After my last post, I got several very direct and well deserved comments. Thank you Toni, Beth and the rest for basically telling me to Quityerbitchin ! Yes our plans have been altered by the weather, but not our spirit.  We have had the privilege of enjoying almost another full week here in the Palm Beach area.

Typical Florida Pine scrub sand hills

On Veterans Day we rented a car and drove just 12 miles to enjoy the Jonathan Dickinson State Park, where entry was free due to the holiday. Thank you again Ben and all other Veterans!

Looks like Florida has as much trouble controlling their feral hog population as does South Carolina.

First we hiked the scrub pine trail, and were alerted by the high shrill calling  of an osprey to look up. We saw a mother with chicks in the nest , and Dad just coming home carrying a lunchtime fish in his talons.

Next we rented kayaks and paddled the Loxahatchee River and Kitching Creek.

kayaking on the Loxahachee River

This is a pristine mangrove swamp. There were many varieties of ferns, and flowers along the way as well as a few impressive moss draped cypress tress. Unfortunately most of the grand Cypress had been cut down in the 40’s. We didn’t happen to see any alligators, though we are sure they saw us. We did spy a few turtles sunning themselves, and enjoyed the quiet paddle quite undisturbed as there were only a few  other boaters out that early.

Turtle enjoying the sun

Having been here as long as we have, we’ve had the good fortune to stumble upon a ffavorite local dining spot. The Cod and Capers seafood Market also serves lunch and dinner.

Best selection I’ve ever seen of all varieties of fresh seafood.

Menu selection is made from the bountiful fresh seafood that they have for sale. Wednesday night is Stone Crab night, when you can dine in and enjoy sweet fresh stone crab claws, for the same price as the carry out seafood market. They are pre-cracked and can be ordered with a side of sautéed veggies, cole slaw and of course your favorite cold beer or chilled wine.

Game over ! DELICIOUS,

Sweet Stonies!
Sweet Stonies!
All this good eating while listening to island steel drum music!

Stay tuned, we just got an updated forecast that our weather window may be closing!

There go our friends Uli and Lita, originally from Denmark, with whom we had planned to cross over tomorrow. Unfortunatly they discovered a small leak at a keel bolt, so they are taking their boat to be hauled out for repairs. They will be detained at least a day or two, at worst a week or so, if they miss this weather window. Hopefully we will cross paths with them again over in the Abocos! Fair Winds and Following Seas to Ulita! See you soon!

We are leaving the marina in a few minutes to go anchor out just inside the inlet to be ready for a very early departure! Keep your fingers crossed!