Another Park Day!

Yesterday, Captain Man and I decided to visit another one of Florida's many parks.  We set off for Halpatiokee Regional Park and we were pleasantly surprised.   Compared to the last park here that we visited, this one is a treasure set in South Florida.  Many state it may be the best regional park in Florida, "judging strictly by its natural components".

South Fork River

This park is not only used for hiking, biking, etc., but has ball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, and even a hockey rink.  We set off on one of the trails and had a vigorous walk, that took us into some narrow, secluded areas.  The trail was well marked with information posted along the way to educate us on animal and plant species that are found in this area.  

 

Live Oaks

Compared to the other park we visited last week, this park was more alive with wildlife and plants.  The park claims you are apt to see numerous alligators during your hike, but we were not so lucky to see one this go around.  Maybe next time.  Although I did have a baby snake pass in front of me!  Nope, no pic of that, as the camera was the last thing on my mind at that time.

After the hike, Captain Man and I rode into Stuart for the weekly Farmer's Market and got fresh veggies for this week.  Also, we stopped by a French bakery vendor and picked out our lunch...a french baguette with prosciutto and brie cheese, and a croissant with almonds and cream.  We found a spot on the Stuart boardwalk facing the St. Lucie River and ate our lunch.   Yep, it was yummy.

Boat engine update:  Well... we are still at Indiantown Marina.  Captain Man is now looking at several potential options.  All of which are going to take time.  Which means our trip to the Bahamas is having to be postponed for an indefinite time.  We made up our minds, regretfully, to notify our guests who were going to visit us in the Bahamas and tell them it is a no go for now.  We HATED to do that, but as of this time, we really have no choice.  So here we sit.  We are determined to make the best of this situation and have decided this was meant to be, so we are going with it.  I plan to fly back to NC this week, to be with my brother and his family during his surgery, and to spend time with my parents.  My mom will be 82 on the 22nd! So will be there to bake her a special birthday cake!

It will all work out.  

Enjoy!

I HATE CANCER!!!

When I first started this blog, my thoughts were to chronicle some of my adventures to share with my family and friends.  I wanted it to be a pleasant way to see and hear some of what I am blessed to experience.  Today, though, this post is different.

I have never used the word "hate" very often, as I don't hate many things.  But I do hate cancer.  I hate the fear it instills in us when we hear the word, I hate the pain and suffering it bestows on a person and their loves ones, I hate knowing that it strikes young, even babies, and old alike, I hate how once you are diagnosed, it will linger in the back of your mind, even when you have been given a clean bill of health, I hate how it can strip you of your dignity and your body.  I hate that it leaves some people struggling financially just to get the help they so desperately need, and I could go on and on about how much I hate cancer.

I don't know many people that have not been touched by cancer.     For me, I have several friends who have been diagnosed, fought and won their battle with this monster, and I also have had friends  lose their battle.   My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer many years ago, and I remember well the fear I felt when my mom told me.  I remember that fear keeping its hold on me during his many trips back and forth to the doctor, hospital, and for follow ups.  I also remember the fear I saw in my dad's face and the anxiousness he had each time he went back for check ups following his surgery, and this went on for several years before he was finally considered 'cancer free'.   My beautiful aunt lost her battle with cancer a few years ago, and I remember the feeling of hopelessness as I watched my cousins sitting at her bedside. 

And now it strikes again.  I felt knocked down when I first heard, my heart broken.  My baby brother has been diagnosed and I hate cancer even more.  My gentle giant of a brother has colon cancer.  

This post is for you... Bozo.  You are strong and I believe you will win this fight.  I am praying and I know there are many others doing the same thing.  I can't imagine what you are feeling now, but just remember... God has this.  I love you and will see you soon.

Off We Go!

Well, we are still in Indiantown.  The engine is kaput.  Captain Man took it out of the boat and the repair guy said the engine was done for.  Captain Man was not happy, as when he got this boat, the previous owners stated the engine had a little more than 500 hours on it.  In terms of diesel engines, this is supposed to be very low hours.   And we found out theses engines are not being made anymore, so we have been trying to find someone that could rebuild this one.  Not easy.  Finally, our friends, Jon and Heather, suggested a guy in Vero Beach that may be able to help.  Off we go to Vero Beach!  The guy there stated it would be at least 3 weeks before he could even take a look at the engine.  I thought Captain Man would faint.  But the guy stated we should try a place in Stuart.  So off we go to Stuart!  This place may be the place!  They have the engine now, completely disassembled, in boxes and bins, and hopefully will be able to piece it back together with new parts to replace the broken ones.  We are keeping our fingers crossed, but we are in a holding pattern now.  Waiting to see...so we are taking some time to explore this area by car.

Saturday, we spent the afternoon at the Jonathan Dickerson State Park in Hobe Sound.  The park features the Loxahatchee River, mangroves & river swamps - great  for kayaking, canoeing & hiking.  While we were there, we noticed much of the area had been burned, and found out that this park practices prescribed fires.  Apparently,  biologists recognize fire as a natural part of Florida's landscape.  Fire as a natural part of the landscape?   But wildfire, specifically fire that is started naturally from lightning strikes, is an unacceptable and unsafe way of managing our natural areas, so the Florida Park Service began its prescribed burn program.

According to the experts, many species benefit from prescribed fire, some of which would not survive without it, like the state threatened gopher tortoise and federally endangered Florida scrub-jay.  Their philosophy is to manage the land according to scientifically accepted fire intervals in a given ecosystem, and wildlife and plants thrive in response.

Don't ask...

While we enjoyed our hike, I have to say this was not one of the most beautiful parks we have been in.  We did not see any wildlife, and the vegetation was scrubby.  But we are told, there are lots of alligators!  To our dismay, we did not get to see one.  Although Captain Man was looking for them.

We also ventured into the historic section of Stuart for an afternoon of walking and later had a fantastic pizza from authentic pizza restaurant.  When we went inside, Captain Man wanted the lunch portion of one slice of pizza, a salad and drink...are you kidding me?  Authentic pizza and only one slice?...that would just make me mad.  I ordered the large house special.   Had two HUGE slices, and took the rest back to the boat for dinner.   Yep, I did!

Other than that, we are just waiting, and hoping for good news with the engine.  I have started baking bread again, and tried a new bread technique and must say for a quick loaf, it was good.  We are enjoying trying new ingredients and recipes local to this area.  We have learned to shop from the local Latino grocery store for items the locals use, as it is way cheaper!   Yesterday we purchased tomatoes, cilantro, onion, and 6 chicken thighs for $3.58.  But if we want butter or cereal, better take the car to Publix, as this is pricey in the local store.

Taco salad using local ingredients

We are hearing that our family and friends back in NC are having bitter cold weather.   Hope all of you guys are staying safe and warm!!!  Be careful and we are hoping this will be it as far as the winter blast goes.   In the meantime...to all....Enjoy!

Happy New Year from Indiantown, Florida

What in the world?!?  Indiantown? We were supposed to be in the Bahamas by now.  But, things happen.  And for us...well, we have engine problems.  Captain Man and I were headed down the ICW towards the inlet last Wednesday to head out to cross the gulf, and heard a weird engine noise.  We anchored and tried to troubleshoot but the captain was unable to figure out the problem.  So, he called Towboat US and we were towed to Indiantown Marina to have a very knowledgeable mechanic take a look at it.  He is stumped...and the engine has to come out.  So here we are!

Being towed by TowBoat US

Inside the lock on the Okeechobee Waterway, lock is closing

And the other side of the lock is allowing water inside

Water filling in the lock

 

Indiantown Marina

Don't know how long this will take, as the mechanic will hopefully let us know something today.  In the meantime, we are settling in and enjoying the town. The marina has great accommodations for cruisers.  It is within short walk of the small town, so easy access for groceries, hardware, and shopping.  While we are here, we are relaxing by reading, walking, and enjoying the company of other cruisers, and we are getting some boat chores done.

A little bit of Indiantown trivia...a small town west of Stuart, Florida that was established by the Seminole people as a trading post.  It is located on the Okeechobee Waterway, and over 60% of the population is Hispanic.  Sugar cane fields surround the area, and this is harvest time.  From October thru April, sugar cane producers burn their fields to expose the sugar filled stalks to harvest.  This leaves a smell and ash in the air that the winds carry over miles.  You can see and smell it, and I am sure it is not very good for our lungs.  Each morning, we have ash on the boat.   Keeping screens in the windows, to keep ash and mosquitoes out! 

Emmie...took this for you!  Know you love trees!

Some sort of bird of prey watching us take our walk.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will be on our way soon.   In the meantime, I want to wish all a Happy New Year, filled with good health, love and peace.  Enjoy!