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 . . .