One problem with having a car is that you do tend to spend more money. We had found that we still had to run Vagus' engine to recharge the batteries when the wind and sun did not cooperate. Running the main engine to recharge the batteries is very inefficient and hard on the diesel engine - it likes to be run hard. (Although Karen appreciated having hot water from running the engine). Touring around the mooring field, we noticed a number of boats with small Honda generators merrily puttering away on those windless, cloudy days. These generators are very small and quiet - quieter than our wind generator. So to make a long story short, we are now the proud owners of a 1000-watt Honda generator. The generator, when not is use, sits happily under the helm seat and on the fore deck when in use. Now we can watch movies again (life is tough).

It was great having the car for a week and the freedom of popping out to a store many miles away. We got our walking fix in malls that were full of winter clothes (it is a fashion thing in Florida to wear winter clothes. Tourists are the ones in shorts). We toured the Palm Beach/Lake Worth area and were happy we decided to stay in Stuart, as shore side access was very limited. In fact, it was difficult to see any sign of the water, as there were condos, houses or No Parking signs everywhere. It did not give the impression of a friendly area. We did talk to some cruisers anchored there who said there was lots of room when we choose to move that way. We spent the next really windy day sitting in a movie theatre - it was the opening day of Lord of the Rings - Return of the King, and we were excited to be here to be able to catch the final episode.

Back at the marina, the cafe in the marina building opened with a local live-aboard cruiser, Picasso, running it until April. She is a chef who used to work large charter boats and the food is delicious. Those of you who read Latitudes and Attitudes magazine, watch for the write up for her cafe which should be in the March issue. She is a friend of Bob and Jody Bitchin and Bob has promised her the article. The cafe is serving as a meeting place for cruisers in the anchorage and talk of a Christmas potluck is in the air. Our other good news is Alex is planning to drive down for Christmas. It will be great seeing him. Unfortunately Jeff and Caitilin cannot make it as Jeff is out of holidays. Hopefully we will see them in the New Year.

We returned the car on Friday, having gotten our car fix. The weather immediately turned cold with record lows in the high 30's, low 40's. There were wind chill alerts out for the Floridians. We had to change to long pants and sweaters. So far it is about as cold as it was in Annapolis in October, with the promise of warmer weather next week. At least it is not snowing.