Still in Vero

Apparently Vero Beach is really made of velcro because as of December 20, we are STILL here.   We were planning to leave with Tootsie, headed to the Abacos on December 16th.   Joe was doing some pre-departure engine checks on Thursday the 15th and long story short, discovered a crack in the thermostat housing which was leaking coolant.   Since we knew we would be motoring or motor-sailing across the Gulf Stream, it is very important to have a properly cooled engine.   Not to mention it is much more difficult to get boat parts in the Bahamas and there is a pesky 40% duty on many of the parts.  So, we had the part shipped overnight to Vero and Joe installed it the next day.   But in the meantime, the weather window we had been waiting for was gone.   We needed at least 24 hours of good weather to cross (and we really wanted at least 48 hours of clear weather) and the wind predictions after Saturday were between 20-30 and not from a favorable direction.   Tootsie didn't make the crossing either so we are both still in Vero and depending on weather may be here until Christmas.   There is still a slight chance for a crossing window on Friday/Saturday which would get us to Green Turtle Cay by Christmas.   That would mean re-stowing the solar Christmas lights and decorations for the crossing.  Actually, we have made lots of friends here and love the place but we don't usually stay in any one place this long (going on 3 weeks now!).   Short Walk likes to move when cruising.  Joe would tell you I get cranky after 2 weeks in one place.   Maybe I'll drag him to the Art Museum to get even for that remark.

Merry Christmas to you all!  

Short Walk and Tootsie moored together in Vero Beach

Sunset on the bridge behind our moored boats

View from underneath the bridge into Vero Beach

View from top of Bridge looking south on the ICW

Kites flying in park near the marina

Pelican under the bridge

Egret in park

Kingfisher in park