Stuart

We finally made our planned arrival in Stuart.  The mooring field is popular and we were lucky to snag a ball in the area reserved for boats our length.  It is not as convenient as a slip but 1/3 the price so we will take the trade off.  We have access to loaner bikes, nice shower/rest rooms and easy access to the city.  All nice things.  As everywhere, it's fun to look at other boats and talk with other folks about their trips.  We met another 424 owner from Connecticut whose boat is a few years younger than ours.  It was interesting to note the differences in the year models.  Subtle things, not like the difference in tail fins from a 56 Chevy to a 57 just different.  We took the loaner bikes around town to save having to load ours into the dingy, take them to shore then bring them back when we leave.  Stuart is a nice little town to visit.

This is the cross waterway where the St. Lucie River part of the ICW  heads
off to Lake Okeechobee from the regular North to South section.  We plan to cross the lake.

The St. Lucie Inlet.  Sadly, it's too shallow for us to enter directly
from the Bahamas.  It would cut about 40 miles off the trip.

Just before the mooring field is a set of 3 bridges.  That blue line in the
back is another draw bridge.  Lucky for us the railroad bridge didn't have a
train.  If there isn't one running, it remains open.  We have been stuck waiting
for both to open on our previous tirp.

The new bridge is nice and tall so we easily fit under.  Always interesting
to see the underside.  This is same Highway 1 that goes to Key West.

Nice sign to let you know either where your leaving or headed into.

Very nice marina if you want a place to visit!

We are way out in the south field but glad to be here.

Sunset over the marina from the porch.

Pirates in the sunset.

The marina loaner bikes.   We both kept trying to shift gears and
use the brakes on the handlebars.  Not planning to replace ours but still
nice to have available.

The shaky trees in bloom. Their real name is the Poinciana Tree.

Old Stuart is a collection of shops, restaurants and a theater.  The waterfront has a nice walkway.

This cute fellow was out enjoying the park at the same time we were.