House of Refuge, Stuart, Florida

 The fun part of our day first!  We visited the House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida.  Built in 1876 along with 9 others along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, they were a haven for shipwrecked sailors back when there were only 250 people living in the area.  250!  From Port Lucie to Miami!  Crazy!

Apparently the wildlife, lack of food and heat would kill any survivors so these houses were instrumental in saving their lives.  Pretty cool.  The one here in Stuart is the only one left standing.  The volunteers were extremely gracious and knowledgeable.  Definitely worth a visit!





I especially enjoyed the fact that all the period pieces were not behind glass but could be felt and examined without feeling like I was going to get my hand slapped by an outraged museum matron!

And of course we walked the beach.  Treacherous for boats and walkers alike.  Those limestone rocks are everywhere.  Loved watching the waves come through all the little caves!

The sun finally came out just in time to set for the night.  Most of the day was overcast with gentle breezes.






This morning we stopped at the area flea market and perused the stalls.  One and done. Where is everyone?  It is overcast but warm.  It is Saturday and there is no one on the road or at the flea market.  But I did find the perfect gift for Brianna's birthday (March).  

We met our dock neighbors from Massachusetts.  Julie, a labor room nurse at Brigham's (go figure) and Chris.  They, along with Dave, our "landlord", also tried to help us locate our pistons.  No luck yet.  

Paul replaced the primer bulb on the dinghy.  Messier than planned but done.  Extended our car rental.  Boring but necessary.  

The plan - church, brunch with Marc and continue to search for pistons.   

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