Gully Washer

 And so Tuesday has arrived. 

At least it will is Tiki Tuesday! That should be fun, if the incessant rains can hold up for a day or so. 

Yesterday was pretty much a washout. It rained, off and on, all day. There was more than one gully washer. I was weathered out of my morning bike ride and with the exception of an hour or so, the entire day was dreary and wet. Ugh.  

Today, it seems, we will enjoy a short respite this morning and then by about 1:30 PM the rains will arrive. The image is the projected rain/thunderstorm situation at 1:33 PM. 

Chris and I have busy mornings planned and it seems as if we should just consider hunkering down for the afternoon. I am hoping that the weather clears by Happy Hour so that we can enjoy Tiki52. If not, we may have to frequent another watering hole. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - July 14, 2025

 Happy Bastille Day!

Vive la France

Bastille Day Celebrations
Paris, France

1. Welcome to the second Monday of July. Today is also my second favorite foreign holiday: Bastille Day. There are 24 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. It has been an exciting and busy week in the rearview and Chris and I are anticipating a continuation this week. The weather may even be conducive for a boating adventure!

3. Fumbling the Ball. On July 5, the day after the Texas floods hit, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) received 3,027 calls from survivors and answered 3,018 of them, about 99.7%, according to Maxine Joselow of the New York Times. But that day, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem did not renew the contracts for four call center companies that answered those calls. The staff at the centers were fired. The next day, July 6, FEMA received 2,363 calls and answered 846, or about 35.8%. On Monday, July 7, FEMA received 16,419 calls and answered 2,613, around 15.9%. (Letters from an American)

4. The Orioles stumbled into the All Star break by losing their last two games and managing only 1 run. They have improved to 9 games under .500, but the other day they were a competitive 7 games under. Hopefully the break will allow the team to rest and heal. The second half push is about to get underway and it's serious. 

5. There is a lot of swirl in Washington right now over the Epstein files and tape. Maybe there isn't a Deep State? You know, if they are alleging it, they're doing it. Notice how when things get too close for comfort, there is a massive redirection in the churn? Last week we were into immigration and the 4th amendment. Now it is Epstein! Keep the swirl going. Oh yes, and blame Democrats for everything. If Democrats were as nefarious as they allege, then how did Trump get elected? 

6. Tom Homan, the Border Czar, demonstrated a total unfamiliarity with the law when he said: "People need to understand ICE officers and Border Patrol don't need probable cause to walk up to somebody, briefly detain them, and question them ... based on their physical appearance." (MSNBC) If the leaders don't understand the Constitution and the law, how can their agents be expected to abide by the law? If you think ICE is not being developed as a secret police, look again.

7. Today in History. July 14, 1789. The French Revolution lasted from 1789 to 1799, during which revolutionaries overthrew the monarchy of the Ancien Régime, ruled by King Louis XVI. Government efforts at reform had failed. When Louis XVI convened the Estates‑General in 1789, the Third Estate (or class of common people) broke away to form the National Assembly and called for a new constitution. 

The full-scale revolt began in July 1789 with a surge of popular unrest when Parisians stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority. This event led to the abolition of feudal privileges and sparked uprisings across the country. The newly formed National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, enshrining the principles of liberty, equality, and legal protection under the law.

Initial moderate attempts at governance gave way to fragile tensions and violence, setting the stage for a period known as the Reign of Terror. Led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, tens of thousands were executed as suspected enemies of the revolution.

After Robespierre's fall in 1794, political infighting, corruption, and continued warfare eroded the new government’s authority. In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte seized control in a coup, ending the revolutionary era.

Two-thirds of the DOJ unit defending Trump policies in court have quit - Reuters

Tariffs latest: EU trade ministers meeting to discuss new US 30% rate - Reuters

Trump to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, US envoy visits Kyiv - Reuters

Israeli missile hits Gaza children collecting water, IDF blames malfunction - Reuters

The White House's latest partisan accusation is inflammatory nonsense - MSNBC

White House border czar suggests ICE can detain people based on ‘physical appearance’ - MSNBC

Trump gets mixed reception at soccer final, a test run for the World Cup - The Washington Post

EU warns that its trade with the US could be effectively wiped out if Trump follows through on his threat - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Footprints in the Sand

Footprints in the Sand
Jupiter Island, Tequesta, FL
July 13, 2025

 Chris, Finn, and I headed out for a beach walk this morning. The day had dawned beautiful with blue clear skies and a light, I think it is Saharan Dust, haze. 

We decided to head back over to the beach and enjoy a walk along the shore. As I stood at the base of the stairs which cross the dune, I was amazed by the numbers of footprints I saw in the sand. Beyond the beach the ocean was flat and inviting with the recently risen sun reflecting off the water. 

Blue Heron Fishing Vessel Heading Out
Tequesta, FL
July 13, 2025

I knew we were in for an enjoyable beach walk.

In the distance, on the flat ocean motoring out of the Jupiter Inlet, I spied the Blue Heron drift fishing vessel heading out with its passengers for a morning of ocean fishing. It has been more than a few years since I paid for a spot on the Heron and headed out to fish. I have only once actually caught anything that was edible--but I always had fun.

Chris, Finn, and I added our footprints to the sand along the stretch of beach, although many of them washed away in the rising tide. We noted that we had been preceded not only by people, but birds, dogs, and a number of sea turtles. It was fun to read the signs of those who had gone before the wind and waves washed them away. 

Footprints in the sand are, after all, only a temporary record of those who have come before us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Changing up the Day

Jupiter Island Beach
Tequesta, FL
July 11, 2025

Chris and I changed our usual activities yesterday. 

We did something that we had not done in a very long time, we began the day with a walk on the beach. It was a beach that we used to frequent often, but had not visited in more than a few months.

The walk was fun and we saw many turtle nests. I was actually surprised at how many nests were on this lightly used beach. We walked well over a mile along the beach enjoying the breeze, the sun, and finding treasures along the way. There had been an eruption of turtles during the night that was being examined by a staff member from the turtle center, but we did not see any baby turtles. 

For our afternoon excitement we went to the movies and watched Superman. Both Chris and I enjoyed it and it was refreshing because it was not an origin movie, but an action movie that spared us Mose of Superman's history. The dog, Krypto, stole the show!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Changing up the Routes

Juno Beach Pier
Juno Beach, FL
July 9, 2025

 I have been riding a new route using the US-1 bridge over the Loxahatchee River. I have only ridden it twice, but I do enjoy biking along the ocean, even though the breeze can be annoying when it is in my face.

One of the highlights of this route is the Juno Beach Pier. There is, it seems, always traffic and activity around the entrance to the pier. I took a moment to stop and take an image of it the other day. Funny, I have never walked onto the pier although I have boated around the pier. I guess I need to take time and actually visit the pier. 

Other highlights along the route include Carlin Park and DuBois Park. They each provide a nice biking diversion off the main streets. The only issues I have with this ride is that it is along busy streets, although there is a very nice and wide bike lane where beachgoers often leave their car doors open for me to avoid, and the natural route is a bit shorter than I would like and is not a circuit but more of an out and back. 

I am having a good biking month. I have biked 6 times in the first 10 days and am over 100 miles ridden. It has been good to get out in the saddle even when the morning temperature is 80 degrees with high humidity. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Center

 

Nurse Shark
Florida Oceanographic Society - Coastal Center
Stuart, FL
July, 9, 2025

Wow--what a long name. 

I have wanted to visit the Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Center for a long time. Yesterday, it became a reality. The Center is about a 40 minute drive away on Hutchinson Island. It is close to the Elliot Museum, which has an awesome antique car collection. 

Nurse sharks
Florida Oceanographic Society - Coastal Center
Stuart, FL
July, 9, 2025

The Coastal Center is mostly outdoors and the highlight is a 750,000 gallon saltwater lagoon which has an impressive collection of fish including nurse sharks, a remora, tarpon, and many more fish. The sharks, of course, are the show stealers. They are big and impressive. Chris and I have snorkeled with nurse sharks. While their presence in the water makes us very aware of the surroundings, nurse sharks are generally not a problem unless provoked.

The Center also has a ray petting tank and other hands-on tanks to enjoy a close relationship with other marine creatures. There are also walking trails which allow close-up and personal observation of the other animals, not all marine, which inhabit the Florida coastal ecosystem. 

We had a great time exploring the center. We were advised not to attempt the walking trails which cross the 57 acre facility due to the mosquitos. And so we did not!

It was a great visit followed by lunch at a nearby beachside resort.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
July 8. 2025

 Tuesday is Tiki Tuesday! 

Enjoying Tiki52 on a Tuesday evening is becoming addicting. Even though the day was hot, the late-afternoon was delightful at Tiki with a nice breeze blowing off the ICW. We enjoyed conversation with friends along with adult beverages and dinner under the huge tiki hut. After dining, we moved to chairs along the marina to watch the boats arrive and disgorge their passengers, crew and fish.

Lights in the Garden
Tequesta, FL
July 8, 2025

Later, after sunset, Chris and I sat on the veranda and enjoyed the new green lights we deployed in the garden. It was decided that we need two more for the full effect and I immediately ordered additional lights from Amazon. We also lit the fire pit, even though it was a hot and humid evening. The ambiance was exceptional.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Texas Tragedy

Chris and I spent most of the day watching the TV coverage of the Texas flooding. The destruction is unimaginable.

 

I was a appalled that all Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, could offer were prayers and platitudes. He is 3rd in line for the Presidency and he is not willing to promise to engage the federal government to assist and to also correct the situation that contributed to the destruction and loss of life.

Wow. What has our Congress become?

Our family tubed the Guadalupe River many years ago, while I was stationed in San Angelo, Texas. We met Pennie and her family along with Mom and Dad for a day of tubing on the river. I don't know where in relationship to the disaster we were, but I believe were just outside of New Braunfels, Texas. Place the date in the late-80s. We had our own near death experience there as members of the family got un-tubed in rapids and required some heroic measures to recover them. Fortunately, no 911 calls were made. Wait--we didn't have cell phones then. 

It was a dangerous river even on a good day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - July 7, 2025

1. It is the first Monday of July! We are in the second half of 2025. There are 25 Mondays remaining in the year!

Sand Hill Cranes
Turtle Creek, Tequesta, FL
July 6, 2025

2. I managed an 18-mile ride yesterday under mostly blue skies! I was happy for the sunshine. I saw a family of sand hill cranes wandering through one of the the golf course communities.

3. Trump said Democrats had opposed the measure [One Big Beautiful Bill] only “because they hate Trump. But I hate them, too. You know that? I really do, I hate them. I cannot stand them, because I really believe they hate our country.” Trump has never been more wrong about anything in his life. Democrats do not hate him they do not believe he has the stability, character, integrity, or leadership abilities to be president. Democrats actually love this country more than he does. By making this personal, he continues to demonstrate why he is not suitable to be president. He is not the right person for the job and so far the results justify that assessment. 

4. The Orioles have crawled up to be 9 games under .500 with the three-game sweep of the Braves. They are doing everything they need to do right now to be in playoff contention!

5. Prayers and support for the Texas flood victims are needed.

6. The U.S. is leaving Ukraine high and dry without the weapons necessary to defend their country. By doing this it is clear that we are supporting the aggressor--Russia.

7. Today in History. On July 7, 1930, building begins on the future site of the Hoover Dam. Over the next five years, a total of 21,000 men would work ceaselessly to produce what would be the largest dam of its time, as well as one of the largest manmade structures in the world.

Although the dam would take only five years to build, its construction was nearly 30 years in the making. Arthur Powell Davis, an engineer from the Bureau of Reclamation, originally had his vision for the Hoover Dam back in 1902, and his engineering report on the topic became the guiding document when plans were finally made to begin the dam in 1922.

Search teams scour Texas flood zone for dozens missing; 78 confirmed dead - Reuters

Trump threatens extra 10% tariffs on BRICS as leaders meet in Brazil - Reuters

Facing battlefield setbacks, Ukraine withdraws from mine ban treaty - Reuters

China's rare earth export controls are good for Beijing, bad for business - Reuters

How ICE’s massive cash infusion is poised to transform America - MSNBC

Israel launches military operation against Yemen ports after vessel attack - FoxNews

U.S. measles cases reach 33-year record high as outbreaks spread - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Surprise Blue Sky

Along Island Way
Jupiter, FL
July 4, 2025

 Taking Finn outside for his morning relief, I looked upwards and was rewarded with a blue clear sky! No clouds. 

It is the first time in about two weeks that the sky was blue and clear. It changed my mood.

I am looking forward to a bike ride in a few minutes and Chris and I will definitely plan some outdoors activities today. Maybe a visit to the beach!

My most recent biking adventure was along Island Way and into Jupiter on Indiantown Road--the busiest road in Jupiter. It is the main East-West road from both I-95 and the Turnpike. I use Indiantown Road so I can make a circuit and not just an out and back. I enjoy the ride along Island Wyoming because there is a lot of open area that has not been developed, yet. I am sure there are plans to cover the natural Florida growth with a sea of houses at some point in the future. 

Well, it is Sunday. The sky is blue and the streets are calling to me. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And Now, the 5th

Fireworks over the ICW
Tequesta, FL
July 4, 2025

 It was a bang-up 4th. 

The expected multitude of thunderstorms never fully materialized, thankfully. 

We enjoyed a great party with friends and new acquaintances.

After the party, Chris and I returned home and I walked out to watch the fireworks in the neighborhood. We get some sophisticated displays. 

And so now, it is the 5th. It is also the second day of a three-day weekend, although I know a lot of people who made it a four-day affair. 

We do not have any plans at this point, which allows for multiple opportunities, thunderstorms notwithstanding. 

Enjoy the weekend. 

I was reminded that today marks the first day of the 250th year of our country! We are going to celebrate the formation of these United States for the entire coming year!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

 

Independence Day - 2025

Happy Independence Day

I read something this morning that reminded me about the importance of Independence Day. It was from my Congressman, with whom I have had many disagreements, who is a decorated veteran and whose personal sacrifice in the service of our great nation I deeply respect.

Brian Mast wrote in an email this morning:

On Independence Day, I’m reminded of the unalienable rights our Founding Fathers declared for the American people: the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our nation was built on the unshakable belief in freedom, a belief that still rings true today.

Even in times of division, it’s important to remember what unites us. We are a people who have always defended our homeland and believed in the promise that anyone—regardless of their background—can rise and succeed through hard work and determination.

That’s only made possible because of our freedom. And that freedom is never guaranteed—it must be protected and preserved by each generation. From our founding to today, brave men and women have always stepped forward to defend the ideals we now celebrate. As we gather with friends and family, watch fireworks, and enjoy the many blessings of our great nation, let’s also take this moment to honor those who laid down their lives for our freedom.

May we continue striving toward a more perfect union, may we be grateful for our freedom, and may God always bless the United States of America!   (Brian Mast, United States Congressman)

Well written Congressman and thanks for reminding me.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

When the Weather Radar Says Stay Home

Wednesday Afternoon Wx Radar
South Florida
July 2, 2025

 It has been quite a week, since Monday's Happy Hour on the Beach. The region has been besieged with successive storms. Sadly, it appears that the 4th of July is going to be a washout. 

I took an image of the storm tracker yesterday about 4:21 PM as we were riding out successive storms. Not shown is the lightening which makes Finn a bit crazy. 

The good news is that we did not lose power. But, it has rained off and on for the better part of two days and the cycle continues until at least Sunday. 

I have found a short break in the storms this morning and am going to try to get in a bike ride. I likely will get wet at some point. I will keep it short.

Chris and I felt bad for the lawn care workers as they were cutting lawns and trimming in the rain as long as the lightening remained far enough away. 

Well, since the weather radar said stay home--we did.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Is the American Dream Gone?

 The Senate Republicans caved. 

If the House passes the revised Big Beautiful Bill (BBB, B3, or B-cubed), the American Dream is gone for at least a generation. I am saddened that the last thing of consequence that the Boomer Generation will likely do is to sell America to the Billionaires. That is not the legacy I had hoped to pass onto my grandchildren. 

The B3 transforms America from a country focused on assisting its people into a police state as funds are transferred from social programs to deportation programs, military, and immigration enforcement as well as what has been dubbed the largest transfer of wealth from the working class to the rich in history. 

The bill reduces credits for renewable energy and actually provides incentives for fossil fuel initiatives. There is a great legacy for our grandkids. Oh yea, and it will likely increase energy costs which violates a Trump campaign promise of inexpensive energy for all Americans. 

As one writer summed up portions of the bill:

The measure cuts taxes for the wealthy and corporations and offsets those cuts in part by slashing Medicaid and food security programs for low-income Americans.

But there is at least one aspect of American life on which the bill is lavishing money. While the measure slashes public welfare programs, it pours $170.7 billion into immigration enforcement. The American Immigration Council broke out the numbers today: The Senate bill provides $51.6 billion to build a wall on the border, more than three times what Trump spent on the wall in his first term. It provides $45 billion for detention facilities for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an increase of 265% in ICE’s annual detention budget. It provides $29.9 billion for ICE enforcement, a threefold increase in ICE’s annual budget. (Letters from an American)

But wait:

While all of this was playing out, did anyone notice that the economy contracted at 0.5 percent during the first quarter of 2025. Don't look now, but we may already be in a a recession. It takes a few months for the numbers to actually prove that but there have been two successive months of economic contraction. 

And the dollar has lost 10 percent since Trump took the oath of office. That is a hidden inflationary problem for imports. It will impact the economy. Fortunately, the U.S. is a net exporter of oil and so gas prices may not rise all that much--but it will hurt.

Do you know why the Fed is kept separate form the President? Because they are the ones keeping us afloat while the president would contribute to a more inflationary system by lowering interest rates. Presidents are not economists.

To summarize B3 provides: 

Increased funding to support a police state 

Cuts to programs that upon which regular Americans rely. 

Cuts to environmental programs.

Fossil fuels are not supported over renewable energy.

And this is only the beginning. . . 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Starting the Week Correctly

Wine and Sand
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
June 30, 2025

Happy July!

 It was Monday, after all. 

The weekend was over and it was time to settle into the rhythm of the week. 

I began the day with an almost 18-mile ride. I was very hot when I returned home. But, it had been a great ride. 

On the Beach with Friends
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
June 30, 2025

Chris and I then headed off to the store for supplies. It is weird, no matter how often we go for groceries, there always seems to be something more that we need. I definitely have noticed the prices creeping up. Has anyone else noticed that ginger ale is now more than $1 per bottle?

After doing some work around the house, we headed off to the beach for Happy Hour. Despite the nearly suffocating humidity and temperatures at the house, the beach was very nice with a wind coming off the ocean. There water was warm and inviting--and I enjoyed the ocean water for more than a few minutes. 

It was a great ending to the month of June!

Now arriving--my favorite month of the year: July!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - June 30, 2025

 

1. The end of the month of June has arrived. This is the last Monday of the month and we have arrived at the halfway point of the year. As expected, there are 26 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Finn in the Lead
Tequesta, FL
June 29, 2025

2. Finnegan led the way on our walk yesterday. It was hot and humid, but he took the almost 1.5 mile walk in stride. It was good to tire him out. 

3. I remain stunned by the Supreme Court rulings that were rendered on Friday. It may be heresy, but I wonder if some of the justices are not as impartial in their reading of the law and the Constitution as they claimed during their hearings. One commentator saw the ruling as follows:

The law regarding birthright citizenship is clear and well-established. Nor can Presidents rewrite amendments to the Constitution with a stroke of a pen. So why, in this particular case, where the injunctions prevent the administration from doing something that is so clearly wrong and will be so harmful—depriving newborns of citizenship—would the Court decide it’s the right time to take the step of pushing aside the injunctions? It’s hard to believe there was a sudden upswell of concern about protecting the defenseless presidency from overreach by the courts. This case will have real impacts on real people’s lives 30 days from now, and when, or rather if (because there are concerns the solicitor general will posture to keep the substantive birthright citizenship issue out of the sights of the Court) the Court decides that Trump was wrong a couple of years down the road, many people will have been damaged in ways that will be hard to undo. Not all of them will have the resources to find a lawyer and file a lawsuit of their own.  (Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance)

4. The Orioles are back at 11 games under .500 (36-47). They need to continue doing what they did over the weekend, by winning a series from the Tampa Bay Rays, to have a glimmer of hope at being in the playoffs. They need a .608 record the rest of the way, meaning they must win 48 of the remaining 79 games. Time is short. I heard it estimated that it would take 84 winds to squeak into the playoffs as the last Wild Card team. It is time for Orioles Magic.  

5. I am personally very much against the budget bill now being discussed in the Senate. It is bad governance. I am very much against the bill because it allocates too much money for immigration enforcement and building the wall at the expense of Americans and seeks to vilify those who rely on Medicaid by suggesting that they are laggards who should work instead of being on Medicaid. If America first doesn't focus on Americans, then who is it for? Oh yea, I get it--the oligarchs. 

6. Today in History (modified). On this date in 1934 occurred the “Night of the Long Knives,” in which German dictator Adolf Hitler had his elite SS guards summarily execute many leading officials of the SA, a Naziparamilitary group.

Syrian forces massacred 1,500 Alawites. The chain of command led to Damascus. - Reuters

Canada rescinds digital services tax to advance stalled trade talks with US - Reuters

Immigration raids leave crops unharvested, California farms at risk - Reuters

Ukraine F-16 pilot killed in large-scale Russian attack - Reuters

The real reason Republicans are rushing to pass the Trump megabill - MSNBC

Senate rejects War Powers Act measure on Trump, additional military strikes on Iran - MSNBC

Israeli attack on Tehran facility leaves 71 dead, as nuclear concerns linger - FoxNews

Man arrested after disrupting Senate debate on Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' - FoxNews

The bill could change the federal government and U.S. economy. Here’s what’s in it. - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Across the New Bridge

Control Center
US-1 Highway Bridge over
the Loxahatchee River
June 28, 2025

 I rode across the new US-1 bridge over the Loxahatchee River yesterday. It was exciting and I have wanted to ride the bridge for a while. I made the ride whilst completing a 16+ mile ride. 

Riding across the new bridge was a lot easier than the previous bridge. The bike lane is wide. The previous bridge didn't to have bike lane and I had to ride next to (or in) traffic. I remember sitting in traffic when the bridge had opened and nearly suffocating from the exhaust of the car next to me. The span is easier to ride across as well because it is fully concrete as opposed to the open metal grates of the previous bridge. 

I enjoyed riding over this bridge as opposed to its predecessor. I think I may develop a regular route that includes this bridge into my riding plans because it will allow me to ride along the ocean. While the breeze was in my face heading out yesterday, it was as refreshing as a breeze at 85 degrees could be. 

I videoed of a portion of my ride across the bridge.

 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Math is Wrong

 Alligator Alcatraz! 

Catchy name, but everything else about it is wrong. 

It seems that the governments (Federal and Florida) are excited about the prospect of opening an immigrant detention camp in the middle of the Everglades on an abandoned airfield. 

The worst to operate the facility annually will be $450M to house up to 5,000 immigrants pending deportation. 

I did the math. 

It comes to $90K per year per person (a/k/a detainee) housed at the facility. 

That money comes through Medicaid cuts and other programmatic reductions for Americans! This makes no sense. Are we becoming a country of prisons and camps. 

The airfield was abandoned for a good reason some 50 years ago: to preserve the environment. Reactivating the airfield and housing people there is a bad decision made by people who have no regard for either less fortunate Americans or the environment.

The math is not good for the economy or the environment. 

Who comes up with these crazy ideas? 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Boats and Storms

Chris and Finn at the Helm on the ICW
Heading Back to the Marina
June 26, 2025

Blue Skies Heading Out at 9:52 AM
Manatee Pocket, Port Salerno, FL
June 26, 2025

Boat day was short yesterday. I could write that it was a tale of two hours. The first hour was blessed with blue skies and calm waters.

We enjoyed the 30 minute trip to our favorite boat-only access beach on Peck's Lake. The winds were fair and the water almost smooth. Being a weekday, there were few other boats plying the waters. I enjoy having the ICW to myself.

We checked out a Bayliner yesterday. I like these boats because they have a ladder in the front which makes for easy egress when we slide up onto a beach or sandbar. It does not handle as nice as the Cobias, but I have gotten used to it and it handles a lot better than the Hurricanes.

We arrived at the beach and got set up to enjoy beach time, but when I checked the weather I was amazed at how it had all changed in the short while since we departed the marina. The storm tracker showed a mixed bag of storms, some with lightening, headed our way and already in Stuart, which is where we had planned to enjoy lunch. 

The Storm from Manatee Pocket at 11:22 AM
Port Salerno, FL
June 26, 2025

Stuart is north of the marina and we were on a beach to the south. I estimated we had about 50 minutes to get back to the marina before the storms arrived. We packed up after enjoying about 10 minutes on the beach and started motoring back.

As we were motoring in Manatee Pocket towards the marina, the storm clouds were very threatening. Chris was very relieved when we tied-up and made it to the car before the rains started. And they did. As we were leaving the marina the rain started. 

We beat the storm, but our total boat time was short of 2 hours--not the day that I had envisioned, but safety of the passengers and vessel is the most important aspect of boating. And it is just not fun to boat in the rain and wind.

There will be more days to enjoy on the water. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Grooming Day

 

Keeping a Watchful Eye
Tequesta, FL
June 26, 2025

Yesterday was grooming day for Finn. He hates going to the groomer. I think it is separation anxiety from Chris, but he handles it fairly well. He is becoming used to the process. 

I have to admit, he smells a lot better when he returns. 

They brushed his teeth yesterday. I'm sure that was an experience for him. He hates having things put into his mouth, sometimes that includes food!

This morning, he came down and kept a watchful on the activity of the house. I'm sure he suspects that something is afoot. He does that many mornings and he usually couples that with a few more minutes of shut-eye. 

Today, however, he is getting a surprise. We are going boating and he is joining us! He likes the boat, but does get a bit nervous if the waves are rough. That can be a problem because he gets under my feet for safety. Haha. Right. Safe for whom?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

At the Marina

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

 It was a typical Tuesday in South Florida. It was hot, but not as hot as north of here where extreme heat warnings were issued for most of the East Coast. We had normal heat and humidity--which can be very enjoyable.

Pelican
Blowing Rocks Marina, Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

Chris and I made our usual Tuesday trek to the local watering hole. We enjoy the afternoon breezes coming off the ICW and watching the fishermen return from a day on the water. The sky was blue and punctuated with bright puffy clouds, but there was no rain.

A pelican arrived as we were enjoying the scene and provided some live entertainment before the band began cranking out noise. 

It was relaxing; sitting along the edge of the marina enjoying the scene and the breeze off the water.

I am beginning to really enjoy the idea of Tuesday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL  

Frost Science Museum, Aquarium & Planetarium

Fish in the Aquarium
Frost Science Museum, Miami, FL
June 23, 2025

 Chris and I agreed to take Jeremy and Julie to the Miami Cruise Port yesterday. We decided to make it a day trip and planned a stop at the Frost Science Museum after dropping them off at the port. The museum is located near the cruise port and it was fairly easy to get from the port to the museum. 

The museum has its own parking garage, which I found a bit expensive at a flat rate of $18. But, the museum is right in the downtown area of Miami and the prices are not that high when considering other cities like Baltimore or NYC. 

Moray Eel
Frost Science Museum, Miami, FL
June 23, 2025

While at the museum, I was able to get a nice image of Freedom of the Seas, Jeremy and Julie's home for the next four nights, from the fifth floor observation deck. But that was just the beginning. The museum if full of exciting things to do and the centerpiece is the three-story aquarium with associated exhibits about Florida environs. Fantastic!! I  one of the Florida specific exhibits, I saw a barracuda that would definitely make me leave the water. 

Three Wheel Enigma
Frost Science Museum, Miami, FL
June 23, 2025

But wait! There is more to the five-story museum. Currently, an AI exhibit is being hosted and the museum also has a planetarium and a dinosaur exhibit titled, "The Dig." We did not explore the entire museum, saving some for a return trip. 

I was very excited about the AI exhibit. Inside of it I found a a three-wheel Enigma machine from WW2. There were also 1951 letters to and from Alan Turing discussing the possibility of a chess playing machine. 

There is a lot to see and experience in the museum. And, there is a very nice cafe to obtain beverages and food. 

It was definitely a great way to make the most out of the two-hour each way trip from home to Miami! Maybe next time I will use the train. 

Recommendation. The Frost Science Museum, Aquarium & Planetarium is a must visit when in Miami. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL