Vero Beach to Bahamas Dec 22 - Dec 24

Vero Beach to Grand Bahama Island, Ocean Reef Yacht Club (ORYC)

Dec 22 Sun:  We depart Vero at 9:17 am after topping off fuel, water, pump out, and take showers.  We arrived at north bridge Ft pierce 11:00am and made to our anchorage in North Lake Worth at 5:45pm.  There were lots of boats in the anchorage, and lots of shallow spots.  After we anchored the boat behind us moved, I guess he thought we were too close.  

Dec 23 Mon:  We depart 6:45 am, Shirley agreed that most of the the homes along the ICW were over the top, same for yachts. 

Lots of bridges on this stretch but there was not too much waiting.  We arrived in Ft Lauderdale at 3:30pm and waited for the last bridge opening before our exit out to the ocean. Heading out of the inlet was rough, just for Shirley,  and for a while after that, but seas did calm down and the rest of the night was good. We did not much sleep on our 3hr shift since the auto pilot was not working. We sailed most of way till the wind died. 
We received a message that Herb had passed away at 3:30pm, what a wonderful man, a real gentleman. 


Dec 24 Tue: We arrived in Port Lucaya 7:30am, port tie, Ryan, the dock master helped.  We cleared customs and immigration and head to ORYC at 11:30am.  Shirley did some shopping in Lucaya and bought ear rings she liked from last year. 

 Going into Silver Pt inlet was like coming home, folks in dinghies welcomed us, as well as lots of shouts from the beach. Tom met us at dock B3 and helped us tie up.   There was some mix up in the office about where we were located, Tom helped clear it up.  We are in B4 using B3 power.  Lots of hello’s and greetings, cocktails with Tom, Rick came by in his boat.  We went over to see Liz after a shower.  Dinner at Esters tonight then to bed for some much needed rest.  

Titusville Fl to Vero Beach FL Dec 9 - Dec 21 2013

Titusville to Vero Beach

Dec 17 Tuesday:  Depart for Vero Beach at 12:30 after breakfast, return car, and picked more provisions.  It was warm sunny, winds at 17kts, from North, choppy water but going wit it.  It was actually getting warmer. Shirley is doing crossword puzzles, Bob at helm, all is well.  We arrive at Melbourne at 4:30pm and dinghy in for dinner at Chart House, we were not the best dressed folks there.  But the food was good.  

Dec 18 Wed depart Melbourne 8am, 10kt N wind, choppy, still going with it. Clear and warming to 72 degrees, Shirley at the helm and doing a fine job.  We arrive in Vero Beach Marina around noon. There was only one mooring left near the mangroves in the crowded marina; most boats rafted up.  Saw Betty and Bob on Lady Nelson as we came into harbor. 

We dinghy in for showers and check-in as it started getting windy and cooler.  Peg and Herb, my Aunt and Uncle, picked us up at 3pm, their neighbor Bill Chambers driving. They had been looking for a new car/van.  We stayed for a bit then borrowed their car to shop.  We picked up pizza for dinner with Peg and Herb and then headed back to marina at 9pm and off to bed.  Jay had called us at 11pm to let us know Herb had a stroke and was in the hospital.  

Dec 19 Thursday; Up around 7am, trying to find someone to work on generator.  We spent the next couple of days visiting Herb and keeping Peggy company.  

Dec 20 Friday:  Drove to Ft Pierce for hardware, dive gear, and more provisions.  

Dec 21 Sat:  Spent the day with Peg; Shirley and I helped set up her Christmas cards and updated the mailing list. There was no change in Herb's condition.