On to Vero Beach

For the first time in 2009 we woke up in the dark to be ready to cast off at sunrise. With goodbye waves to the marina and manatees and a couple of folks who were up early as well we tip toed out through the shallow Eau Gallie channel. A perfect day to head off. Light winds and full sun. The engine was purring (as if a diesel can purr) and we gradually got into the swing of being mindful of the markers while keeping an eye on the depth sounder. As the morning went on the broad expanse of the Indian River Lagoon transformed into a beautiful winding waterway edged with mangroves and spectacular home properties while dolphins danced in the sparkles. Just after lunch we pulled into the channel for the Vero Beach City marina and hooked on to a mooring ball there. Actually we hooked on to another boat. This is a very popular spot and the substantial mooring area seems to be always full. So we are sharing a mooring with Jenette and Bill on Myosotis. We have never rafted up like this before and when we arrived they were away from their boat. So we gingerly and nervously pulled up beside their boat and got a line or two attached. Then we spent the next while figuring out how to properly attach ourselves. We did the best we could and then went out to explore the area. When we returned Bill and Jennette were there to great us and they had wisely adjusted the lines and fenders to make the situation more secure for us both. That evening we found ourselves dancing on the foredeck to the sound of live music be plunked away at a neighbouring boat. No internet access here so we scramble around with the laptop to find a connection somewhere.It will be sporadic.