Where is GYPSEA?

So we are in sunny Florida! GYPSEA has been docked at Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart since we took ownership in October. She has had a great stay here. The marina is steps away from historic downtown Stuart which is filled with interesting shops and restaurants. The best thing is that in this area of Stuart local small businesses rule and it hasn’t been overrun with chain restaurants and shops. It is a lively and family oriented area that is continually hosting farmer’s markets, musical events and small fairs/festivals. At the marina itself there is the wonderful Gilbert’s Bar Coffee Shop that has daily specialty lattes and limited but delicious baked goods and light fair from local businesses, and then for a full meal and/or to enjoy live entertainment there is The Sailors Return restaurant on site as well. All docks were full for the winter and now we are starting to see many boaters head back to their home or other ports for the summer.

Everything is looking good for our plans to leave on May 1st. We are provisioning the boat this week. Started with clothing and assuring we have all basic first aide supplies as well as musculoskeletal first aide on board. What can I say, I’m a PT! Tomorrow we will start adding food and drink. Carl in the meantime has been constantly checking the engine room and everything mechanical on board. He is sanitizing our fresh water holding tanks, assuring all batteries are charging and working as they should be. He is constantly hosing down, buffing and organizing all things related to the running and maintenance of the boat.

Of note, our survival suits arrived yesterday and I will say just getting it on is an act of survival in and of itself! I literally had to watch videos to learn the proper way to don it! ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuX1PCboLW4 ). The sizes for those we ordered according to description should have fit us each with room to spare but they were both too small. I am actually keeping the one that was intended for Carl. I chose to support and order from a small business, but now that I have to return one, I am going to have to both pay for the cost of the shipping to return, and a 25% re-stocking fee!…so I would recommend if possible to make this purchase in person, or check the return policy from where you order and if possible speak with someone about sizing.

Well, that’s it for now. Will continue to provision for the next two days!