Stuart as Tourists

Once we caught up on our sleep and resupplied, we tested out David's design to get us under the Port Mayaca RR bridge.  Once the proof of concept was proved, we spent the day being tourists.  The marina we moored at is directly adjacent to the old downtown of Stuart so it was an easy walk to tour around.  The city has done a good job of designing pleasant walking paths and blending parks and businesses.  We had a great time looking at a restored schooner being used as a tourist boat.  The couple currently managing it spent a bit of time giving us the history of the boat and what it takes to maintain it.  We also spent an enjoyable time in the local history museum.  Being a slow time, we had our own personal tour guide and she was both knowledgeable and friendly.  We ended the day with a truly spectacular sunset.  Overall a great welcome home to the US stop.


In order to lean the boat as far as possible, we rig a line from the end of the boom to a harness on the dingy then raise the dingy out of the water.  We think we'll need about 4-5 inches of heel to get under the bridge.

David wanted to check if his added weight to the boom would heel us even more.  Thank God it didn't.  I don't know how I would have talked him out of trying to go under the bridge that way.

A happy fisherman cooking his catch.  It was delicious.

Nice mural in old town Stuart.

This was a great example of the planning and execution of the area's revitalization.  This walkway leads to a fishing area.  All the downtown area was clean and well kept.

The restored and lovingly maintained schooner.

Mast partners keep the mast upright.  Modern partners are not usually this large!

The schooner's flag staff is a cane pole.

The city's history museum.  It is the second oldest building in town.  Well put together with great staff.

Not sure which building this was but the sailfish play up Stuart's claim to be the sailfish capital of the world.

You just can't have too many gorgeous sunsets.

This bridge construction prompted us to speed up the trip to Lake Okeechobee.  The installation of the center span is forcing the closure of the waterway during daylight hours for about a month starting on Monday, Feb. 11.