would not have been smart to go farther as tired as we were.  It was half way between Titusville and Ft. Pierce, our next stop.

Ft. Pierce is the next to the last stop before we finish our journey to Stuart.  We were planning on anchoring, but our holding tank decided otherwise.  It decided to spring a leak, so we needed to stop for a pump out and figured we could use another good nights sleep. We can start repairs on the holding tank, traveler and other  items in Stuart.  Dolphins are in abundance, but always gone before we can get the camera ready. Today we saw our first manatees, with one right behind the slip we are in. Of course, the camera was not ready, but there is always tomorrow.

Till our next posting, Merry Christmas to you all!