Fort Pierce

At first glance I am forced to look a little harder, as it doesn't even seem like I'm in Florida anymore, but am.  Looking around: palm trees - check, ocean - check, sand - check, but abandoned streets, homes and stores mirror imaging each other made of cement from foundation to roof, not really part of my check list.

As we continue on our quest of a grocery to replenish our cooler, we stop at one "grocery" and when we go in it smells like wet dirty rag, and didn't really provide that fresh obsessed feel with their produce.  The second one, we didn't even bother going in.  Was this what we were in for?

We finally arrive to the "resort", we both agree that perhaps they are thinking a little too highly of their property, but it is on the intercoastal, right on the water, at a perfect position to admire the sunset later on this evening poolside or on the fishing docks.  The folks here appear to be pleasant.  There seems to be a lot of locals here this weekend.  Fort Pierce seems to be that sort of getaway.  Taking it all in again at second glance, I'm beginning to see why.

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Today we are in the cabana, reheating pizza on the grill while staying in the shade to keep cool.  Our dog is on the sand outside of the pool deck because surprise, surprise - no dogs allowed, but she is loving the scene.  As we are working away on our laptops, we cool down by taking her into the water, where she won't go on her own.  When we do so, the minow and nedel fish tickle our legs.  There's just so many!  A few moments later, having returned back to the previous position of checking emails, what do I see in the corner of my eye, but Animal Services.  A woman (questionable if she really is one) steps out of her vehicle as she puts on a pair of gloves and proceeds to our dog.  Oh my, what the f#&%!  After apologizing for the inconvenience and misunderstanding, a police cruiser pulls in - gong show!  I at this point feel like I am on Jerry Springer, completely trailer trash explaing myself, "Yes, she has a bowl full of ice water...she just finished going in for a swim...we're sitting right here and can't let her past the fence because there are no dogs allowed."  Clearly, it was a guest at the hotel that called.  Perhaps someone even swimming in the pool.  Ask around much ass h%$&?

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This evening we are totally localizing it - another term that we have adapted into our vocab.  The dive is The Ramp.  It is supposed to have some really good food.  Walking into the place, it resembles a fish and chippery, but it smelled a lot better, not like old greese.  With the kitchen in full view, we were excited to see what the menu was all about.  They have Dirty Oysters, which are raw oysters topped with caviar, Bermuda onion and sour cream, a dozen for $8.95.  Another interesting item was the Dolphin, broiled, grilled or blackened, for $14.95.  It is also served as Dolphin Parmesan with pasta or yellow rice, for $17.95.  Of course they had gator and also conch, which we ordered as a red chowder, a cup for $2.95.  The conch in the chowder was a bit chewy, but the flavor was great, with a little kick in the back.  We also ordered the Peel 'Um Shrimp, steamed with Ol' Bay seasoning sprinkled all over it and melted butter on the side, a half pound for $8.95.  I ordered a bowl of Seafood Jambalaya served on yellow rice, which turned out to be a large bowl, and therefore a meal in itself, for $4.00.  I know what you're thinking, 'Why didn't she go crazy with the oysters?'  Believe me, writing this now, I am totally upset that I didn't.  I was sick most of the time with a bad stomach flu and a fever which hit me both nights.  Go figure, raw oysters on the half shell, a dozen for $7.95 and I'm sick.  Let's stop it right there.  Let's not mention it any further.  

Walking back to the hotel, are tummies are satisfied, mine is cursing me, but I am content with whatever happens as the jambalaya was so good.  The meal was great!  We now know why it is a local fave, it's one of those diamonds in the rough types.

The sound of country twang coming from the hotel next to us draws us into their Tiki Bar.  Desperate fishermen have crowded their docks hoping for that big daddy to bite, while their wives are dancing with a beer in one hand and their baby in the other, to the latest Brooks 'n Dunn single.  Everyone is having a great time.  This is how to do it on a Saturday night, netting bait, fishing for grouper or snapper or baricuda or shark, heck, whatever bites, good music, friends, and fresh sea food.