We sat still today in Hooker Cove and enjoyed a Sunday, day of rest, Valentine’s Day. Being “stranded” on the water, there was no access to chocolates, flowers, champagne, and expensive dinners. We suffered through the gorgeous day, anticipating the delivery of our boat to the yard tomorrow morning for necessary maintenance.
The calm, quiet waters of Hooker Cove gave us a peaceful sunset.
Day 9—February 15
Our ride to the boat yard this morning was just over 3 miles. We have heard positive comments about A & J Boat Yard, so we are hopeful all will go as planned and we will be on our way south again on Friday.
Our haul-out time was scheduled for 9 am. I called at 8:40 and they said they would call me when it was my turn. I was just outside the basin of the yard, watching the travel-lift operator get into position when at 8:59, he gave me the hand signal to come on in. We literally were in the slings at 9:10. So far, so good. We unloaded all our baggage on the dock and got out of the way while they lifted the boat from the water.
Haul out went smoothly.
While we were getting things straight with the boat yard, we met a local couple having work done on their new “to them” boat. They offered us a ride to the hotel which we accepted without hesitation. Having done this boat traveling thing for a couple years, and being a harbor host now in Savannah, I have learned that boat people just like to do those kinds of thing for other boaters. Whether on the giving end or the receiving end, I find great pleasure in meeting folks in this environment. We may never see Rich and Eileen again, but we were appreciative of their kindness.
We checked into the Old Colorado Inn in downtown Stuart and began our planned week of exploring and doing what I enjoy the most, shopping.