Leaving the Bahamas 8pm
Sunset in the Atlantic
Sunrise
Arriving Ft. Pierce inlet
It was a beautiful starry night and smooth crossing, till we got here. We made a VERY rough landing at the City Marina. Yikes, WOW and ouch... By way of another Christmas Miracle nothing and nobody was damaged or injured. But only just barely. (I am unclear how long one can use the "new guy" card? But my fear is that I'm pushing my luck) There is a massive tide, surge, and current through the marina. I didn't take this into account or even consider it. I wont make THAT mistake again! The Indian River runs through here, plus the inlet causes massive tides. My spectacular timing allowed me to crash at exactly the height of the current. I use the expression crash because i crashed - sideways - into the massive fiberglass dock poles. I was less than a foot both fore and aft from hitting either bow on the boats beside me. But like any great parallel parker, i wedged myself in perfectly. My bowels were clenched tight as i hit forward and then reverse to keep Prodigal from slamming either boat. But the current was in total control, not me! We quickly tied up to the poles, dock and held lines for about 90 minutes till slack tide and then when the current turned she gently pushed us back off the poles and we were able to have a do over. The second try was easy and without incident. (i need about 85 of the minutes to gather my wits as i was scared to death on the first attempt) No Scratch, No Wreck, No Foul.
The River runs through it
Current flowing around a pole
Imagine me sideways blocking this view
River entrance to the marina
We met John Brandon. <-Link.
Famous Florida Treasure Hunter. Our first night ashore.
After my hair raising sideways arrival and the drain from having all my adrenaline seep away Rick and I decided to enjoy a dinner ashore at the marina Tiki Bar Restaurant. Our little table for 4 was centrally located in the room with no great views, but lots of shade and quiet. Then slowly the table behind us kept growing till they borrowed two of our chairs. Then they had more people join them and i was sitting darn near hip to hip with their table guests. It was like they 'annexed us' into their orbit. We got invited into their conversation and celebration. Turns out they had found 2 rare coins from the 1700's minted in Peru. (they showed me photos of them) These were valued at about $8,000 each. But it's not the money, it's the excitement of discovery. (this is known as Florida's Treasure Coast because of all the shipwrecks and treasure that sometimes washes up on shore) It turns out the long haired guy in sunglasses found the coins and told us all about it. John Brandon has been a treasure hunter since he was 16 and used to work for Mel Fisher. *(click on his name below to read more at the link.)
- Rental storage / sails and decks of Jerries. Thursday Rick and I worked on clearing the decks of 'stuff' and taking down the sails to prepare Prodigal for Hurricane Season. I rented a tiny storage unit and am getting hurricane ready.
- Weighing in at 199 pounds. I had not stepped onto a scale since leaving Stuart in February and was curious what i might weigh now. I was a solid 206 back in February and a massive 227 when i left Texas back in 2016. Well I have now lowered myself to 199lbs. Broke the 200 barrier. I NEED more Pie!
- 330A and cousin Rick needs a ride to the airport. Friday cousin Rick flew back to Tyler Texas and left me to a very quiet boat. I'm still working on Hurricane preparedness but much slower without his help. Thanks again Rick for all your help in the crossing.
- Now Saturday? (im in the city library) just across the street from the marina. But i cant get a library card till Monday when i have my paperwork finalized.
Key Lime Pie
Sushi
Farmers Market - marina in background
Marina view taken from library
Peacocks on my ride to the Post Office
Underpass Art. 'Ft Pierce the Sunrise City.'
