Monday, April 6 — Cruising Along

Wide water, populated territory, a half dozen 65-foot fixed bridges and a parade of boats (mostly sailboats and trawlers) heading north comprised our day on the water. We were on the Indian River for most of the day traveling about 35 miles to Melbourne Harbor. It took us more than 5 hours because we cruised at a very leisurely pace and cranked it down even further to reduce our wake as we passed other boats. We experienced polite boaters and not-so-polite — the usual Florida mix. Honestly, I wonder where some of these people learned to boat. One guy continually shouted over radio Channel 16 to every boat he overtook announcing his intention to overtake with never a mention about slowing down or what side he would pass on. Our path eventually intersected his and I was tempted to give him a shout-out of my own….but decided he wouldn’t get it anyway. Fewer sightings of dolphin, but when we did see them there were usually six or more in the group. We are tucked into a very short dock at Melbourne Harbor — the last slip available. Getting on and off the boat is a “bit” of a challenge since the exit doorway is about 3 feet shy of the walkway. With any luck, we’ll figure it out without taking an unexpected swim. We were supposed to stay at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club, but could never get a confirmation from them despite multiple calls and conversations.