We escape the deep freeze and make it to Florida.

       January 11, 2015

        We left Ontario on January 3rd, just before the deep freeze hit much of North America. We spent two overnights and drove through torrential rainstorms, but no snow. We were lucky!
     Southern Vectis was launched the day after our arrival, and this year we had decided to have the hull and the topsides polished. Though these jobs weren't quite completed as planned, it was wonderful not to have to do the work ourselves.
     While we were making the boat ship-shape after she had sat for eight months in the extreme heat and humidity of a south Florida summer, we stayed in the Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel. Our room looked over the Ft. Pierce inlet and gave us lots of boat-watching entertainment. 
     Our Ontario friends, David and Linda, had arrived just ahead of us, and were also staying at the same hotel, as were Dick and Margaret, friends from previous years. We had a fun New Year reunion at 'Hurricane' restaurant at the mouth of the inlet.  As usual, we also checked out other neighbouring establishments such as 'Chuck's', and 'On the Edge', both on the water within walking distance of the hotel. Also we have discovered a new pizza restaurant called 'Nino's', and are planning a return visit!
    Although we still have lots to do to get the boat ready for another Bahamas adventure, but we took the day off and went to the Stuart Boat Show today. It is all about power boats of every size and description.  We were a little bit tempted, but can't admit that to our sailing friends!