Monday, March 21, 2011

Sailing, Sailing, Sailing ! ! ! !

SHIP'S LOG:

Current Location: 28'06.488N/ 080'37.128 W

Today was a day that I hoped would be typical of all the days on this trip. So far, that hasn't been the case but today was a start. I left Fort Pierce about 8:30am and sailed, thgat's right SAILED, to Vero Beach Municipal Marina. I had to do a pump & dump & a fuel pimp and it was "on the way." I was in and out in 15 minutes which is a record, at least in my expereince, and then sailed, that's right SAILED, to Eau Gallie and Dragon Point in Melbourne. It was a perfect day. The wind was a perfect 15 knots out of the East/South East and I didn't have to touch a sail once they were set. The weather was sunny and the temp was in the high 70's, maybe even low 80's. There was little or no "traffic" on the ICW except for an occasional fisherman. There was no opening bridges, except for the one at Ft. Pierce and the fixed bridges, well I just sailed right through the openings. It was a spectacular day!

The most interesting thing I saw today was a young couple in a pinky schooner. It was painted red & white and it was really something to see. I had never seen one before , in the flesh so to speak, only in pictures, but this one, made of steel and probably home built was really beautiful.

This was the most empty I have see the ICW. I had long stretches when no one passed and I passed no one. I would think that the time for the great northward migration has come and i expect to see more boats in the days ahead.

I got a call from Brad. He went over his plans for the day - he was currently in a boatyard looking over some abandoned boats to see if he could acquire some teak for his deak. He was surprised that I was already up and gone when he called. He asked all saorts of questions about all sorts of projects he has to deal with on the boat. I guess I am going to become his "Gerry."

I really beat so I am going to hit the rack.