MARCH 17, 2012 UPDATE

The blog was suspended when I came home for some routine medical tests.  Unfortunately, one of the tests was anything but routine.  As some of you may already know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Fortunately, it was caught at an early stage and was successfully removed.

After undergoing an additional genetic test, it was determined that I am in the high risk group for a recurrence.  The consensus amongst my medical team is that the best treatment regime for me is to undergo a 3-4 month course of Chemotherapy followed by 6.5 weeks of radiation.  Not exactly what we had envisioned to do for the next several months but unfortunately a necessary precaution.

We leave for Florida tomorrow and plan to move the Duddon Pilot from its current location at Islamorda to Indiantown, Florida.  Indiantown is considered to be a "hurricane hole" and therefore a safe location for us to leave the boat until we resume our adventure on the Loop.  

I will post updates from time to time to let you know of my progress and our plans.  Many thanks to everyone for their well wishes and encouragement.  

JANUARY 2012 VISITORS & A SOJOURN IN MIAMI

We were lucky to have visitors from Rhode Island in January.  Renee and her father Don spent a few days in Islamorada.  We enjoyed visiting some local haunts with them as well as some great meals.

Don & Renee enjoying some Florida sun.

At the invitation of other friends from Rhode Island, we took a side trip to Key Biscayne which is just outside Miami.  Arthur & Judy were wonderful hosts and showed us around Miami and its environs. 

South Beach Miami.

Judy was our guide and gave us a tour of the unique Art Deco architecture in South Beach which is the in place to be seen and to people watch.

Peter's retirement car.  He needs to have a chick magnet.

The weather was spectacular and we had lunch at a waterfront restaurant.
Peter & Judy waiting for our table.

View from our table at the waterfront location of Smith & Wollensky: http://www.smithandwollensky.com/sw-miami-beach

Arthur & Judy took us to the Fairchild Botanical Gardens.  The Gardens are named after Dr. David Fairchild who was a famous plant explorer.  The Gardens are a treasure trove of tropical plants from around the world and serve as a major conservation and educational center.

There are sculptures and works of art interspersed amongst the plants.  This one and several others were created by Dale Chihuly, an artist who spent a great deal of time at the Rhode Island School of Design as a student and a teacher.

An up close view of one of the exotic flowers in the hothouse section.

Judy in the hothouse.

Another example of the Art that is scattered amongst the plants and trees.


Rambunctious tourists sitting on one of the "flower petals".

All aboard the open air bus for a tour through the Gardens.

One of the influential patrons and founders of the Fairchild Gardens.

"Hitchee" the White Egret who hitches a ride on the open air trolley and has become a fixture in the Gardens.

The legendary Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.  We peaked inside for a view of "Old Florida".  The hotel has hosted the rich and famous since the 1920s.

Views of Miami at sunset from the Rusty Pelican Restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious meal with our friends.

Miami at night!