2020: Vero Beach to Titusville FL

4 May 2020

Depart: Vero Beach, FL Private Dock 8:45

Arrive: Mosquito Lagoon Anchorage near Titusville, FL 6:40

Distance: 76 nm

We had a good night’s sleep last night tied to the dock – no rattling anchor chain in the rope locker, no noise whatsoever! We woke to a bright sunny day with my phone telling me the current temperature outside was 62 degrees. That sounded cold but a t-shirt and shorts was comfortable in the sun.

We started the day with me piloting, so Clark could read email. After, since today was my sister’s birthday, “Happy Birthday Sis”, I called her, and we talked for a good long time. By the time we finished talking it was time for me to see about lunch. Afterwards, I stayed below and worked on the blog update. I also cooked food for dinner as we moved along to have it basically ready to save time later. A quick reheat and it would be on the table!

When I returned up top, it was in time to hear part of a Coast Guard conversation that Clark had been attending. It seems that two people fell off their boat which continued to travel without them at high speed in a circle. Another boater pulled the people from the water. The Coast Guard was waiting for the boat to run out of gas before trying to recapture it. The incident was on-going at the Rte 520 bridge. We looked to see where that was and lo-and-behold, we had just passed by there an hour or so earlier.

Bridge at Route 520 in Cocoa

 As we traveled along the ICW today, Clark said, “That looks like a Mainship 2, but it’s in really good condition.” Having been a Mainship owner, Clark is partial to the make and recognizes them from miles away. He even got into a conversation with the owner to learn more about the boat, Miss Lisa. This owner wants to do the Loop. They talked about the great look of the boat, etc.

He followed us for a long ways until he reached Titusville where he planned to spend the night. I did not hear Clark's conversation with him earlier, but before he left us, he called Clark to ask him a question about the autopilot on his boat. Now how did he know Clark would be a fountain of knowledge on autopilots???  Of course Clark was happy to discuss autopilots at length. I tuned out quickly!

I think Clark must want to join the Audubon Society given the number of bird pictures he took today. Of course, they are plentiful on the ICW.

Osprey in Nest

Pelican

Cormorant

Osprey fighting the wind

Clark tried for one of his infamous RR shots and missed the target by seconds.

RR Bridge

We saw some pretty scenery along today’s route. The ones below are of a narrow waterway / canal where a lot of manatee hang out! It is very popular for fishing and kayaking as well. It even has an observation deck for watching manatees.

Kayak launch site at entry to canal

We did not need an opening!

Today’s sunset …