Nunjack Cay to Vero Beach

Sunday 3/16.  We had a pretty rocky night in the anchorage but it wasn't too bad.  The forecast was for storms coming on Monday thru mid week.  We decided to start our way back to West End to prepare for the crossing back to Florida next weekend. 

We anchored for the few nights in Crab Cay Anchorage and Great Sale Cay Anchorage.  Good time to work on a puzzle.  

We arrived at West End on Wednesday 3/19 and waited out the wind until Saturday morning.

First time I've ever seen one of these!  It's a Sea Slug....

Up before sunrise for our 12 hour crossing back into Florida.  As we got closer to the Gulf Steam the waves picked up....had a 6 hour ride of 6 footers...and an occasional 8.   

Once closer to FL the ride became comfortable and a pod of dolphins welcomed us home!

We anchored in Ft. Pierce and it was a busy anchorage being that it was a Saturday and Spring Break has begun.  

Went for a ride in the dingy up the river to check out access to Publix.  Unfortunately, you could see it, but there was no access.  The ride was worth it though....came across this family of manatees.   The baby didn't leave it's mom's side. 

This was at least a 100ft sailboat....well anchored.  I wonder how long it's been there....

Left the anchorage in Ft. Pierce Monday 3/24 and got a dock for 3 nights in Vero Beach.  A great city marina with free city bus transportation which we took advantage of.  One day we went to the beach side and enjoyed dinner at Mulligans Monday night.  Trip to TJMaxx and Publix on Tuesday and a day at the beach on Wednesday.  Great stay!  

Stuart to St. Augustine

We had a great stay in Stuart.  Our friends Trish and Paul joined us on Thursday and stayed with us as we traveled north to St. Augustine.  

Our journey started Saturday 4/20, traveling about 4 hours on the intercoastal waterway to Ft. Pierce, where we docked at the Ft. Pierce City Marina.  The marina is adjacent to a park and there were two events going on.  A Kingfish Tournament and the annual Ft. Pierce Oyster Fest so there were lots going on!  We had dinner on the balcony at Crabby's. 

Sunday we made our way to Vero Beach City Marina in about 2 1/2 hours, and it was hot!  Good thing we decided to take a dock!  It was such a calm and quiet marina.  We tried our hand at fishing, but no luck.  Paul and Trish made us home made Lasagna for dinner and we settled in for the night with a movie. 

Monday we left early because we had a 7 hour ride to Cocoa Village where we hoped to watch a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral.  As we traveled a couple of dolphins came along side and played in our wake for a while.  

 

Dingy ride to Cocoa 

The rocket launch ended up getting postponed until the following day.  We did stay at the Cocoa Village anchorage for 2 nights allowing us to to watch the rocket launch on Tuesday.   Unfortunately we were so excited about watching the launch, we didn't take any pictures! Lol!   I did get a picture of the sunset!

Wednesday 4/24 we left Cocoa Village and got into Titusville Marina where we stayed one night.   One of the YouTuber's that we watch, Trying Not To Sink, was on their boat preparing for a trip to the Bahamas.  

The marina was full of dolphins and manatees!    

Thursday we left Titusville, planning on stopping in New Smyrna.  It was such a great ride we decided to keep going.  We ended our ride in Daytona Beach, where we anchored in Shady Place Anchorage.

Friday 4/26 the water was like glass as we left Daytona Beach headed to Palm Coast Marina.

While in Palm Coast we unboxed our new paddleboard and gave it a try!  

Saturday 4/27 we left Palm Coast Marina headed to St. Augustine where we stayed in the mooring field for 2 nights.  

Our guests caught an Uber home Saturday afternoon and came back with their car to take us out for provisions and dinner in Jacksonville. Thanks guys! 

Sunday afternoon Bill and I explored St. Augustine.  It was a beautiful day!  

The lion guarding the Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine.  

Sunday night we had dinner at Harry's.  The service was great, the food was awesome, especially the crab bisque😋and there was live music!  Perfect!