My Treasure Coast

Tucked away on Florida’s Treasure Coast is a small town called Stuart, a place I call home for the second time since coming to America. It’s the only incorporated city in Martin County and is a part of Port St. Lucie in Palm Beach County for keeping up with statistics. I’m told Stuart weathered some nineteen hurricanes between 1871 and 2005, not that many, all tales being told. I’ve endured a couple of those Treasure Coast hurricanes myself, thinking that enjoyed is a better word only during the eye of the storm when all around me is quiet and serene. Then the stormy blast resumes. Not so enjoyable. But I’ve found that another one of life’s essentials is a proper mixture of storms and tranquility. Gives us perspective.

I live on Hutchinson Island, a barrier island bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by St. Lucie Inlet, on the west by the Indian River, and on the north by the Ft. Pierce Inlet. The view outside my windows and from my balcony is breathtaking.      

During the day, the river lazily snoozes on its own giant li-lo, making its way to the wide open arms of the sea, resting, gliding under the rays, so calm, the light eastern breeze naturally cooling every creature in its path. A boat sails by in the distance, the white foam obediently trailing behind. Another boat pulls up to the docks and a school of those bait fish jump right out of the way, the boat never apologizing in the slightest, just a customary interference for the underwater critters. November to March is beautiful in south Florida, mild temperatures both night and day with far less humidity.

On the beach at midnight, the regal full moon hovers close, and the gentle breeze bounces off the sea, searching through my hair like a thousand pieces of lace. Across the swell and under the big light of a starry sky, a cluster of shining diamonds shimmer and bounce on the surface, and those fluffy white clouds now turned to grey, still comfort me like so many fuzzy soft and favorite blankets.

    
The sounds,
the smells,
the warmth,
the sensations enliven me.

    
This is my Treasure Coast.


Paul "Gibbo" Gibbons
Jane Bennett Gaddy
excerpts from GIBBO

Posted 12th March 2011 by Jane B. Gaddy