Such a lot has happened since I last wrote....our epic voyage has come to an end (until next time, that is!)....and we have returned to a startlingly warm Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL). As I write this the temperature in NOTL is a muggy 29C, and Bill and I are wearing the shorts and T-shirts we thought we would wash and put away for at least a few weeks!
Back to our trip....We had a wonderful time with Fruji and John at Harbour Ridge Golf and Country Club. We celebrated John's birthday in style, did not disgrace ourselves on the golf course, and enjoyed two nights in a real, static, windproof bed!!
After two relaxing days, we set off to travel up the ICW to our final destination - Fort Pierce. We knew that Carole and Bob on 'Sea Change' had returned from their trip home the previous day, and that they would probably be moving north from Lake Worth soon, but we were surprised to hear them requesting a bridge opening not too far south. They had also heard us requesting a bridge opening and we spoke on the VHF radio. Little did we know how close we were! As we left the St. Lucie River to join the ICW once more, the first boat we saw coming up behind us was 'Sea Change'!
So we journeyed together on to Fort Pierce where we took a slip at the Harbortown Marina, and 'Sea Change' anchored off because they were anxious to leave early the next day. We also met up with Mike, on 'Norma Fay'. We had last seen him at the 'Orchid Bay Marina' at Great Guana Cay in the Abacos. That night we all had an Italian dinner at a great nearby restaurant recommended by Bob and Carole.
For the next four days we organized the haul-out and any repairs that needed to be done to 'Southern Vectis' over the summer. We changed our mind about hauling her out at Fort Pierce's 'Riverside Marina' and decided to haul her out at Harbortown as the boats are strapped down (hurricane-proofed!?), and all the marine services are on site in this well-organized boatyard. 'Southern Vectis' came out on Tuesday - we spent a couple of nights in a nearby hotel and then, after dropping in on Fraser and Edi, Southern Vectis' babysitters of last summer, we returned via US Air to Buffalo to be met late at night by our dear Louisa. We got lost in Buffalo....we always do! It's lovely to be home and to see Louisa, Steve, Leo, Orson and Simon.....not to mention Brandy our cat! But we haven't forgotten 'Southern Vectis' and our many promises made along the way to all those friendly cruising mates....."same time next year!" Watch this space!
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