Ahoy, we’re still here! It’s been about 11 weeks since I last wrote because we haven’t done much “boating.” My last post was from St. Augustine where we had a difficult two days but followed up with a lovely cruise down the ICW to Stuart. We stopped for two nights at Cocoa Village where we hit the town for a much needed hair cut for Scott, lunch, dinner, and a beer at a local brewery, all while anchored at a roomy anchorage. Scott’s eyeballs were popping out as we perused the extensive collection of tools at Travis Hardware. This store is rather famous among boaters. Let me assure you, if you can’t find it there then you don’t really need it! Another day we hit the dolphin jackpot and saw more dolphins than we normally see in a year-totally exciting!
Once we hunkered down in our slip we have basically just worked and worked and worked. We did see a few friends until Omicron hit and then we flew out for our round of family visits. We spent a total of 3 weeks including 4 flights, stays in 7 different locations, and a 1242 mile drive. We had excellent visits with our loved ones in North Carolina, Seattle, St. Louis, Republic, (MO) and Valdosta (GA)!
On January 3 after a delightful 85* sunny day on the ICW heading north to Fort Pierce we hauled out for our 2000 hour stabilizer and bow thruster service and a bottom paint at Cracker Boy Boat Yard. We are thankful for our boat angels, Steve and Sandy, for allowing us to enjoy their company and lovely home for 5 nights. After the week “on the hard” our girl rode smooth and her bottom will looked shiny and blue! Back in our slip at Harborage Yacht Club Marina our girl has had the small amount of teak on the aft deck cap rail refinished, a thorough cleaning and polishing, a serviced davit, a new fire suppression system, and the dinghy cushions have been replaced. Shout outs to Angel, Dockside Detailing, Marquipt, PYE Barker, GG Canvas and Sails, and Dave Arnold. Now she, and I, are ready to go!
Our time in Stuart is dictated by boat projects but we managed to squeeze in some pickleball, a couple of hikes, and a collection of food for the Treasure Coast Food Bank. This was done as part of the new Krogen Cruiser Care program in honor of the National Day of Service on January 17.
I have shopped and shopped, filling every nook and cranny with food and necessities for 4+ months. We are anxious to sail away to the carefree life on the beaches in the Bahamas WITHOUT OUR MASKS! We are targeting late January for a crossing and I am counting down the days. Scott works so hard getting everything prepped so we can relax, play, and enjoy our time in the islands. Rules and regulations for travel to the Bahamas is fluid but currently we are required to arrive within 3 days of taking a negative PCR test. This could be tricky and will require some serious weather forecasting and planning. Bahamas blues, here we come!
Scott and Melissa's "Unforgettable" Adventures 
Good morning Melissa and Scott you’re adventurous as always sound amazing! Love all the pictures of your grands they are very sweet! Your boat looks beautiful with the new blue bottom! Enjoy your travels to the Bahamas. We are enjoying our winter here in Florida always lots to do with Yoga and Zumba, boating and kayaking, biking and swimming. Maurice is working on his old Harley hummers getting them restored they are looking amazing! And I am learning how to paint … Missing our kids and grandkids is travelling has been difficult and none of them have been able to come this winter! Thinking of you often sending hugs and love Barb and Maurice
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It would be so fun to do Zumba and fish with you again!!!!
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