As our journey continues we get off the dock early in the morning as the Cormorants were still honking at us. It was like the bugle caller in the Navy saying get up and get moving. The morning was calm and we only had to traverse the Indian River to get to Vero Beach, which was our next port. It was an uneventful ride and as we pulled in to the basin and talked to the marina on the VHF radio they gave us our mooring assignment. Now this harbor has both docks and moorings but they raft up 2 to 3 boats on a mooring. So we found our assignment way back in the cove and sure enough it was a low long power boat with just a woman aboard. Her captain was off somewhere so to raft to this boat she had to help. Two problems. She didn't speak English and she didn't know what to do. So after many hand gestures and grunting and groaning we finally tied down. She went back inside and we never saw her again.
Down came our dinghy and motor and off to the marina to check in. Well, the motor dies half way and we have to row the rest of it. Vero beach is unique in that it has a free bus service that will take you all over town. Guess what, Elle wanted to go to Publix's again so off we went with our bags.
Next port was Stuart, Fl. where we anchored in a great place called Manatee pocket. As we were getting ready to drop the hook the heavens opened up and Elle was on the forward deck in her rain gear but got soaked anyway.
The next day we decided to go to an anchorage in Lake Worth where many boats wait for the right "window" to cross the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas. We were shocked when we arrived to find at least 100 boats all anchored waiting. Of those, we were one of only 3 power boats. Also, most of the sailboats were flying the "Maple Leaf" (Canadian) and, of course, Elle felt right at home.
Off to see our dock master friend at Del Ray Beach the next day. He welcomed us with open arms and told us he had a great slip ready for us in February where we plan on going. So off to Publix's again and as Elle put it, just for a few things. LOLOL. I must say, at this moment, she is the greatest of cook's, and we eat like gourmets, so it is worth it to make those trips to Publix's. That evening we went to our favorite restaurant (Carraba's) which is within walking distance of the marina. The bad economy seems to have hit here also. Where we usually would have had to wait for a table this time of year we walked in and was seated almost immediately. Still DELICIOUS!!!!!
Next is Ft. Lauderdale. The first day there we anchor down in the Middle River which is off the ICW near all the canals on Las Olas. Even though this trip was only about 23 miles it took many hours because of the bridges we had to wait for and the "no Wake" zones. Made reservations up the New River in Ft. Lauderdale at Cooley's which again, is normally full with a waiting list, but this time we got in with no trouble. We were suppose to leave today to go to the keys but a low pressure system has arrived with 25-30 knot winds so here we are staying put.
Our bikes came out and we rode downtown yesterday and today, guess what? Yep you know it, we are going to Publix.
So, our trip to the Keys has been postponed and we will go onto our reserved dock farther up this river for the month of January.
Happy Holidays to all and a Happy New Year.
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