Today, we went to see two Columbus-style ships anchored for a week in Stuart. David told us about them when he called earlier this week. Laurel , David, John and Rose are visiting Laurel's aunt and uncle in Vero Beach, which is only about 35 miles from where we are on Hutchinson Island. As we were walking toward the ships on the walkways, David had started to say to John, "You'd better hold onto your ... " when the wind plucked John's hat off his head and into the water. Since there was no way to retrieve it, we continued on to see the ships. John was very good about losing his hat and didn't whine or cry at all.
One guide told Charles that the ships really don't have a permanent dock, but sail around to different cities (although on one of them it said "Nina - Wilmington, DL"). The crew slept below in small bunks and the captain had an area with two bunks and a small desk. Ceiling height was only about 5 feet. Guess men must have been shorter then or had lots of backaches. 
On our way back to land, we all kept looking for John's hat -- especially John. David spied it among some rocks on the shore. (See blue hat by the rocks.) There was an open spot at the end of the railing, and David climbed down. He removed his shoes and crawled along the rocks and finally reached the hat. 
After throwing it up to Laurel, he then proceeded back the way he came and with a little help climbed back up to the walkway. John was really glad to get his hat back, but I'm surprised that we
didn't get caught.
After all that work, it was time for lunch. We went to a place in Stuart where we've eaten before. It's on the waterfront and you can watch the boats and seagulls. John tried some calamari and shrimp. Rose seemed to think the calamari was really good. After lunch, we went back to the condo and Rose napped while David and John hit the pool.
It was good to see the Derry's, but it's funny we have to go to Florida to do it. I think all of us will sleep well tonight after being out in the sunshine and wind most of the day.
