And the "Partying" Begins

Haulover Canal

Monday April, 5th we made our way to New Smyrna Beach. We turned off the Indian River and entered the Haulover Canal. Several sailboats were travelling along with us. A lot of these sailboats had been anchored just outside of Titusville for the front row seats of the launch. When we passed the Haulover bridge we noticed that we were now part of the show. On the shoreline were busloads of people watching the parade of boats. One of the interesting 'homemade' boats we've come across was this simple one in the Mosquito Lagoon pictured below.

"Homemade houseboat"

Well we pulled into New Smyrna Municipal marina and our plans were to spend two nights. One of the highlights were our friends Al & Fran were coming to the Summer Wind. We went out for a lovely Italian dinner and it was a fantastic evening. Great to be with you both Al & Fran thank-you!

Al & Fran with US

On Tuesday morning we walked down the dock to come across this vessel being pumped out. It's a twin engine boat and the owners had been planning to go on a trip. Sunday morning they had come down to their boat to find it had been sunk. You can see where the waterline had been. It's a total write -off! The owners later learned the cause of the flooding a 1inch hose let go in the live bait well. The coast guard was supervising the clean up to make sure no oil or pollutants went into the water because on top of the flood damage they could be fined thousands for polluting.

Broken Hoses make us Shudder!!!

Summer Wind's buddy
 boat Peace

Wednesday April 7th we slipped the lines off the dock and headed out. Our next adventure was the Pre-Rendezvous MTOA (Marine Trawler Owner's Association) party in Palm Coast. In Palm Coast there are several MTOA members that have homes with docks. The Palm Coast group arranged dockage  for MTOA members that were heading north for the Rendezvous topped off with a great (Birthday & Anniversary) party at Sarah and Phil Lowes'. Our dock hosts were Danette and Jim whom were absolutely wonderful. We tied up next to their Ocean Alexander trawler Peace where we spent three days. Thank you so much!!!

Danette & Jim

Happy Birthday and Anniversary!!