s/v Gracie's last reported position

Thursday, March 31, 2016

On Our Way, Finally

Our seven to ten day stay moored at 
Sunset Bay was so enjoyable 
that we extended our time there
 to almost five weeks.
There were potlucks on the dock

with the best of chefs, 
George and Harvey.

Great friends from the past visiting for lunch.

Welcome Aboard!

An enjoyable afternoon with Gabby and Moe.

Carrying a purse 
while climbing in and out of a dinghy
 is like an accident waiting to happen.
So, my sweet sister, Kathie,
 sent me a pretty pink backpack.
  I love it!

Having no vehicle, we rode the little bus, 
provided by the Marina,
 to complete our shopping.
Here is George loading our final purchases.

The last week was spent finishing projects
 like canning verde sauce.
I cut the ingredients

and George does the canning!

WaLa! This should last a day or two.

There were inquiries about 
nautical themed jewelry, 
so, I took over the table for a jewelry bench.

A seashell from the Atlantic Beach 
becomes a pendant set in gold.

Sterling sailboat earrings.

A gold fouled anchor 
with a sterling rope

A sterling mermaid pendant,

and gold free form heart earrings.
Can't go wrong with hearts!
A display of original jewelry 
is now offered in the Marina Gift shop.

Our Fish Friend says
 we have been here too long 
and it is time to get under way.

One more evening on Gracie
 entertaining our special friends,
Ron and Carol,

having a healthy dinner of garbanzo burgers.
They were a hit! 

Blowing of the conch

for our final (for now) sunset at
Sunset Bay Marina.

Here we go through the draw bridges 
and under the Roosevelt Bridge.

Captain George at the wheel 
keeping Gracie on course.

The wind in our faces 
is as good as motorcycle riding.

And the wind direction
 is good for sailing.

We have arrived at Peck Lake
 where the water is clean!

And the coconut scavenging 
is wonderful.

The milk to mix with rum
 and the meat to grate and roast.
Good in many dishes.  Yum yum!

A couple of days spent
 giving Gracie a much needed bath.

Can you see the osprey?
 An afternoon watching a pair fly,
 bathe in the lake and play together.
Now they are enhancing their nest
 for their spring family.
Always appreciate the small miracles
 that Mother Nature allows us to observe.

We weren't ready for the large wake 
created by an inconsiderate speeding boater.
Here is the fishing gear, drawers and 
part of the library on the port side floor.

Most of the scattered items
 that tumbled to the galley floor
 retained their lids, 
except for the powdered chocolate.  
The good part is that
 the boat smelled like brownies
 for the rest of the day.

Continuing to pick on the mandolin
even though advancement is 
very slow, the time is enjoyable.
Our last evening at Peck Lake.

On the water way again 
motoring south against the wind.

 Through a few draw bridges along the way.

Now we are at anchor
 looking at the West Palm Beach skyline.

A busy harbor
 with many container ships and cruise ships 
which are able to continue on their way
 through the daily electrical storms
and wind gales.
 Not sure when we will be able to continue south.

However even adverse conditions
 have their good points.

Till next time . . .









Sunday, March 6, 2016

Finishing Projects at Sunset Bay

So many last minute projects to complete prior to sailing further south. Changing oil, reorganizing weight distribution, defrosting freezer, installing the replacement wind generator plus many more.
Number 18 has become our home for a while.

Our first week here must have been the end of the Florida winter season.    
With no heat on the boat, I did spend a few mornings wrapped in a warm blanket.

  However, all work and no play is dull, so we make sure to fit in lots of additional activities.

Long time friends of George's were in visiting locally and called.
A meeting at Mulligans for happy hour presented time for them to relive memories
 and for me to make new friends.
Then a stroll on the board walk back to the Marina
and appreciating local wild life along the way.
Back on the boat with things to do.
Planted a couple of green onions in the basil garden.
Hope they have a growing spurt as
George bought stainless, copper bottom, Revere Ware pots at the thrift store.
Oh Boy! More pans to dirty. Hurry up onions.

No time to cook, there's jewelry to create!
Shell from the Atlantic beach across from Peck Lake.
Osmina Shell in sterling.
The table has become a jewelry bench.
Fluorite cabochon in sterling.
And another day comes to a close with the blowing of the conch
signifying a beautiful sunset!

Till next time . . .