Lady Royal: March 23

On March 23, we arrived at Leeward Yacht Club on Green Turtle Cay and met at the pool for a cocktail, sunset, and to listen to Bruce blow his conch, which was something we looked forward to every evening we spent together. We were with Pam and Bob (Mint Julep), Chris and Bruce (Bade Boomer) and Sandy and Bru (Coconuts). All of us, along with another couple, jumped in dingys to cross the Black Sound and have dinner at Blue Bee which served an amazing lobster special. We stayed at Leeward for a few days before heading back to West End, via an evening of anchoring at Great Sale Cay, where the “A Team” got together for its final few days, waiting for a weather window to cross back to the United States.

Bru, Bruce, Rob, Bob, Pam, Sandy and Chris
(The "L" that Bruce is holding up stands for Loopers!)

Dingy ride to Blue Bee

Rafting at Great Sale Cay (Lady Royal rafted with Mint Julep and Bade Boomer)

Sunset at Great Sale Cay

On March 26, we arrived at West End, spent time at the beach, snorkled, and had our final few dinners before leaving. We watched the weather closely, knowing that it was possible to cross on a perfect day if we had patience. Unfortunately, we didn't, and the last two hours of our ride were like a thriller ride at Cedar Point. As soon as the flag started blowing to the left, we knew that the wind was blowing from the north – the ultimate no-no. We could see land clearly, but when traveling less than 10 mph, it takes a long time to get there! Once entering the channel, stress levels were high and we chose to stay at Lake Worth's Riviera Beach Marina. It was hot and we were tired and sweating. We docked Lady Royal, bow first, tied six lines, and looked at each other without saying a word. We both knew that the docks were too short to get off the boat and we would have to untie, pull out, and back in stern first. Once gathering the energy, we did what had to be done and met Jerry and Carolyn for dinner at the tiki hut.

Kathy, Chris and Bruce at West End

Richard and Rob at West End

Kathy won the Left-Right-Center jackpot!

The calm before the storm – West End

Carolyn, Jerry, Kathy, Deb, Rob, Richard, Tom, Jill, Lind
a, Richard, Joey and Rhonda before dinner at Ella's

Sunrise as we crossed back to the United States.
West End in the background with a wave good bye from our Bahamian flag

Once again, the winds picked up and it was too rough to travel, so we rented a car and spent a few days in Fort Lauderdale. We had dinner with Hallie and Steve, lunch with Sondra and Wilkie, dinner with Louis and Louise (General Delivery) and brunch with cousin Bruce and Aunt Pearl. After a few days off the boat, we were ready to start traveling again and went to Stuart, a quaint town that we had visited when crossing the Okeechobee.

Deb, Bruce and Aunt Pearl... my 94 year old aunt!

Lighthouse on the Intra Coastal Waterway (ICW)

Tiger Woods' Jupiter Beach home... blocked with full-grown trees!
(Thanks go to Rick, Tom's friend, for identifying)

Greg Norman's Jupiter Beach home
(Thanks go to Rick, Tom's friend, for identifying)

We had dinner at Duffy's with Rhonda and Joey (Rho-Jo), Linda and Tom (Q's End) and their friends, Rick and Lynn. Since a storm was blowing through the next day, we stayed an extra day and Rhonda and I went shopping and had lunch, waiting for the storm to blow through.

Jellyfish by Lady Royal just before departing Stuart

We left Stuart on April 5, heading north. After traveling more than 50 miles, we stopped at Jones Fruit Dock just north of Vero Beach. Mr. Jones was a staple in the area. He welcomed transient boaters for $10 per night, and all he wanted in return was conversation and to exchange stories. Everyone knew about his dock which was painted in bold, abstract designs. Unfortunately, Mr. Jones passed recently passed away at 92 years of age. Although we knew he had passed since it was broadcast on the loopers website, we saw someone on the dock and asked if we could tie up for the night. We were told that the property was sold to the county, and were welcomed for the new fee of $20 (no water or electric). After hearing tales about visits with Mr. Jones, it felt quiet there without him. Along with Rhonda and Joey, we walked to Vero Beach before having an excellent pasta dinner that Rhonda had prepared. This was a great stop. It had the ambiance of anchoring, without the stress of wondering if the anchor would drag, which is the perfect combination!

ICW just before Vero Beach

Rhonda and Joey at Vero Beach

Jones Fruit Dock

Snake while walking back from Vero Beach

Sunset at Vero Beach

After spending one night at Jones Fruit Dock, we spent a few days in Titusville. We had a nice dinner with Jill and Richard (Finally), their friends Chuck and June, and Rhonda and Joey (Rho-Jo); went to the Kennedy Space Center with Cris and Bruce (Bade Boomer); and went on an airboat ride and out to dinner with Linda and Tom (Q's End).

The Kennedy Space Center was great. It's a must-do event for anyone coming to the area. There is a lot to see and do including a shuttle take-off simulation, 3D movies, touring an expired rocket, seeing an actual moon rock, visiting the rocket garden and so much more. The airboat ride was also a lot of fun. Captain Wayne took us up and down the St. John canals to see wildlife, nature and many alligators. Unfortunately, none of the hundreds we saw were sun bathing. With record heat today, we hope there's a breeze tomorrow as we travel to Daytona!