North Lake Worth to Stuart

On the vernal equinox we departed from Lake Worth and set our sails for the St. Lucie inlet.  We had a fast sail and had to furl the yankee or we would arrive too early for the trip up river.  The inlet was being dredged and we were told to hug the south side of the channel.  That worked but we did bounce over a few shoal areas but fortunately we were able to keep moving.  As we headed to the crossroads of the ICW and the river we did get caught on some shoal that had reached out into the channel.  As we sat there thinking about our next move, we were approached by a very friendly sea tow guy who was off duty.  He happened to be from Yarmouth, ME.  He had recently moved to this area and was very helpful to us.  Meanwhile there was another well meaning boater who was circling us trying to produce a large enough wake to wash us off the shoal but creating some havoc with his actions. We manged to get off without a hitch and proceeded up river when another sea tow guy pulled up along side.  We were both thinking at this time that he was probably going to save us from another snag on some unknown shoal, but no, he was also from Maine and wanted to know how we were doing and did we know some of the same people in Maine etc.  There seems to be a huge connection between Maine and Florida!  At any rate, he rendered his approving opinion on the marina where we planned to pick up a mooring and was on his way.  We did get in just before the dock closed for the evening.  We have been in Stuart now for 3 days and may stay for the art festival tomorrow.  It has been another beautiful port with and old town filled with artists and good restaurants.  

House in Stuart with sail boat shutters and screen door