Loggerhead, Vero Beach

We were talking to Steve and Linda Franko about our plans to stay awhile at Loggerhead Marina, Vero Beach. And Steve says; "yes, Velcro Beach". It is aptly named, as once you get here it is hard to leave. We are enjoying their monthly plan. The facilities are top notch.

Greg Marsh manning the BBQ

We have had a couple of BBQ dinners/ pot luck in their Captains Lounge. We often spend the afternoon sitting around the pool visiting, with the occasional dip in the pool.

Pot Luck BBQ in Captains Lounge

Leslie, Greg & Peter at Ocean Grill

One afternoon we went out with Greg and Leslie while they still had their car and did a big grocery run to pick up the heavy items in preparation for our trip to the Bahamas. We stopped and had lunch at the Ocean Grill. A delightful restaurant overlooking the beach.

Another project underway.

Peter is running out of jobs to do on the boat. (LOL, if you believe that) C&C sailboats were not designed with a mid ship cleat. It has been a frustration numerous times when we are trying to attach lines fore and aft at the dock. Peter finally found a set at a reasonable price and he has them installed already. They look really good, and they close down close to the deck when not in use and pull up easily to hold the lines. Of course our lines were too big for the cleat; and that meant another trip to West Marine.

While at West Marine he ordered a wind scoop for the v-berth hatch. I am sure we will really appreciate it once we are in the Bahamas. I know there have been a number of times it would have been most welcome on Georgian Bay.

Loggerhead has a book exchange/library in the Captains Lounge. It is a take one/leave one system. I had finished the book I was reading and was able to get another 2 David Baldacci books. And there is still more available. I am reading as fast as I can; so that I can hopefully read them all before we leave. I am up for the challenge.

Tonight there is a plan to meet at the end of our dock for docktails and hors d'euvers (sp?, I have had trouble with this word before). Now the dilemma is what to take?

Two of the boys from our village, Kirk Hastings and Dave Price are challenging the Cain's Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race in Labrador. The longest race in the world at 3300 kms or 2026 miles.  It is also the most gruelling. Racers are saying they have never raced in such conditions before. Freezing temperatures, snow storms, extreme conditions. We have been following it on our computer. It is so exciting and nerve racking.  They start the teams at 2 minute intervals and our boys were the 26th team away from the start line. Our boys are Team 7. After three days of riding, they placed 3rd as they came in to the checkpoint at 7:28 a.m. this morning.  They are passed the half way point of the race. There are still a lot of miles to go and a lot can happen. We are cheering them on.

We are so proud of our Canadians. This is a 3300 km race with a $100,000. purse. When our boys machine broke down yesterday and needed some work, Team 73 stopped and helped them make the repairs. Even the support teams help each other. Team 17 had caught up to them by the time the repairs were complete. Then they all were on their way together. Now that is outstanding. We can't be more proud of these teams. What sportsmanship! Amazing!

If you are curious or interested, you can follow along on the website Cains Quest 2014. Go to the Tracking tab and look at the time sheets, and then at the bottom of the page you can follow them on a map using the "interactive" or "yellowbrick". Also, on Facebook go to Snoxcapes, "like" the page and you can get updates there. Penny Brake, Kirk's girlfriend,  tries to post pictures and give us updates as the days progress.

The endurance part of the race is serious. Riders say that you soon realize that you are not racing against other riders. You are riding against the elements, weather, and conditions that this barren land is renowned for. This isn't trail riding folks. This is riding in the wilderness, trees, snow, lakes, ice. Breaking your own trail. While 29 teams left the start line there already has been 9 teams scratched. 8 for mechanical reasons and one for medical (frost bite/ frozen fingers while trying to start a fire. Quickly evacuated and taken to hospital).

 We wish them well. Safe riding boys.

We are cheering from the safety of our boat.