Let's go to Fort Pierce for:
A Wedding and a Wake.
Madison's Wedding
Billy's Wake
__________
I have countless fond memories from my time living in Fort Pierce, FL. I was living on my sailboat at the time, so everything was twisted and weird in a waterlogged sort of way! I spent the Hurricane Seasons in Ft Pierce and then sailed abroad during the other six months of the year. This was from the spring of 2018 till summer of 2021 when I finally sailed away leaving the Fort behind. This visit was my first time back in town and it was amazing to see everyone's extreme surprise to see me. All my old friends literally had their mouths open, jaw dropping in either horror or delight at spotting me. I even stopped by the old city marina to haunt the old digs and to hug Anne. (I even hugged Dean, the manager.)
Marina 'Boss' Anne.
But I'm getting ahead of the story. Turns out there was a Pre-party Party at Pierced Cider before any of the other festivities happened. Friday at 5pm was the Pre-wedding Party Party. I had stumbled across Pierced Cider back early in my first year at the marina. I used to ride my bicycle all over town for exercise and low and behold Pierced sits just a couple of blocks from the marina. It was a match made in heaven! Happy Hour 3p-6p w/ half off.
The Events of the Weekend:
Pat and Madison, the couple, at the Preparty.
The Cider! (that's what's up)
Madison in her Grandmothers wedding dress, pearls, and shoes.
a great time was had by all.
Fast Forward to Saturday and the Wedding.
The Beach Wedding. Sunny with a nice breeze off the water, Ahhhhh.
Their very loved dog July, got a place of honor. (and carried)
Grandmother watching two beauties.
The little one makes a break for the water...
Captured and returned to mom!
The Wedding After-Party at the yacht club:
Finally Sunday and the Wake for Billy.
Billy was a regular fixture at Pierced Cider. 99% of the time I visited, Billy was sitting outside the front door. Only when the weather was unbearable with rain, heat, or cold did Billy go inside the bar. Maybe 5 times a year? Most days Billy just sat outside welcoming people. He was universally known, if not loved, and is missed by all who knew him.
Billy drank Budweiser, but John the owner of Pierced had it poured into a cider glass.
The Cider on tap and Mike working
Pierced Cider. Left side Bar, Right side factory.
--**Commercial Break**--
This is off subject, but any trip to the Fort requires
a stop at the incredible Super Taqueria!
I stopped for a taco when I arrived Friday afternoon and the same little guy was working the grill. I used to lock my bike to the pole at his shade area. Anyway, he was there Friday and I went over to say hi. I asked him, "do you remember me?" He gives me a 'are you crazy look.' "Yes, you are the guy who always rode his bike." I used to get 2 tacos - pork, $1 worth of rice and a coke. Sometimes a Gordita or a single rib added in for a treat. It was ALWAYS incredible. (it still was Friday)
The Wake was also about Pierced Cider,
but I hurt for the loss of Billy.
Savannah, Joanna, Skip, Chelsea, Hanna. circa 2018
Yes, it's Madison, the Bride circa 2018.
Maddie the bar wench (and my girl)
Joanna and Hanna, two old barmaids.
Peach Habanero Cider
Chelsea, maker and John, owner
Bar Mgr. Will
Bartender Braden
Beautiful barmaid Tatum. (me left, Taterhead right)
Tater with a beer bucket
Chelsea the cider maker and Tony a bartender (probably talking tariffs)
a Flight with all the cider taps
Me and Tatum snuggling
Joanna and Todd her husband
Bartender Sherry with Billy's Birthday Cake
Skip, Ken, John, Billy
Chelsea at work
Orange Cider
Billy in his chair with Mrs. Claus
A band playing out back at Pierced.
Sydney at work
Sydney at play
Snowbirds; Sharon and Dave
Brooks & Chelsea, Hanna, Joanna and I at my sailboat.
Hannah with Obie
Tatum with Pup
Nigel at work
Cheryl drinking
Kae working
Cam and Robin Prock visit Pierced from Arkansas
I like living over on the West Coast now, but I L.O.V.E. all my dear friends at Pierced.
I'm so very thankful for all the great times we shared.
Ex Pirate, Skip
Friends over for a Cocktail Hour on Prodigal.
L-R: skip, terri, hannah, adam, zane, tatum, chelsea, brooks.
What you remember about the boat
What you forget
