Pain for Beauty

Florida can't help the fact that it's not the Bahamas.  We're trying hard not to resent it for that.  Trying hard not to resent the murky water and mucky bottom of the ICW.  The cold north wind in our face, and the rain.  Trying not to resent the garbage strewn shoreline and the stink.  And the people who have way more than they could possibly ever need but are still not happy enough to smile, wave, or say hello.  This place that was so exciting to us 3 months ago seems dreary and bleak.

FLORIDA! (I so wanted to tie up to this dock and trespass all over the place) 

Riley says it all

Who can be sad for long with this kid around?

Oh, muck.

We stayed at Harborview Marina in Ft. Pierce for a couple of days for provisioning and repairs...

Both of Kiawah's dodger windows had been blown out by flapping jib sheets.

Taping up the torn icing glass so a template can be made at the canvas shop

Ta-da!  New windows.  Just in time for rain.

There are certainly things that are softening the blow;  Roseate spoonbills flying like a flash of sunset in the grey sky, manatees, bottle nose dolphin (who are always happy, like the chickadees back home), and our beloved pelicans. There are avocados, yogurt, and West Marine stores.  Yup, Florida has its advantages. 

Pelicans and Cracker Boy Boatworks.  Where it all started.

"Hey, what can I say?"

Still trying to use up that ballyhoo! (which was really starting to stink)

This beautiful little shark thought it was yummy (released unharmed!)

Each day gets a little easier as we re-acclimate and re-adjust.  We are ticking off the miles on the ICW one draw bridge at a time.  Keeping an eye on the weather so we can sail "outside" if an opportunity presents itself.  Each night we check off our daily progress on a KOA "Kampground" map we found in the RV on our way down.  Maine is approximately 1,800 miles from Fort Pierce.  160 miles down, 1,640 left to go.  But who's counting?

The real reason kids kan't spell

It's a little unnerving when only half of the bridge goes up

I just laughed out loud as I re-read what I wrote.   Imagining all of you winter scarred people back home trying to muster up sympathy for the poor traveler who just spent the last 2+ months in the Bahamas and is now complaining about Florida.

Oh, and did I mention?  My tan is fading.