While the rest of the country is gripped by bitter cold, Nico and I are back in Florida, waiting for a weather window to cross to the Bahamas. I didn't realize it would be such a challenge! The Gulf Stream runs north with a current of about 2.5 knots, sometimes more. If the wind is blowing from the North, then the current flowing against it develops lumpy, big waves. I remember crossing from Bermuda over thirty years ago, clipped to the rail, being terribly seasick. So this time we are waiting for more favorable conditions but the weather has been mostly brisk northerly winds with quite a bit of rain. However, we had a delightful time in Vero Beach, staying with Melanie Snowberger, Willie's girlfriend, visiting with Nico's brother Philip, and getting the boat ready. Willie was out at sea. Now we are anchored by Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge which has a short walk to miles of unspoiled beach. It's a favorite spot for seabirds and turtles. Humans have to get here by boat and they regularly close the beach during nesting times which helps keep it a refuge.
Home for the holidays
Willie and Melanie
Bon Voyage Dinner
Touching up the bottom paint before going back in the water at Ft. Pierce.
Rafting up in the popular Vero Beach Marina
On the "road" again along the ICW
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Driftwood on the beach
The other side of the beach where we anchored
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