“I hate reality”, so said the beautiful Vicky Lynn (this in response to a sewing project that is not cooperating). The world is what we make of it, friend; so said Linda Hunt. It’s been three months since our arrival in Stuart, Fl and although we have set about fixin’ stuff and stuffin’ ourselves it is high time we took to the seas once again. Of course Mother Nature has a different reality in store for us. So, while we were stowed and ready to roll come Thursday, October 14, 2010 the weather window was not so reassuring. Although there was a forecast for an early morning NW wind swinging to the S in the afternoon and then back to WNW in the evening, the forecast for Wednesday the 13th and Friday the 15th (missed it by two days) are for NORTH to NORTHEAST winds.

For those uninitiated to the Gulf Stream let me digress. The Gulf Stream is for lack of a better term a current which runs from South to North, through the Straits of Florida up the East Coast of the U.S. then somewhere up around Nova Scotia it hangs a right and heads out into the Atlantic, bringing warm waters to the chilly North Atlantic (more or less, how’s that for nautical). Anyway, this current which can be anywhere’s from right off the coast of Florida to 10 to 20 nm off and right up to the Bahamian Bank moves at approximately 2-4kts (+/-), sometimes less sometimes more. So if you were to head due east out of Miami, that is 90* on a compass heading, you would not necessarily arrive due east as the Gulf Stream would push you to the north. OK?!

Now, let us introduce wind and waves. If the wind is coming from the south to west then it is more or less in sync with the Gulf Stream. If it is coming from the east then it is still more or less in sync with the Gulf Stream, however, if one is trying to head east (as we are) then it makes for a difficult passage. If, however, the wind is coming from the NORTH, then the wind is not in sync with the Stream (we’re close so I can call her “Stream”). With a current heading south to north and winds heading north to south something has got to give and it is usually a tiny little boat that has decided it’s a nice sunny day lets go to the Bahamas!

Just to keep things interesting there are also waves. Generally pushed by the wind, hence coming from more or less the same direction, not so with the Stream (close, remember). The forecast for the next several days has the Stream ( :} ) at roughly 2kts, the winds N-NE and the set of the waves ENE. Essentially this means that for the cork in the water (Vicky, Ed, Mija & Chula aboard Boto) which wishes to move east, the stream will push us to the north at 2kts, while the winds will beat us to the south at 5-15kts and the waves will pummel us to the west at whatever speed they pummel at when they are tiny waves (4-5ft at 5 sec.). Hey, I forgot, did anyone wish to join us?

Well, it’s truly not that big a deal but it can be. The weather window for Thursday the 14th was a very narrow one and while we could make it over to the Abacos without issue why piss off Mother Nature and Poseidon by dissin’ their warnings. Sidebar, while TV normally rots the human brain, every now and again something useful comes from it, i.e. the commercials for ????? It’s not nice to fool with Mother Nature (I’m sure that if the sensors’ would have allowed it the Ad would have read, “Don’t’ PISS off Mother Nature, she takes no Prisoners, or something to that effect). Wow, so much for a brief homely. While we wait for weather and torture the dogs let us tell you about Stuart, Fl.

Located several miles up the St. Lucie River from the inlet of the same name a picture of the town should accompany the word “quaint” in Websters. All along the coastal boundaries of the U.S. there exist towns which retain that “feel”, the warmth and hospitality that we all remember from days gone by, or at the very least from the ending of “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Anyway, after passing two fixed bridges, one railroad drawbridge and finally a highway drawbridge one arrives (at least via water, some may wish to take the land route) in the town of Stuart. For us, we landed at the Sunset Bay Marina along the east side of the river. For those travelling through this area via the water looking for a place to rest up, there is no finer. Ask for Sam, but don’t mention me, mention Chula. They have a special relationship, as Chula repeatedly punches Sam in the groin and he simply smiles (weird, huh). I digress.

We arrived in Stuart the beginning of August, in time for the heat and for the afternoon thunderstorms (which accompany the afternoon happy hours). The decision to take a slip versus a mooring was a no-brainer as the slip allowed for AC! Slips are priced on a per foot basis so prices vary but they are reasonable. The moorings go for about $10/day. We are told that come November the moorings fill up with the migration south, so if you wish to take a mooring make a reservation, you will not be disappointed.

Boaters breakfast- Sunset Bay Marina.

Upon our arrival we were greeted by our friends John & Peggy of S/V LVD. They live in Stuart year round and regularly sail the Bahamas. That first evening was great. HOT showers on shore, lots of HOT water! We then had dinner at Sailors Return, which is on the grounds of the marina. The food is wonderful and the staff is great, we have since dined there on several occasions. Oh, did I mention our arrival included unlimited HOT SHOWERS! Just wanted to check.

That's John and Peggy to the right (the tall good looking one and the mug with the beard) We managed to join them for a Dominican feast on Labor Day at her sister-in-laws house. Good home cooked meals. YUM.

Well that was over three months ago, since then we have as mentioned earlier made numerous repairs and fixis’ (that’s southern sailor talk).

We’ve takin’ in the Treasure Coast Pirate Festival as well as the Stuart “Dancing in the Streets”

concerts. The location just can’t be beat. For anyone heading in this direction here is a list of businesses within walking, biking or short car ride of Stuart (Sunset Bay Marina provides a free, yup, shuttle Wed and Sat for many of these):
Publix (grocery), Winn-Dixie (ditto), West Marine (duh), Copelands Chandlery, ACE Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, Mack Sails, MarineMax, Whiticar Boatworks (there are a number of boat yards in the area, duh) WalMart, Harbor Freight (I have never before been there, but am now a worshiper), the list goes on and on. In short if you are heading south and need a rest or north or east or west (although the east part would be difficult in a boat and the west part kinda dictates that you are already here, anyway) Stuart is a great place to stop over and spend some time.

In short Stuart offers much of what the itinerant sailor needs and or wants. For those taking a road trip the same applies. So swing on through and say hi. You're bound to make some new friends and perhaps catch up with some old ones.

That's us on board "Eclipse" with the Huffords, they are on their way around the world, we should cathc up with them down south somewhere.

Peggy and John on the left, look closely at his beer holder (aka, Cheap Date).

We are currently, 11/8/10 anchored off Treasure Cay, Abaco. Hurricane Tomas has disappated and moved out into the Atlantic. The winter cold fronts are moving in giving us chilly nights (65) and blustery days. Stay tuned.

CLYDE