Down the Ditch

Traversing the ICW from Peck Lake to Palm Beach was an easy run with only a few bridges to impede our progress. We left Peck Lake about 9:30 AM and headed south. Along the way are several interesting features. Hobe Sound boasts turquoise water and tree lined shores. The Jupiter Inlet framed by two opening bridges is the site of the Jupiter Lighthouse a classic red and black cylindrical stone structure that marks the inlet. Closer to Palm Beach, the waterway narrows and each shore is lined with the palatial homes of the wealthy residents of Jupiter, Juno Beach and North Palm Beach. Three of the seven bridges are "on demand" while the rest are on timed openings. As we motored, we cleaned up the cabin, charged batteries and enjoyed lunch al frescoe in the cockpit. We passed the last bridge at 2:30 and stopped to top off our diesel tank. (A mere $18.00 did the trick!)

For now we are anchored in North Lake Worth surrounded by marinas, high rises and more homes of the rich and famous. It was right here about three years ago that a small whale paid us a visit. No doubt a once in a lifetime event! We are hoping for an opportunity to cross the Gulf Stream on Friday night, but, of course, the weather will make the final call.

Slowing Down

It's been a busy three weeks since the crew of Nimue left Plattsburgh on January 7th. Not only have we been provisioning and preparing the boat for launching, we have also been doing our part to fight off the recession. Two weeks ago we attended an RV show in Port St. Lucie where we fell in love with a 2003 Winnebago Adventurer 35 motorhome. After looking at a few other models, we decided that it had exactly what we were looking for in our next coach. So we traded in our faithful 94 Flair and are now proud Winnie owners. Of course, we had to try out our new ride after we moved in. We took a little time off boat chores to visit my Aunt in Naples. As always, my aunt and I had fun together and Peter enjoyed a few days to get used to the systems on our new coach. On our way home from Naples we stopped at a camping world to get a cover fort our new rig and treated ourselves to new folding bikes. Back at the marina we sold our trusty "clown bikes" to two of the marina workers who were happy to get a good deal. Last Tuesday our boat hit the water and we finished moving onto the boat. Two moves in two weeks!
Meanwhile Sonnet made two trips to the vet. She is now on a special kidney diet. She has sparkling clean teeth and soft fluffy paws. Along with her teeth cleaning and blood work she got a complimentary claw trim.
We are now in Stuart, slowing down the pace and the spending. For the next few months economic progress will have happen without us. We plan to go back to the Abacos and may even have a crossing window this weekend.