SATURDAY
We woke up to a picture-perfect blue sky—sun shining, spirits high, and a great day ahead. Our plan was to cruise up to Jensen Beach where we’d grab a mooring ball for a couple of nights before moving into a marina. Best part? We’d get to spend some time with Carl (Jeff’s son).
Once we got settled, we connected with Carl, who had to work that evening—but that worked out just fine. We had dinner reservations at Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House with friends Dennis and Sheri, and what a night it turned out to be! It had probably been close to 18 years since we’d truly spent quality time together, but you’d never know it. The conversation flowed effortlessly, the laughter came easy, and we talked the night away. And the icing on the cake? Carl was our waiter! Such a fun and major bonus!
SUNDAY
The wind and waves made their presence known today, rocking us around on the mooring ball. We made a dinghy run to the dock where I tackled some laundry at the mooring facility while Jeff made the trek to the store for a few essentials.
I had grand plans to get back to sewing the isinglass—especially now that I had supplies delivered to Carl’s place—but Mother Nature had other ideas. Between the wind and the constant rocking, it just wasn’t happening.
Later in the day, Carl came by after work and joined us on the boat for dinner. It was so nice just hanging out, catching up, and enjoying some laid-back time together. Jeff ran him back to the dock later, skillfully timing the trip between passing rain showers.
What a night… the rolling didn’t let up until the wee hours of the morning. Needless to say, we were more than ready to trade that mooring ball for the calm of a marina.
MONDAY
Carl came by mid-morning, and we decided to make a day of it. We cruised about seven miles south for lunch at Two Georges Dockside Grille, where we grabbed a shaded table on the deck. Great food, great company, and a perfect setting to keep the catching up going.
After lunch, we topped off with fuel and headed back north to the marina, arriving just in the nick of time—because right after we got tied up, the skies opened up and the rain came down in sheets. Talk about perfect timing!
Once things cleared, Carl headed off to run a few errands while we knocked out a few chores. We met up again later and headed out for a relaxed, low-key dinner. On the walk back to the boat, the rain decided to make one more appearance. We ran for it, laughing the whole way, but still ended up completely drenched—one of those moments you just have to embrace.
TUESDAY
We slept like babies in the calm, protected waters of Four Fish Marina—what a difference from the night before! It’s a small marina just a few blocks from Carl’s place, currently under construction but already showing its potential. They’re adding more slips, building a hurricane-proof dry storage facility, and creating a brand-new transient area with updated amenities. Even now, it works just fine for us.
The cooler temperatures today were a welcome change. I took another crack at the sewing machine, hoping to make progress on the isinglass—but once again, the wind had other plans. That stuff is not easy to work with in a breeze!
We met Carl for a late lunch at Crabby’s Oyster Bar, and the crab bisque was absolutely delicious. Afterward, we got a tour of Carl’s place before heading over to Conchy Joe’s Seafood for trivia happy hour.
We joined up with one of Carl’s coworkers, his mom, and a couple of friends—forming a solid team of seven. Between all of us, we managed to get most of the answers right and had a blast doing it. Lots of laughs, a little friendly competition, and a perfect way to wrap up the day.
It’s been so special spending this quality time with Carl over the past few days. Tomorrow, we press on—but we’re taking some really great memories with us.
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