Vero Beach or Bust!

Part of a rainbow?

Since leaving Fernandina Beach we have been at anchor or on a mooring ball.  The first night was at anchor in Pine Island north of St. Augustine.  A lot of other boats had the same idea, so there were 12 boats in there.  The other two times we were there, maybe 6 at the most. While sitting in the cockpit we saw a rainbow effect over the marsh before it rained and there was no sun out!  I’m sure there is a scientific explanation but not sure what.

Tourist trolley- a typical sight.

We motored to St. Augustine where we were on a mooring ball by 10am.  We did the usual walk down the main street where all the shops are enjoying the Spanish influences and typical sights.

Apartment balcony in St. Augustine

 Had lunch at Mi Casa Café where there was a guitarist singing some of the great old hits while eating our yummy sandwiches.  

Entertainment at Mi Casa Cafe 

 We had been in St. Augustine several times on the way down and back on past trips so we decided to move on the next day to the Daytona area since there was nothing new that we wanted to see.  

Sunrise off of St. Augustine

We started the day with this beautiful sunrise

 and ended the day anchoring out in Daytona and enjoyed a nice sunset once again with a Daytona sky line.  

Daytona as the sun sets.

Last design with missing wool in lower left corner

 Since we were doing a lot of motoring I have gotten to work on my rug.  However, frustration has set in because I am short about 1 ½ inches of background wool for my last design.  I think I have some at home so I plan to finish the rest of the rug and hopefully finish that particular design once we get home. 

 

 While motoring I try to get some exercise while underway which isn’t the easiest since wakes from passing yachts can cause you to lose your balance.  Strong women take note!

We were finally able to pull the sail out for a motor sail day to Titusville which is near NASA.  We pass through  Haulover Canal.  Right outside this pelican was  pointing out to go slow, this is a manatee zone!

The bridge north of Titusville which was closed for four hours on our last trip, was open, but shortly after going through, it closed down for a locomotive pulling one car to go across.  So at least it is nice to know that they do use it and did not have it closed last trip for no reason!  

NASA Railroad Bridge

We picked up a mooring ball in Titusville.  Moorings are new here since our last trip.  It is nice to have mooring balls because then you are able to use their shower facilities and laundry.  Both of which we took advantage. 

Not always sunny in Florida!

The next morning we awoke to heavy fog.  We were able to go into the marina to pick up fuel, water and get a pump out.  Until we were done with all of that, the fog had lifted enough to continue on although it wasn't a very pretty day.                         

We motor sailed to a new anchorage for us called Eau Gallie across the river from Melborne.  It was a bit crowded so we went up above the swing bridge to anchor and later found out they were having trouble with that particular bridge, but we lucked out and it opened for us the next morning.  

 It was quite windy the next day and we motor sailed to Vero Beach.  We had to pass under several bridges and there were some larger boats with taller masts (ours is 61’) that were having trouble not being able to go under the bridges which are often 62-63ft.  The reason is due to the north winds for the past few days that have caused the water in the waterway to rise higher than normal.  Some had to just anchor for the night and go through at low tide.  We arrived in Vero Beach around 1PM.  Showers and dinner out was the activity for the day. 

Al waiting for the free bus in Vero Beach

 We plan to be here until after Thanksgiving to use the free bus service to get to stores we need for preparing for crossing to the Bahamas.  Also there is a Thanksgiving potluck for the cruisers held in a nearby community building.  CLODS which stand for “cruisers living on dirt” will be bringing turkeys and hams and we on boats will provide the rest. Many former cruisers now live in Vero Beach which is nice.  It is a big affair and we all look forward to it.  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!