Back To Normal At The Sailor's Return

The outside bar at the Sailor's Return Restaurant, located at the Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart, Florida, is a much more mellow place these days now that "the season" (January thru March) is over. The last time my sister Susan and I were there, every table was either occupied or had a "reserved" sign on it, and the only seat available was at the end of the bar, with no view of the marina or St. Lucie River at all. Plus, when we left, the valets had parked cars in a line right in back of the vehicles parked in the spaces, including mine, requiring me to walk back to the valet stand to ask them to move the car blocking mine. And so yesterday was a real treat - a place to park and a table with a view, from which I took the photograph on the left. And when we got back to our car, we could actually pull out without having to approach the valet. And by the way, are you supposed to tip the valet in that situation? I didn't. If you ask me, the valets should hand you a couple of free drink coupons for the inconvenience.

The Sunset Bay Marina is a really nice place to walk around and pick out your next superyacht. I took the photograph on the right of Susan as we were leaving the place and heading for the car. Of course, I really can't blame the Sailor's Return for the parking issues. That parking lot is used by the marina, too, and the people who own those boats or work there use that lot, too, which is why it is always close to full no matter the time of day. In any case, whenever we have a drink at the Sailor's Return and look out at the boats, Susan always mentions how she wants to go on a cruise and asks if we can rent one of those vessels and tootle around the river. In fact, there is a sign posted offering just that, but I imagine it would be pretty damn pricey. I myself want to wait until the Island Princess, an actual ship offering day cruises, is back in commission. It has been undergoing renovations since last summer, although last week its web site disappeared. However, when I called their phone number the other day, I was told they would be back in business next week. And I believe them. I believe. I believe.