Jus Enuff

Vero Beach: 17-21 Jul 09

Moorings at Vero Beach

Motleys had decided to follow advice in “Passages South”. “Wait for weather, start early, get in early and hit all the stops on the way!”  That way of course, we made sure never to miss a leisurely sundowner!  On our first day, we had time for an ocean swim and a quick margarita (a classic Florida cocktail) with our new neighbours on their lovely cat (a manta 42).  We slept soundly to hit the ICW again, but early!  As the sun rose, off we steamed for Vero Beach!

Anchoring is not allowed in Vero Beach, so on “Searcher’s” advice, we took a mooring at a pretty little marina just off the Indian River.  The Vero Beach Municipal Marina (mile 952) has definite advantages - laundry, wifi, free bus to shopping centre, lively Riverside Café just under the bridge, dinghy dock and lush green gardens.  It’s all so normal.  Can we stay here?  Our hearty Caribbean “good morning” on the bus fell on deaf ears.  Welcome to the land of the impolite but free… but yes, we did stay. 

Trying to be helpful

We stayed to visit a super-large West Marine (a Bunnings-sized boat bits shop!); buy ourselves a couple of little red folding bikes; be amazed at real food (& lots of it) in Publix, a large supermarket; and dine out at the Driftwood Inn for dinner on the Atlantic ocean with Jim and Tammy.  Originally built in 1957 by Waldo Sexton for his family’s summer home, Driftwood is a rambling timber structure decorated at random with a ramshackle collection of Waldo's beach finds and depression-era auction purchases.  A perfect beach shack and more inspiration for Penawar renovations!  Now the Inn is converted into expensive timeshare apartments, although the place still oozes retro charm.

 A storm brewing over Vero Beach Marina 

We also stayed to celebrate himself’s significant birthday, although this time it was an in-house affair with a bottle of Aussie champers.  Celebration proper could wait for the arrival of Boy Wonder, who was to join us in a few weeks (perhaps).  Life can be really tough for these people who have a work schedule!!

From: Peck Lake, FL Lat/Long: 27 07N  80 08W Date/Time: 17/7/09: 0640

To: Vero Beach, FL   Lat/Long: 27 39N  80 22W Date/Time: 17/7/09: 1330
Time Taken: 40nm (7hrs)  Distance (this year): 1835nm (368.5hrs)
Distance Total (since 2008): 2684nm  (546.5hrs)   Fastest Speed: 5-7kts**
Weather: Our first experience of "interesting" storm activity along the ICW
(** Motor sailing; 1 opening & 5 fixed bridges; 4 overhead power lines!)