02/10/2024 to 02/15/2024 Vero Beach to Smyrna Beach

 

 

2/10/2024

We headed up the river past Ft Pierce. We later heard a coast guard distress call over the radio of a boat sinking. There were two people onboard, that were rescued but the boat had sunk. Nancy said she heard they had gotten waked by another boat. That is one of the downfalls of Florida waterways - no consideration for your fellow boater!!

These are the electrical power lines crossing the waters. There is a boat next to the far left pole which gives you an idea of the enormous size of these.

A barge and tugs ready to go - haven't seen many of these on the ICW.

This was one of the largest abandoned Sailboats we have seen.

This was a racing Trimaran who's mast broke during a race. The link below tells the interesting story about what happened to it during a race.                                                   https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-palm-beach-post/20230920/281878712983208

Several other boats sinking

We arrived at  a Vero Beach Marina in the early afternoon. We decided to walk towards town and ate at Casey's Place an outdoor only hamburger place.

We stopped at an ice cream shop on our way back to the boat. First time I have ever been to an   ice cream shop that showed you the scoop and then placed it on a scale and charged you by the weight !!

2/11/2024

I got my bike out and decided to check out Vero Beach on my own.Went to the beach, downtown and then off to the park.

Not only did they have the usual big photo seat but 2 benches underneath

Not sure what the caution was for - did not see any crab holes

Outside the performing arts building was this turtle with musical instruments

We tried to get into the private Yacht Club but Matt forgot his blue Jacket

Ate dinner at a nearby restaurant (within walking distance) and watched the first half of the Super Bowl - not the best seats in the house !!

 

02/12/2024

As we passed this boat, at first we thought it was a derelict boat but it is permanently tied and people were living on it. We can only assume it might be tied for when the tide rises so it does not float away.   

We had several coast guard warnings about this boat - barely visible above the water line 

We arrived late afternoon at Eau Gallie (a small suburb outside Melbourne)

Signs Sign everywhere a sign 

We took the dinghy to the dock only to be welcomed by all these signs 

Nancy and I walked around while the guys had a drink at the Mexican restaurant next to the dock - Good thing since it was Monday and nearly everything was closed. 

These were outside the library mosaics are popular here.

Of course murals are always nearby

We did find a local brewery open and the guys came over for an early dinner

Some welcome advise at the brewery

I love to see the dolphins but so hard to video out in the wild but one decided to hang by the boat

02/13/2024

We left early and headed to Titusville

I walked around Titusville as no one else felt up to

An ausprey keeping an eye on their nest

More murals

We had a manatee come for a visit looking for fresh water which someone provided.

02/14/2024

Dave rented a car for our trip to Cape Canaveral and visit the Kennedy Space Center. It was so much more interesting than I expected. So much history and interactive exhibits. Before we left we stopped by the Marina Office where they had a wonderful Valentines Day spread.

After nine months on the boat I don't think we will be arriving on Mars

Waiting in line for the virtual ride (guess the wait was too long for Dave LOL)

We played a virtual game - guess who took first place

We saw this car when we arrived and were lucky enough to meet the owner when we were leaving. Its a 1974 Ford Pinto Station Wagon that the guy bought when he was 21 and has owned it since then. He travels around the states with a camper attached, so he had to put in a V8 engine this is his 3rd engine and had 280,000 miles on it. The wheels are factory mags.
 

There were two launches scheduled for later in the day. The first one was at 5:30. We were able to catch it at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

We had Valentines Day dinner at a nearby Pizzeria

02/15/2024

The 2nd launch was at 1:05 AM which we watched from the boat. Dave got a better video than I did

Next stop New Smyrna Beach. We again anchored for the night. We rafted up to Hygee since the waters were so calm and not much wind. The guys threw out both anchors (we later realized this was not a good idea). 

The Good Year Blimp flew by us
 

We took our dinghys into town and walked around. One of the things I really like is getting off the boat and visiting so many small towns.

A memorial dedicated to our Veterans

 

Nancy, Dave and I (Matt did not want to go) took an uber to Flagler Street and Smyrna Beach then walked the 2.5 miles back to town.

 Matt met back up with us in town. They were hosting their monthly street fair. Lots of venders and music.

 Dave had gone back to the boat so Nancy , Matt and I had a quick dinner in town

 I need this cook book since grilled cheese is one of my favorites

I do not know the name of this plant, but the flowers were so vibrant and unusual.

As we got ready to leave in the morning - Matt realized that the two anchors had become entangled. This is one of the reasons why both boats should not put out their bow anchors.