Look who showed back up!

 

 

 

WELCOME BACK LIZ ARDO !!!

 

 

We decided to make a short run and anchor out in Mosquito Lagoon which is a huge bay, just off the waterway. It’s only about 5-7 ‘ deep and there were at least 50 crab pots spread out in a circle. We hoped the crabberman would come along before we left, so we could buy dinner from him. He never showed, but we did discover lots of needle fish in the shadow of our boat next morning. They are fun to watch. They hover quietly until spooked , then they flip their bodies creating a flash of light and then they’re gone.

The weather was quite hot, but we resisted the temptation to take a dip to cool off, as we had learned that this is the area where the Bull Sharks come to give birth. Think I’ll  give those Bad Mamas plenty of space.

 

We made it to Titusville and topped off our fuel tanks. Tom did some fancy mathematical calculations and determined that our good old Ford Leihmans are true to their reputations, and have been burning less than 2 gallons/per hour per engine. That includes generator run time.

Along the way we had the pleasure of being overtaken and passed by this amazing Super Yacht “Silver Seas”.  She is 100+’ and is being offered for sale at the reduced price of $6,750,000.00. Now that’s a lot of zeros and a lot of gallons per hour!

Next morning was spent doing boat chores and laundry at the marina laundromat. Around 1:15 we took our lunch up to the flybridge and were thrilled to watch the launch of of a ccommunications satellite from Cape Canaveral.

It was pretty cool. The locals said when the big space shuttle rockets launch, there is such a huge sonic boom reprocussion that the fish in the bay are temporarily stunned and float up to the surface. After a few seconds, they recover and swim away.

                                    Cape Canaveral from the waterway

Later in the afternoon we took a side trip to visit the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum which is the first national police museum, and is  dedicated to officers killed in the line of duty. They also have a state of the art gun range. We were privileged to have the director of law enforcement training, Paul Pawela, give us personal instruction.  What an empowering confidence builder that was. Thank you Paul !

 

And if that wasn’t a fabulous enough day, we discovered a favorite local diner spot, “Kloibers Cobbler”.  The specials of the day were delicious shepards pie, and a meatloaf sandwich, to be topped off with their Scrumptious Blackberry Cobbler!

The next morning as we were preparing to throw off the lines and head out, we were paid a special visit by a couple of locals . I’ve always dreamed of seeing a manatee, but the sightings in Charleston are so rare.  These guys hang around the marina and eat sea grass that washes in and drink fresh water that overflows if anyone is washing down their boat. The bright sunshine and show play make it a little difficult to see the details.

They are massive and move so slow and lumbering. They each had multiple scars from healed over wounds, no doubt propellor inflicted. This experience certainly gives emphasis to the many “Idle speed, Manatee zone” signs that we see along the ICW. 

Today we had an 8 hour run and found a nice anchorage tucked way up in a cove in Suart Florida near St Lucies Inlet called Manatee Pocket. I don’t think there are many manatees here now, as there are many many boats and beautifully landscaped lawns along every inch of the waterway.

I was a little bummed that it is Halloween and we are not out and about seeing the costumes or enjoying the celebrations with our friends. As Tom and I enjoyed a sundowner on the sundeck of Southern Trawl, we heard the roar of a few small planes. We turned around to discover there was an air show just north of us. We sat on the anchor pulpit and had the best seats in the house.

The planes dipped and dove and released swirls of smoke exhaust from their tails. When dusk descended they continued flying with streams of what looked like fireworks coming from their wings. Finally, when the planes landed, a full on fireworks show erupted into the night sky. Amazing impromptu couple of days! I’m almost afraid to ask, “What’s next ?”