Jensen Beach

  We left Cocoa  on Tue 12/2/2013 and meandered  our way down through a few nice looking anchoring places to the Melbourne Causeway Bridge, after stopping at Dragon Point for fuel and water.  We had heard there was to be another space launch attempt and thought the North side of the causeway would be a possible viewing spot.  Richard and Kay on Atalanta, along with two other boats did likewise.   We had our own campground.  We were fortunate to be able to view the launch and it was wonderful.  We have been to the beach and in shorts since Monday!!!!  This has been such a great spot, we decided to stay through the weekend  and miss the Fl. weekend clash of boats out enjoying the water.  Will move on towards Stuart Mon,  rent a car to visit the west coast of Fl as I have never been there. 

    It has been a fun-filled travel adventure since our last missive.  We have purchased a Florida fishing license and are enjoying Francie's catch.  The license was pricey, but I think that we are now down to about $4.50 a fish, and gaining.  There is nothing like fresh caught fish for dinner!!   We traveled from Melbourne to Stuart and parted with Zama Dawn as they were headed farther down the coast.  We will meet again though, we are sure as we need more instruction in playing Dominoes.   At Stuart we rented a car for a week and met with Donna and Paul Robinson, former classmates of Francie's who have a home in Windham Vt and one in Stuart as well. We met at their place and went out for appetizers and refreshment at a local Tiki establishment in Manatee Pocket.   Great fun!

  Thursday Dec. 12 we traveled to Venice Fl to meet with Tina & Bill Bird at their home in Venice.  They are neighbors of ours when they are in Danby,and they have a very beautiful home on a golf course in Venice.  That, combined with their very generous nature and Tina's excellent cooking made for a delightful couple of days!  Bill showed us the dog park for which Skipper was entirely grateful.  Then on Friday we went to the dog beach and toured around the harbor and the city, followed by a great wine bar and later a great meal at a local restaurant.  We all enjoyed dancing to a duo (Neal and Vicky) who played great music.

   On Saturday we traveled back to Stuart and caught a ride back to our boat with Kevin Stone, as it was past time to get a shuttle  from the marina.  Sunday & Monday were dedicated to consignment store shopping, parts store, and re-provisioning the boat for the trip to the Bahamas.  We  changed alternators and checked the refrigerant in our fridge.   Even Skipper got to the vet and his paperwork for travel taken care of.  Tuesday I returned the rental car, picked up a few more needed items and then we departed the marina for an anchorage at Jensen Causeway where we hope to meet with Bill & Barb Pike on Wishbone.  In the meantime we are still looking for places on the boat to store all of the many extra parts and pieces we wish to take to the Bahamas with us.

   It is also time to think about Christmas and Release; our Mermaid now has a big red bow to be dressed up.  We have moved to an anchorage on the north side of Jensen Causeway to wait for Barb & Bill, who should be here today.

   Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!