Itsy Bitsy Road Trip

The north wind was howling today, so it was a perfect time to take Bitsy on a small road trip south. Although we originally were headed to Lake Worth and Lake Osborne, where Dave's parents had a house many years ago, we didn't make it that far. We found different places to see before we turned back. First stop was in DuBois Park at Jupiter Inlet. The wind was blowing 25-30 knots and white water was all across the inlet. Needless to say, no one was headed out this inlet, which can be treacherous with shoals, even in the best conditions.

This has always been a popular surfing beach, and in fact, the only place that Dave has ever tried to surf...just that one time (eons ago 😉). Although the photo doesn't show them, there were also kite boarders and windsurfers way down the beach, taking advantage of the high winds and surf.

The view towards the lighthouse is lovely and inviting...

At least there were calm conditions in the swimming hole at the mouth of the creek. The canon was discovered and raised while dredging the inlet.

We pressed onward and Dave wanted to check out the kayak rentals at Riviera Beach marina for friends. This is convenient and right across from Peanut Island.

We have not been to this marina by land in probably 25 years, and what a change! It is a cruising destination now and it is huge and modern. We had fun walking along the docks that we recently kayaked by, with lots of fishing and diving charter boats. Plus we saw these two boats...the first with matching blue 4- V8 425 HP outboard motors.

Then this one with its red matching 400 HP outboards. I bet they get to the Bahamas fast!

These are the two pilot boats that transport the experienced pilots to the ships. They climb up rope ladders on the sides of the ships and guide the captains in and out of the port and inlet...

We couldn't resist walking along the waterfront towards the Port of Palm Beach, eyeing the megayachts in the boatyards. We were in awe to see this 69 ft. IRC racing sailboat, named Prospector, with its 15 ft. draft. It takes deep water to float this yacht with that long racing bulb keel!

There was also a farmers' market happening at the marina, and music playing everywhere. We spent so much time exploring that we ended up back at our Mini and then decided to mosey back home. It was nostalgic seeing all these places again after so long, and soon we will do some more reminiscing when we make it further south.