More wind and rain

While Billie and JD met with the realtor again, I enjoyed my favorite activity:OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
What we’ve heard from locals is the current weather is atypical. It’s supposed to be tropical breezes and temps in the 80s. I think the good weather will return right after we head back to Virginia on Saturday.

Bike ride #4

A sunny day with a strong north wind. Temperatures have dropped 10 degrees – a good thing! – it was much less humid today.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
We started in Jensen Beach and rode toward Stuart, across the Indian River,
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
and then the St Lucie River.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
These bridges are the only “hills” in Florida. A lot of Lombard Street-like pathway for such a small park:
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Despite the wind, this was a very good ride. Miles = 19

Rainy day

There was a break in the afternoon, so I chanced a walk toward town and stopped at Archie’s Seabreeze for a beer before heading back. Archie’s is popular with tourists and locals alike. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
There was a large patio in the back and another bar. The band was pretty good, but watching a few women dance (while acting out the lyrics) was even better.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
When the skies darkened, it was time to hurry back to the condo – probably the fastest 2 miles I’ve ever walked – in a light rain and just before the downpour. Whew!

Bike Ride #2

We drove to Pahokee today to ride part of LOST – Lake Okeechobee State Trail.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
The lake is the second-largest freshwater lake in the USA, average depth is 9 feet. After a hurricane in 1928 when 2500 people were killed, a 30-foot dike was built around the entire lake. Parts of the trail are paved, parts are rough trail, and parts are impassable requiring cyclists to ride on roads. Ultimately, there is supposed to be a 110-mile paved trail. After just 6 miles, we came to an impassable section and turned around.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Back in Ft Pierce, we stopped at Pelican Seafood Market – what a beautiful selection.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
As a thank-you for doing all the cooking, JD bought scallops for dinner tonight!OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Yum!
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Thanks, JD! Miles = 12.

Bike ride #1

Winds at 10 mph and no rain this morning – it was time for a bike ride. At last! Final check before heading south toward Jensen Beach, from our condo in Ft Pierce.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Lunch at Strawberry’s, our turn-around point.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Riding back, the Indian River is to the left, the Atlantic to the right. This is one of the narrowest sections of Hutchinson Island.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Our timing was perfect. An hour after we got back, it started pouring.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Miles = 29

Epcot

Because the wind was still howling today, we decided to drive to Orlando and go to Epcot.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
L-R: Jerry, Rena, the greeter at Port Orleans-French Quarter, Billie, JD. Rena and Jerry are Billie’s daughter’s husband’s parents and work part-time as Disney “cast members” (all Disney employees are cast members) at one of the water parks. They were very helpful in making last-minute arrangements for lodging. We were so grateful for all they did for us!
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
We saw and did a lot, but I think my favorite wasOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
especially the greenhouses.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Elevated crop of winter melons.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
The “lean and lower technique” for tomatoes.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Vertical growing system.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
The fish provide fertilizer for the herbs growing above.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
The World Showcase of countries. Mexican mariachi band:
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
JD needed to buy a hat and every country had their own version for sale. JD did not buy this one.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Acrobatic French Chefs.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Medieval Italian soldiers.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
From England, Mary Poppins.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
A salute to Canada’s Butchart Gardens.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA