This is Florida?

That's what we've asked ourselves and others around here this week, with temps varying from the high 30s to the 70s today. Yes, we know the rest of you have cold temps, and some are blessed with snow too, but this is Florida... or so we've been told. We've had another great week here at Port St Joe, with a day over on Cape San Blas nearby, walking the beach and picking up shells in warm sunshine. We've been walking and/or biking around town, eaten lots of seafood, found the ice cream shop, gotten to know many other Loopers, and eaten Mexican food (shrimp Chimichungas are wonderful!) with 32 other Loopers. Last night we sang Christmas songs with other boaters while standing under palm trees. A new experience for us!

Also on Monday, the Manatee Research boat arrived with a dozen very serious folks, here to rescue "Harold", a manatee who had come into the marina and spent his time circling right here in front of our boat, near the storm drain. Manatees really like fresh water, and he was enjoying the runoff from at least 3" of recent storm draining. Harold was captured in a very large net, lifted (all 1000 lbs) into a special boat with removable transom, and then checked carefully. A stethoscope on a manatee?? They apparently need warmer water than the current 63degrees. He had been tracked by the team because he was belted and dragging around a buoy and transmitter; they could tell both his whereabouts and that he was becoming lethargic and confused in the cold. All this drew a crowd on the dock and we nearly knocked each other in trying to watch. Harold will be transported to either Crystal River -- where it's warmer, or to an aquarium for rehab.

This morning we attended the local UMC for their Christmas cantata. How we miss our usual participation with music-leading worship-preaching! But we're very glad and celebrate being part of a worshiping congregation during this special holy season. On the boat we have our mini-tree, our creche, and our Advent wreath, plus stockings out in case the waterways Santa finds us. :)

Several Looper boats have come and gone, anxious to get to the Real Florida (with warmer temps) and to make the Crossing. (That's straight across from Carabelle to Tarpon Springs) We've met some great folks, and been sad to see them move on, leaving us behind. We've begun to make tentative plans to move on ourselves after Christmas, knowing that those plans must include the right combination of waves, tides, and temps for the portion between Carabelle and Steinhatchee. (Known as "The Bend" rather than doing the Crossing.) We are expecting other Loopers to arrive tomorrow... always someone coming in. We again have to say that Port St Joe gets A+++ in hospitality and helpfulness, especially the Harbor Hosts Ray and Patsy Whitney. One becomes 'family' around here quickly, and they and the others have made this a place to come back to, for sure!

No, I don't have picts to share this time either, but check our friends Steve and Liz' blog at mvshingebiss.com -- they have picts of much of what we've experienced. Also, son Jeff in Ohio and I are coordinating the attached map with the places we've spent time. That will be updated soon.

We've met several folks who did the Loop and then decided to keep on cruising, premanantly living aboard. It's a tempting thought...

Grace and peace to all of you in this holy season.
nan and jack