I've got to stop announcing what our plans are. My last blog talked about us leaving for Stuart the beginning of September. Guess what? It's not going to happen! To those of you that don't live on a boat, you probably make plans and that is all there is to it. You follow through on those plans. Living on a boat offers a few more variables.
The unexpected variable this time is unprecedented levels of bacteria polluting the east and west coasts where the Okeechobee drains. The pollution came primarily from the Northern Everglades Agricultural Area where most of the country's sugar cane is grown. Extremely heavy rainfall in the area caused flooding that carried sewage, manure and fertilizer into the water causing a fluorescent green and black slime of toxic algae. It is recommended that no one touch this water. Beaches in the adjacent areas are closed. It just made sense for us to stay in Jacksonville where the water isn't pristine, but it isn't toxic. Now we will probably stay here until the end of October........oops, there I did it again!
We have started meeting more people in the marina that also live on their boats. The last two Thursdays we were invited to barbecues and we were amazed at the stories. Many of the couples have been living on board for twelve or more years and one couple took the last twelve years to circumnavigate the world. We feel like total newbies!
Searching for entertainment here in Jacksonville, we found that every Saturday the Riverside Arts Market is held under a large freeway bridge. When I read about it, the image of Billy Goat Gruff and the Troll came to my mind. However, it is a great location. The bridge deck offers shade that makes the 90+ degree weather comfortable. A small amphitheater at one end has wonderful acoustics and a view of the St John's River. Like the markets in other cities, this one was both a craft show and farmer's market with live music and food trucks. A little something for everyone!
Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!
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