26 October 2026

Depart: New Smyrna, FL anchorage 8:00

Arrive: Eau Gallie East anchorage at Dragon Point in Satellite Beach, FL 3:30

Distance: ~ 58 nm

This morning we were greeted with a beautiful sunrise. It was so nice of the sailboat to pose for the pictures.

Looking in the other direction, we could see the moon peeking out from behind the clouds.

Peek-a-boo Moon

Our travels today took us down the Indian River where we had a windy and rocky ride. For a while the ride felt like we were out on the ocean. We have high winds and high water as the King Tide continues to flood the east coast of Florida. 

On the river we got to see many dolphins jumping in the water. At one point an entire school of fish jumped out of the water simultaneously as a dolphin chased them. Quite cool to see! Sadly, no photos as it all happened too fast. 

I got my daily dose of Halloween decorations today as we passed one place that had gone to the effort to entertain boaters passing by. 

Witches, Skeletons, and Pumpkins

I was just a moment too slow to get the colorful trap markers hanging in the picture below with the bright sunshine highlighting the colors!

Really stunning with the sun shining on the balls

For mile after mile I paid little attention to the scenery as we passed little of interest. In fact I laid down on the seat behind the helm and closed my eyes to listen to the programs / stories being told on the NY NPR station. We listened for almost the entire trip to all sorts of programming. 

When we reached Haulover Canal, Clark "poked" me. I guess he knows I like to look for manatees through here. Usually we see lots of small boats and plenty of fishermen along the shores. Today, it was unusually quiet. 

Coming up to the bridge over Haulover Canal ...

Haulover Canal

Pretty quiet here today. Where are all the small boats and people?

The pelicans had taken over the waterway.

Crowded "no wake" signs

Pelican silhouette

I waited until a flock of pelicans went into "glide mode" to capture their grace in flight.

Soaring Pelicans

Normally, every little crevice, i.e. path down to the water, would be occupied by a group of people fishing in the waterway. Not today!

When we cruise through here, I go on high alert looking for manatees that like to hang out in the canal. Sometimes they are thick in here making navigating a bit interesting. Today, I saw none in the main waterway but I did catch a glimpse of one in a basin off to the side. Alas, again, no picture!

Looking back as we left the canal, I found it interesting to see not a soul in sight!

After all the high water we have seen over the past few days, I saw some skinny water as we exited the canal. Two pelicans were standing in the water that only came up to their ankles. 

Pelicans wading in shallow water

Clark selected an anchorage for today that has us staged to arrive in Vero Beach to see friends tomorrow. He had two possible anchorages identified as possibilities. Of the two, the first one we came to sounded the more pleasant choice. With the boat rocking and rolling in the waves, I wanted somewhere that I could take a shower and not fall over in the shower stall. Fortunately, Clark delivered! 

We dropped anchor near Dragon Point in the Satellite Beach area, so named for the concrete structure that used to reside here.

A couple of years ago I painted a picture for a friend depicting the dragon at Dragon Point!

No sooner did we have the anchor down than I was luxuriating in the shower! Since we dropped anchor real early today, it was nice to just relax for a couple of hours. Day after day, hour after hour of traveling from state to state takes a toll after a while. I am very much looking forward to stepping onto dry land tomorrow!

While I was chilling on the couch, Clark grabbed my phone and got sunset pictures. 

Clark says we are about four hours from the dock at Vero Beach! Yay!