When In Stuart...

We lived in Stuart, FL on and off for the past five years.  When we first purchased our initial cruising boat, the Aslan, off Craigslist over half a decade ago, we brought her to Stuart to do a simple refit before hitting the Bahamas.  When we were chased back from the Bahamas by hurricane Irene, we sought shelter in Stuart and rode out the storm.  For us, Stuart is a familiar zone.  

After securing a yard for Refuge, we spent a few days with my folks and relished in the luxuries of a bathtub, laundry machine, ice, and cable. 

As we are beach dwellers, we visited Hutchinson Island beaches on a few occasions.  Many sea turtle nests line the beach.  May we someday catch a live hatching.  

Who knew leatherback sea turtles could grow to such sizes?  Meet my folks.  

We checked out the Florida Oceanographic Center.  Petting and feeding stingrays is a surreal experience.   It was nice to get up close and personal to some that were de-barbed and touch their silky cartilage.  They always flock to us in the wild but remain aloof.  At the center, we fed them fish bits tucked between our fingers and it felt like a soft small vaccum pull as they grazed. 

We took in a "mad science" presentation on the power of air and each little guy was called upon to assist with an experiment and answer questions.  

And Kai turned 6!!!   So we celebrated with How to Train Your Dragon Two.  Amongst his assortment of gifts were new threads for all three kids and glowing wands that made terrific microphones.

We are on the road again.  This time north bound.