Around the Island

St Lucie Nuclear Power Plant
From Atlantic Ocean
August 9, 2023

 One way to escape the oppressive heat is to be on the water where there is a breeze and, if underway, the breeze can be very strong.

Yesterday's adventure on the water included motoring around Hutchinson Island. We motored out to the ocean and headed north. It was my first time one the ocean since receiving my offshore certification. Fortunately, the day was calm, calmer than the forecast. I had hoped that we might see dolphins or turtles in the water--but sadly it was not to be. 

The trip from St Lucie Inlet to the Ft Pearce Inlet on the ocean was uneventful. We stopped to enjoy the view of the nuclear power plant. It is along a lonely stretch of road, but it can be seen from both the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) sides of the island. 

Entering the ICW through the Ft Pearce Inlet, the water got a bit rough as there were storm clouds in sight. Chris was concerned about the possibility of getting caught in a storm, but we had little we could do about it. In the end we did not blunder into a storm and as we motored south towards our home marina, the weather cleared and we stopped at a small uninhabited island for lunch and some relaxing downtime. 

Osprey
Small Island, Indian River, FL
August 9, 2023

Anchoring just offshore we decided to enjoy lunch and rehydrate. We heard a low screech and saw an osprey sitting on a dead tree surveying its domain. I decided to get an image of the bird as it remained there for most of the time we were anchored.

We managed to be in the area as the tide changed and I learned a valuable lesson about ensuring the anchors are set well. The stern anchor, which was keeping us off the beach, gave way and I wound up pushing the boat off the sand into deep enough water to start the engine and allow the propeller to get enough water to get us away form the island. It was a good learning experience. 

All during the day, we enjoyed being outdoors because of the breeze and shade on the boat. The heat index hit 115 degrees yesterday, it was reported, but we were still able to enjoy being outside and not cooped up in air conditioned comfort. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The River

 

Crab in the River
North Fork, Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
August 8, 2023

I managed a 16.5 mile ride yesterday, before the heat became too oppressive. It was nothing special, except for my stop on the bridge in Tequesta which passes over the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River.

Looking South over
North Fork of Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
August 8, 2023

 

The river was flat and inviting. I looked down into the water and found that despite the heat above, the river was full of life. I normally see needlefish and other small baitfish, but yesterday there was a fairly good-sized crab working the shallows.

There were also some larger fish in the area which I enjoyed watching. 

I make the stop on the bridge a regular water break. I love to watch the different characters that the river shows. And, just a few weeks ago, Chris and I were boating right at the entrance to the North Fork. We would have motored up the river, however, we were concerned about the dark clouds gathering between where we were in the river and our marina about an hour-and-a-half away.  

There is always something to enjoy about the river. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Beating the Heat

 The excessive heat has returned. 

Yesterday we capped out at 93 degrees, but the heat index was about 106 degrees.

Reports from the beach indicate that the sand is too hot!

Excessive heat warning! And they mean excessive!

Starting the day at 81 means nothing cooled overnight.

So today is gonna be a hot one!

I need to get out on my bike early and we are probably not gonna play golf. Chris wilts in the heat. 

Happy Tuesday!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - August 7, 2023

 

1. The first Monday of August is here. My favorite month of the year (July) has passed and now we are running headlong toward the end of the year. There are just 20 Mondays remaining in 2023.

AL East Standings
Games through August 6, 2023

2. The Orioles continue their fantastic season. The weekend sweep of the Mets, my favorite team as I was growing up, provided the O's with a 3 game lead in the AL East and gave them their 70th win of the season. 

3. I am still reeling from the loss to Sweden by the Women's National Team. Hopefully, they will emerge stronger from the ashes of disappointment.

4. Update on Riordin. He is doing better. He receives daily albuterol treatments and has more good than bad moments. 

5. The weather in South Florida continues to be HOT! The stress index hits 105-110 nearly every day. But, I am getting in my morning bike rides. I managed just over 20 miles yesterday.

6. Today in History. On August 7, 1782, in Newburgh, New York, General George Washington, the commander in chief of the Continental Army, creates the “Badge for Military Merit,” a decoration consisting of a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk, edged with a narrow binding of silver, with the word Merit stitched across the face in silver. 

The badge was to be presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action” and permitted its wearer to pass guards and sentinels without challenge. The honoree’s name and regiment were also to be inscribed in a “Book of Merit.”

Trump seeks to destroy credibility of his election subversion trial - CNN

Woman detained in connection to plot to assassinate Zelensky, Ukraine security service says - CNN

International backlash grows after Chinese vessel fires water cannon on Philippine boats - CNN

Exclusive: North Korean hackers breached top Russian missile maker - Reuters

Ukraine says U.S and German air defence systems 'highly effective' - Reuters

us-scientists-repeat-fusion-power-breakthrough - Reuters

Russia and China Sent Large Naval Patrol Near Alaska - The Wall Street Journal

The Two-Year Slide That Ended U.S. Women’s Soccer Dynasty - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Bright Skies

Bright Sky
Indian River Lagoon, FL
August 2, 2023

 I have become to appreciate days with bright skies. 

This summer has been the summer of haze and smoke. When we have been in Maryland the skies are dulled by the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The some has been at times so bad that the smell of burning wood lingers in the air. And here in South Florida, we have had days when the skies are muted with Saharan dust. 

The world is suffering and we see the evidence in the skies. 

The other day the skies cleared and I was able to, once again, enjoy the sapphire blue sky over the water. It was a sight made more awe inspiring by the weeks of muted and hazy skies. 

A programming note--condolences to the US Women's National Soccer Team which just lost in a shoot-out to Sweden (4-5) and are out of the World Cup. Hopes were so very high for the team entering the competition.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, MD

Saturday Shorts

 

Well, Saturday has arrived and along with it the end of the week (would that be weekend?). 

First.

In response to my blog yesterday about jellyfish, among other things, my friend and former racquetballer, Jason, sent the image to the right. 

It made me laugh. Thanks, Jason.

Second.

In other activities, Chris and I went to see the movie Oppenheimer yesterday. I highly recommend the movie! It is solid history and a compelling story. I found some similarities to the movie The Imitation Game. It is sad how we use brilliant people and then discard them when we cannot reconcile their beliefs or lifestyle with ours.

Third.

Army Chief of Staff General James McConville, the 40th person to hold that position, retired today [yesterday]. Because Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has put a hold on military promotions for the past 8 months, there is no Senate-confirmed leader to take McConville’s place. There are eight seats on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the group of the most senior military officers who advise the president, homeland security officials, the secretary of defense, and the National Security Council. Currently, two of those seats are filled by acting officials who have not been confirmed by the Senate.

Politico’s defense reporter Paul McLeary wrote that as of today, there are 301 senior military positions filled by temporary replacements as Tuberville refuses to permit nominations to go through the Senate by the usual process. Two more members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will retire before the end of September. (Letters to an American)

Does anyone else see this as a potentially crippling our military? I thought Republicans were strong on defense? 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

They Grow Them Big

 

Chris with Sea Bean
Indian River Lagoon, FL
August 2, 2023

Sometimes it is a matter of perspective. How big something is depends upon how close it is to you. I like the cartoon that I have seen in the past where the tyrannosaurus is reflected in the outside mirror on a car and the words at the bottom of the mirror remind us that objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. 

Large Jellyfish with a Crab
 Indian River Lagoon, FL
August 2, 2023

We encountered a strange situation the other day as we were boating and anchored on a sandbar in the Indian River Lagoon which was mostly underwater. There were huge jellyfish. And by huge I mean 12-18 inches across, or more, in the water. I am not used to seeing jellyfish this large. They were also strangely beautiful as they drifted in the current. One jellyfish drifted by with a small crab riding aboard. I could not believe it. I actually got an image of it. The crab is about 3 inches, I would guess. I'm not sure if this was a frog and scorpion thing or not. The jellyfish were easy to see and avoid as we waded in the water, but we needed to remain vigilant as the current was swift with the tide going out and they were moving rather quickly.

It was all part of our fun boating Wednesday. We continue to find more fun and enjoyment at every turn.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Learning to Tow a Skier

Fran Skiing the River
North Fork Saint Lucie River, FL
August 2, 2023

 Our Wednesday boating day turned into a fun day of exploration and learning how to tow a waterskier. 

We headed off to the marina fairly early and were in our boat headed off to the North Fork of the Saint Lucie River about 9:30 AM. The day was beautiful. A bit hot, but mostly blue skies and white puffy clouds. The river was almost flat and our boat, Sea Bean, was purring along smoothly. 

I was very trepidatious about pulling a waterskier. Having never done it before and knowing how easily fun can turn to tragedy, I really wanted to understand what was expected of me and the boat before letting him jump off into the murky river and try to stand up behind my speeding craft. We went over the signs and after a couple miscues on the start, he successfully rose up on plane and skied! It was fun watching him, but I mostly kept my eyes forward. Fortunately, the area of the river recommended to us by the marina staff is not heavily traveled and we did not encounter any other watercraft during the time he was skiing. 

Chris served as the spotter and also took some images and a quick video.

The video is a bit choppy, but it was taken from a moving boat at about 22 mph. 

We also spent time exploring the North Fork of the river and then checked out a new sandbar, where we saw huge jellyfish. They were all around and were easy to avoid--but we had to remain vigilant. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Look--in the Surf!

Flat Atlantic
Jupiter Island, FL
August 1, 2023

 Chris and I managed a morning beach walk yesterday. I write managed because we actually got around and gathered Finnegan to hit the beach and enjoy the morning. 

The Atlantic was flat. I was surprised  to see how flat the ocean was, but I enjoyed looking at it and even getting into the water for an enjoyable couple of minutes. I love the ocean when it is flat. 

Nurse Shark Along the Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
August 1, 2023

I walked the beach mostly with my feet well into the water. The occasional wave would hit well above my knees. So I was actually walking in the water.

As I was looking into the surf, I noticed a small shark swimming along with me, just in where the water begins to get deep. The shark was hunting, but also pacing me as I walked along the beach. I called Chris over and she also saw the shark.

I did manage to get an image of it. I had another one, but the light was such that you really cannot see the shark in the water without actually knowing that it is there. 

This is the second time that I have seen a nurse shark right along the beach in the past month. I need to keep a wary eye on the surf. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Getting a Trim

 

Trimmed Palm
Tequesta, FL
July 25, 2023

As I have written before, one of the things that I have learned from living in South Florida for the past year is that palm trees require a lot of maintenance. Much more maintenance than I had previously understood. Falling fronds and coconuts are a hazard to people and property.

Untrimmed Palm
Tequesta, FL
July 25 ,2023

In an effort to reduce the palm debris which occurs during wind storms, the palms must be trimmed regularly. 

The palms look scalped after they are trimmed, but they return to fullness within a year when they must be trimmed again. Hardwood trees generally do not require the same year-after-year care and only require trimming when their slower growing branches begin to interfere with power lines or sidewalks. 

My community had the palms trimmed last week and after the thunderstorms of the past few days, it was clearly obvious that there is far less debris on the ground. That is a good thing because palm fronds are not small and can do damage to cars and property when they fall. Palm trimming is an annual event here and I see the palms being trimmed all around the community generating a large amount of debris. But, at least the debris is being collected for recycling and not dealing during windstorms ad causing damage. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL