Merry Christmas!

Sesame decked out for Christmas in Hancock Creek, North Ft Myers

We spent about a week on a mooring in Vero Beach, taking the free bus into town almost every day and shopping until we dropped. Then we went around and anchored in Manatee Pocket, handy to a West Marine, to take care of some minor problems with our deck wash and VHF radio. From Manatee, we headed into the North Fork of the St. Lucie River to Kitching Cove and a spot at the dock at the Tarpon Bay Yacht Club, courtesy of some old Nonsuch friends, Karl and Libby Johnson. We also shared a pizza with Peggie Dravis who lives in the same condo.

From Port St. Lucie, we headed past Stuart, and anchored in a small ditch just east of Lake Okechobee. We saw a couple of alligators swimming by, but they both disappeared as we pulled out the camera. The next day, we had a somewhat bumpy ride across the lake in a following breeze and scattered showers. We ended up anchored all alone in a pretty little canal, just east of the Ortona Lock, called "Lollipop" by the locals. The Admiral spent much of this time with a major project -- knitting grandson Michael his Christmas stocking.

The next day found us across from Ft. Myers by ourselves in Hancock Creek for a few days. Allen did some exploring up the miles and miles of canals while Judy concentrated on the stocking. We left the boat in a slip at the Ft. Myers Boat Basin and drove to Kissimmee for Christmas with Lyz, Chris, and Michael.

Our mascot Bernie, guarding the shrine to our grandsons.

A good metaphor for life in general?

Next week we're off to the west coast, perhaps as far north as Sarasota. Then we'll head south to the Keys for a while.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone!