Stuart, Fl.
                                                       

 
     After crossing lake Okeeochobee we stayed at Sunset Marina in Stuart.  We're almost across Florida - 4 miles from the intercoastal waterway on the Atlantic.  We stayed one night in a slip and 2 nights on a mooring ball. Lots of our looper friends recommended staying here (many stay here all winter), and we can see why.  It's a  cute town, lots of shops and restaurants all within walking distance of the marina.  The marina  provides free bikes to use and a free shuttle to Walmart, Home Depot and West Marine.  Where else would you need to go? 
                                                      

     I forgot what it was like to be anchored out- I've been off the boat 7 months!!   No power which means no lights, TV, refrigeration. We have a generator but you can't run the generator  the whole time, and running things on the boat battery too long isn't smart. My frozen food all thawed out and the refrigerator drained on the floor. You can keep food cold in the freezer or ice chest for awhile, but not frozen!  So much for the big Walmart trips and stocking up for the Bahamas.    Have to try dry ice next - and  buy  food that doesn't need refrigeration! Also, you have to use the inflatable to get to shore - which definitely limits those shore trips.   It's alot more peaceful anchored out than at the dock- no dock drama!           

                               train that runs across the river at Stuart             

 The marina building in the background- this place is nice, people come and don't leave!

                                                    

sailfish fountain in the middle of town

Stuart  - sailfish capital of the world