Leaping

 Happy Leap Day!

It is that day which appears once every four years and seems to cause nothing but trouble. OK, I don't know about the trouble part. 

I am in Texas to visit my Dad and to celebrate the Leap Year birthday of my brother-in-law. It seemed a good time to be here and it seems that my family who reside in the frozen areas of New York are also going to be here for the same reasons! So we will be enjoying a family reunion! 

Well, we needed to do something different for mid-Winter! Although, Spring is officially just 19 days away occurring on March 19th at 11:06 PM EDT. And the way things are headed, Punxsutawney Phil may have been correct with his prediction of an early Spring.

Although 2024 is only 2 months old, it sure seems like we are on a rocket sled heading from one month to another. 

Enjoy the day as it will not return for four-more years. That almost sounds like a campaign slogan!

Ugh, campaigns! 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

#spring #leapyear #earlyspring #punxsutawneyphil

Jupiter Seafood Festival 2024

Jupiter Seafood Festival 2024
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 17, 2024

 Yesterday dawned beautiful. Chris and I decided that it was a great day to head to the 2024 offering of the Jupiter Seafood Festival. 

It is a classic Jupiter, Florida, event. Last year with the temperature approaching 90 degrees the fest was a bit unbearable, but this year with moderate temperatures reaching into the upper 70s it was a great and enjoyable event. 

Boat Looking
Jupiter Seafood Festival 2024
February 17, 2024

Chris and I headed out early, just after the festival opened, to enjoy the activities and the music before the crowds arrived. We felt that many others, like us, had read the weather report and knew that rain and poor weather would arrive during the afternoon.

Now, I ask, what is the most fun thing to do at a seafood festival? You might say eat, but in truth it is look at the boats. Now, I was amazed. I could buy a nice new boat with trailer and motor for less than a nicely equipped pick-up truck! Think about it! But wait, then I need a place to store it, pay the insurance, and maintain it. Wow! It makes my Freedom Boat Club membership look pretty good. I already have a vehicle capable of towing a fully loaded boat, so that did not factor into the equation.

We stopped to listen to some music and shopped at the merchants before heading back home for the rest of the day. 

And later, as forecasted, the rains came and this morning it is more like a monsoon. I'm thinking that day 2 of the festival will be a washout. Sadly. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Abrupt End for the Stairs

 

Seaglass Condos
Jupiter Island, FL
February 12, 2024

It seems that even in buildings where the starting price for condos is about $6M, there can be interesting construction issues. 

Take, for instance, these stairs. The building is supposed to have beach access. And it sorta does, except they ended the stairs about 5 feet above the beach and then had to close the access. There are two sets of stairs from the building to the beach, and both are like this. 

It is an abrupt ending. 

Blowing Rocks
Jupiter Island, FL
January 2, 2022

Now, I know what happened. When the stairs were being constructed there was actually sand at the base of the stairs. But, since then the ocean has reclaimed the beach sand and the stairs no longer reach the beach. Clearly the contractor building the stairs was not familiar with beach conditions. The stars need to be build down into the sand to account for beach erosion.

The bigger problem is that the people living in the building do not have easy beach access right now. And the building is strategically positioned right near Blowing Rocks--which is beautiful. 

Note to self: Mind the Step!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#blowingrocks #jupiterisland #seglassjupiterisland #dangerousstairs

Rough Day at the Beach

 

Sea Foam
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 8, 2024

We ventured to the beach yesterday. While that does not seem to be an out of the ordinary occurrence, it was not a perfect beach afternoon.

Sign at the Beach Entrance
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 8, 2024

The weather was a bit raw, temperatures in the low 70s with a stiff wind, some rain, and 4-6 foot swells with a strong rip current. It was not the kind of day that even surfers were enjoying. There were a few brave crazies out in the surf, but the waves were inconsistent and we did not see many good rides. 

Swimming was not advised and the red flags were flying. 

The sign at the beach entrance did not give a water temperature, but it felt colder than 70 degrees when I tested the waters with my foot. 

The most fun that I had during my beach visit was taking an image of the sea foam. Yup, really. 

OK, maybe I really enjoyed taking a nap on the beach while I was dodging raindrops. Yes, a few clouds passed over and decided to share their moisture with us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#floridabeach #carlinpark 

Art Show Season is off and Running

Finnegan gets Hat and Glasses
Hobe Sound, FL
February 3, 2024

It is art fest season in South Florida.

There are multiple art fests every weekend during this time of the year, while the "snow birds" are in residence. The festivals provide a reason to get out and mingle in the crowds while looking at the works of art, or in some cases works of I am not sure exactly what.

Yesterday we attended the 23rd Annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts.

We walked the fest, with Finnegan, and enjoyed the sights and sounds. There was a steel drum band putting out the sweet Caribbean sounds.

Finnegan bore the brunt of the visit. He was the recipient of a new hat and glasses, which he dutifully wore for more than 30 minutes before deciding they were more trouble than they were worth. He was, however, a star of the show--it seemed everyone wanted to pay attention to him and he was on his best and cutest behavior. 

We saw a few items that tempted us, but I'm not of a mind to put a $1,000+ piece of art in a bathroom. It would have been perfect, however!

I shot a short video of the steel drum band, The Gratitude Steel Band.

My only comment was that the shuttle service from the parking area was terrible. We spent more time waiting for the bus than we did at the festival. Two busses is just not enough.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Trucks N' Tunes Returns

 

The Village of Tequesta is a great place to live! During the winter months they sponsor a Trucks N' Tunes on the first Friday of the month. They sponsor a variety of food trucks and a  band plays in the Constitution Park gazebo. It is a fun time and it is free, well except for buying food from the trucks. 

Tequesta Trucks N' Tunes After Dark
Tequesta, FL
February 2, 2024

We went to the February version of Trucks N' Tunes last evening. The food trucks offer a wide variety of food choices. Chris and I had pulled pork sandwiches which were excellent. Next month we may try some Latin offering.

We had a great time celebrating the pleasant weather and Groundhog Day! The evening temperature was in the low 70s and it was almost invigorating to see the kids running around the park. And there were a lot of kids with their families. The band was great and played a variety of rock music. 

I took a short video of the band and their music. They had a great rock sound. Maybe the bass was a bit overpowering, but given that I was a distance from them, it was nice background music and did not detract from our conversation. I took the video at the beginning of the evening, while it was still daylight and before the crowd arrived. We like to arrive early to get the best parking and we also have Happy Hour while listening to the music. About 30 minutes after I took this video, all of the space between me and the gazebo was filled with families. It is a family friendly event.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#tequesta

#tequestatrucksntunes

Spring is Near!

Punxsutawney Phil

 Happy Groundhog Day!

Punxsutawney Phil is predicting an early Spring!

Yay, we need it!

According to the New York Post:

The cold weather and snowfall may soon come to an end, at least according to the region’s fluffiest weather predictor.

Punxsutawney Phil, the 132-year-old world-famous groundhog, failed to see his shadow when he was abruptly woken from his sleep in Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania early Friday.

I have to say, had I been abruptly woken from my winter nap, my eyes would likely be too bleary to see anything, let alone my shadow. Good on ya Phil!

I am glad that people gathered at Gobblers Knob for the annual rite of Winter. And I am very glad that Phil is predicting and early Spring. That is good news!

So my recommendation is to celebrate this Groundhog Day Friday! Spring is on the way!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

South Florida Fair 2024

 

Giant Ferris wheel
South Florida Fair 2024
West Palm Beach, FL
January 27, 2024

What to do on a beautiful South Florida day? Well, go to the South Florida Fair, of course!

Chris and I were given tickets to the fair and given that the weather was perfect, there was no way we could not decide to attend the fair. It was a short 30 mile drive away in Central Palm Beach Country and I have to admit it is one of the largest fairs that I have ever attended. 

We enjoyed ourselves riding the giant ferris wheel and watching the pig races. We also ate some food and listened to live country music at the main stage. 

Parking was easy and well marked and the entry security screening process was smooth--it was much better than the last NFL game I attended. 

The midway is huge--I mean really big and it goes on forever. My most recent fair experience was the Maryland State Fair--and this midway is easily three times larger and with more rides, food, and activities. 

This being our first time visiting the fair, we were very impressed with the overall size and layout. The fair covers a large area, but it seemed easy to walk from area to area. The livestock barns were small and did not allow access to all of the animals. I especially love the cow barns and it was not as well organized, nor as large, as the Maryland State Fair. But our overall experience was very positive. 

One of the events we experienced was the pig races. They were cute and funny. It was fun to be part of the experience. I tried to capture some of the fun on the short video which combines our ferris wheel ride and the pig races. 

I recommend the fair and we plan to visit it again, next year.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#SouthFloridaFair2024

#SouthFloridaFair

Beach Afternoon

Carlin Park
Jupiter, Florida
January 12, 2024

 If this is January in South Florida, then we might be on the beach for Happy Hour.

Yesterday, after a morning of rain, the temperatures soared into the 80s and the skies cleared for the sun to peak out. That was all of the encouragement that we needed to head to the beach for Happy Hour. 

Chris and the Balloon

Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida

January 12, 2024

The beach was only sparsely populated with other beach goers and there were even a few surfers trying to catch the gentle waves. It made for a perfect afternoon, sitting and waiting for sunset while listening to the waves lapping at the sand and watching the surfers try to catch a wave.

Chris did her good deed for the day by capturing a wayward balloon which could have been dangerous to the turtles or other sea creatures. We popped the balloon and ensured that all of the pieces were transported off the beach and into a trash receptacle. And as for sea creatures, we spied a manatee heading south along the coast right in front of us.

It was the colors of the sky and ocean that made the day special. After weeks of not being on the beach, our return was dramatic as we enjoyed the sunset behind us which cast colors into the eastern sky. With sunset occurring so early, we are able to stay and enjoy the show and still head home for dinner.

Looking West Across the Sand from the Atlantic Ocean

Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida

January 12, 2024

But it was the sunset, after all, which reminded me of why I love coming to the beach. It was a beautiful display and provided the perfect exclamation point for the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Football Saturday

 

Baltimore Forecast

It is Football Saturday.

I am lucky in that I will be attending the final Ravens game of the season today. 

Did I come prepared to be cold and wet in a stadium full of rabid fans?

Nope!

But, my family and friends have been extremely generous in supplying me with a heated vest and gloves, a heavy coat, a rain coat, rain poncho, and wool socks. And a hat, did I mention a hat!

The weather is going to be the fun part! I looked at the precipitation forecast and rain begins about 9 AM and ends about 9 PM. The game begins at 4:30 PM. It will be wet and cold. 

I continue to wonder why the stadium in Baltimore is not equipped with a dome! 

But I will get to see the Ravens.

Fun fact: Both the Orioles and the Ravens ended their regular seasons with the best record in their league/conference. 

Even though many Ravens's starters have the week off to heal, I remain hopeful of beating the Steelers!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Day 2

Dawn in Columbia
Columbia, MD
January 2, 2024

 It is Day 2 of the new year. 

Schools are open, businesses are open and there is activity everywhere. 

I had a couple medical tests this morning and was out before the dawn. I know, right? I could have slept in and gone later in the day, but I love the dawn. I had the opportunity to drive past my former place of employment twice--once in the dark at about 6 AM and then on my way back at about 7:30 AM. I recalled my many years of arriving for work usually before dawn during the winter and often going home after dark had returned. 

As I exited the medical testing facility in Columbia, MD, near the hospital, I was treated to a colorful sunrise, which I captured for a memory. 

It is a great way to get the new year started. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Open to Opportunities

Rainy Skies over Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
December 9, 2023

 The rain that is falling this morning definitely put a damper on my plans. 

I had panned a 15-mile ride through a local park. But not in the rain. Biking in the rain is just, in a word, miserable!

Last evening, Chris and I enjoyed happy hour at Cooper's Hawk and met a really nice couple that bought our dinner! Wow! When was the last time that happened? We engaged in very wide-ranging discussions about almost everything--including sports, kids, religion and politics. It was great because there were just some places where we agreed to disagree, but did it in a respectful and friendly manner. That is how it is supposed to be. We wound up spending the entire evening with them after meeting them at the tasting bar about 4 PM. 

It is funny how things happen if we are just open to the opportunities.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Train Went By . . .

 

Brightline Train
Tequesta and N. Old Dixie Highway
Tequesta, FL
December 4, 2023

How can you tell? 

I can see the tracks!

Chris and I did a short 12-mile ride yesterday, but managed to sit at a crossing to wait for the Brightline to pass. It is exciting to have the Brightline passenger train zoom by at 60 mph and be gone in less than a minute as opposed to waiting for the lumbering freight trains that also pass through our village a couple times per day. They last, it seems, forever as they move long lines of freight-laden cars along the tracks. 

I learned a lesson about my iPhone while trying to video the train. The video will not work when the cell is on! Chris and I establish a cell connection when we bike to stay in communication and chat. I did not know that I could not be on the cell and use the video feature at the same time. 

Lesson learned. 

I at least managed to get a few images of the train as it whooshed past.

And then we rode off across the tracks as the train rolled across the drawbridge just down the way. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Stuart Airshow 2023

C-17 and KC-125 in Pre-contact Position
Stuart, FL
November 11, 2023

 Chris and I headed off to Stuart, Florida, yesterday to enjoy the Veterans Day Airshow. 

We had not visited the airshow before, but after our day we will definitely be attending next year. In short, it was fantastic. 

Cannons on AC-130J
Stuart, FL
November 11, 2023

There were static aircraft displays, food, events, and a true airshow with both civilian and military performers. We were treated to a tour of an AC-130J Gunship, this was the Nightstalker. While walking up to the plane I thought it was a C-130, until I walked around to the other side and saw the cannons! Wow. I really enjoyed walking through this aircraft with Chris.

The day was sunny and hot. We were well prepared with sunscreen, well until we lent our can to another couple and they emptied it. We did avoid getting burned, however.

I created a short movie of some of the airshow flying highlights. I was fascinated by the Heritage Flight and the civilian acrobatic demonstrations. 

Chris with a Top Gun Statue
Stuart, FL
November 11, 2023

The airshow was well organized. Parking was free and we were lucky enough to be very close to the entrance. The displays were easy to access, but some had long lines. The seating areas for the airshow demonstrations were great and we could hear the announcers very clearly, as will be evidenced in the video. I thought the admission was fair and reasonable. 

Areas for improvement:  There are not enough food vendors. The lines were extremely long and slow moving. On a hot day, water should be free! We brought our own. Exiting the parking lot needs work. The single lane to exit is a huge bottleneck. 

All-in-all we had a great day and enjoyed the airshow. It is definitely on our calendar for next year!

P.S. Did I mention that we had fun?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#stuartairshow

A Turkey to Celebrate

 

Turkey
Tequesta, FL
November 6, 2023

Thanksgiving is coming--it is just over two weeks away. Last evening, however, we enjoyed an early Thanksgiving-style dinner complete with a sumptuous brined and cherry-wood smoked turkey. 

And wine! Lots of wine. 

But most importantly, there was conversation which was fantastic and ranged over a variety of topics--being very careful not to delve too far into some of the currently hot-button topics. 

It was a pre-Thanksgiving dinner with friends and some new acquaintances to begin the season of giving thanks and celebrating. 

I am excited about the prospects for enjoying another similar dinner in about two weeks with family in Maryland!

The season of the turkey is one of the best times of the year!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Who's Buried Here? Riverside Memorial Park, Tequesta

Mike Douglas Marker
Tequesta, FL
November 4, 2023

 I have been biking past a cemetery for two years now. I have not stopped in to check it out because, well, I'm not dead!

But, yesterday the Riverside Memorial Park in Tequesta, FL, hosted a Farmer's Market and Cemetery Historical Tour. I know--those two things don't usually go together. 

The Farmer's Market had vendors, but no actual farmers. It was small and I believe it was the first attempt at getting a market going on Saturday's at the cemetery. 

Chuck Daly Marker
Tequesta, FL
November 4, 2023

Chris and I had low expectations for the history tour, since the cemetery is relatively young--but we were both surprised and amazed.

Question: 

Which of the following are buried in Riverside Memorial Park?

a. Gary Carter, former MLB catcher for the Expos and Mets.

b. Perry Como, famous singer and entertainer.

c. Mike Douglas, former talk show host.

e. Chuck Daly, Hall of Fame basketball coach.

f. All of the above.

g. None of the above.

h. Some of the above. 

Well, the correct answer is: f. All of the above. 

Civil War Soldier for the Confereracy

We were truly amazed with the cemetery. The first interment took place in 1908 and was a Confederate Civil War soldier.

And the half-brother, High Prince Abdorreza Pahlavi, of the last Shah of Iran is also buried in the cemetery. 

Some of the markers from the cemetery.

Gary Carter
Note the baseball on the left side

High Prince Abdorreza Pahlavi

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Taking on the Weekend

Tiki 52
Tequesta, FL
November 2, 2023

The winds have been ferocious lately and so has the ocean. 

The ocean waves are forecast to be 7-9 feet with occasional swells to 11 feet. Definitely not a small boating day. The winds are equally strong, 20-25 mph with gusts to 35. Not good for small craft boating. 

But the days have been cooler with lower humidity. Last evening we went to a local watering hole, Tiki 52, to enjoy the bright afternoon with the temperature at about 75 degrees. The wind was blowing off the water and I have to admit that I was cool in my short-sleeve shirt. Chris bundled up in a sweater to stay warm. 

We had spend most of the afternoon choosing excursions for our Italy, Croatia, Montenegro cruise next year. It was exhausting and even though the cruise is still 6 months away some of the excursions are already full. It was good to get outside and enjoy the afternoon and Happy Hour to decompress and prepare for the weekend. 

We have a few things planned for tomorrow, a visit to the local cemetery (for a farmer's market and historical tour) followed by an Italian Festival in a neighboring village. 

Today, it is highly unlikely that I will head out for a ride since the winds continue to be very strong. But it is Friday. 

Happy Friday to everyone. My your weekend dreams come true.

Programming note: There are only three weeks until Black Friday.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And so it was Friday

 What a Friday it was!

I began the day with a 22 mile ride. It was my first over 20 mile ride since late-April. I rode through some places that I have not visited in months.  It was a very overcast day and I was rained on more than once. Well, sprinkles and one real rain. But, I had a good time being out on the roads. 

But that was not the entirety of the day. 

Chris and I went to pick-up friends at a local car rental location and guess what? The battery in the Toyota decided to give up the ghost. Right there blocking the parking lot where I had parked to transfer their bags from the rental to our vehicle! Fortunately I carry a small Hot Shot portable battery jumper and was able to get the car started quickly. Of course that meant that I had to replace the battery, a task which took the next hour or so. Wow! Car batteries have gotten expensive!

But wait, there's more!

Decorations in Hog Snappers

Being their last evening in Florida, we went to dinner at one of my favorite local restaurants, Hog Snappers. There were six of us around the table enjoying Happy Hour and dinner. The restaurant was decorated for the season with a huge pumpkin hanging from the rafters.

We had an enjoyable dinner and then retired to our house for conversation and after-dinner drinks. All-in-all it was a great evening and a very busy Friday.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Off to the Beach by Boat

Setting-up The Camp
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Beach, Jupiter Island 
Hobe Sound, FL
October 23, 2023

 Yesterday was a great day for sitting on a beach. Mild temperatures and light breezes highlighted the experience. We chose to head out on a trusty pontoon boat for a few hours one of my new favorite beaches. 

Finnegan and Chris on the Beach
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Beach, Jupiter Island 
Hobe Sound, FL
October 23, 2023

The double-decker pontoon boat was the same model, but a different boat from the one we took out last week. The one last week managed a top speed of 21 mph, yesterday, the best I could get yesterday was 11 mph at 4K RPM. I think the pontoons need to be scraped to reduce the drag from barnacles on other sea junk. We used as much gas yesterday as we did last week, but only traveled about half as far. 

The ocean was relatively calm with the waves crashing on the beach, but with a steady soothing rhythm. Sadly, I did not manage any shut-eye time in a chair under an umbrella.

I enjoyed a walk along the beach and for the entire beach portion of the day Finnegan was off-leash. He stayed close and only had to be recalled on a couple of occasions from his continual desire to ensure that no birds were within his field of vision. 

Flight of Blackhawks
Hobe Sound Wildlife Preserve, Jupiter Island
Hobe Sound, FL
October 23, 2023

The excitement of the day was a flight of four Blackhawks flying just offshore. Of course we all wondered what they were doing as it is rare to see even one Blackhawk. My guess was that the Commander of USSOUTHCOM was headed somewhere. But, of course, I have no further information to substantiate that wild guess. 

After our time on the beach, we toured the ICW south to just north of Bridge Road, in Hobe Sound. That was about the spot where we turned around during our outing last week and headed back south to Jupiter. 

It was another great day of boating with friends. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Did Somebody Say, Saturday?

 

Pelicans on the Evening Sky
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 16, 2023

I lost track of the week.

It went racing by and Monday turned into Saturday even before I knew it was happening. 

I managed at 17 mile ride yesterday, for which I was very happy. It was another beautiful South Florida morning with temperatures in the 70s and low humidity. I rode with friend and we explored some new places along my usual trek.

Chris and I have been busy this week with friends and activity. The week ahead will be nearly as busy, it seems. We already have a boat day planned for Tuesday! Yay!

Sometimes, however, I just like to watch the birds fly, like the squadron of pelicans I captured on an image earlier in the week. They were winging their way to who knows where, but I was firmly on the sandy beach wishing I were flying with them. 

And so, Saturday begins.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL