Melbourne to Ft Pierce Florida

After having a very nice dinner at the dockside tiki bar & grill last night we settled down to a very cold night. Liz Murphy (Peter's cousin) retired with pillows packed against the hull for insulation in her forward bunk and a hot water bottle for extra warmth. She was very surprised to find that we had one. (standard equipment in our house) The wind was blowing all night and we woke at 3:30-4:00AM, noticing the heat had gone off. Peter was up, turned it back on, and cranked the temp to the top. It ran continuously until Jane got up at 6AM. Last night the record for coldest night was broken with the wind chill this morning at 22'F.
We left the dock by 8:30AM, heading south, leaving our destination up to the day's progress. We had the north wind behind us so our jib went out and we travelled most of the day at 9.2mph over ground. It was still cold in the cockpit but the sun helped to make it more tolerable. We passed some magnificent homes along Vero Beach.











Eleven miles later we called it quits in Ft Pierce. Peter got a local to take him to top up our propane and then he and Liz walked to West Marine and the grocery store. Dave & Trudie, if you read this, we have coffee and wheat thins to bring to you. That will give you an excuse to slow down and find us in the Exumas!!!

Behind our boat is another little island that serves as a rookery for the sea birds. We saw the same thing in New Smyna Beach but did not get a picture. It's fascinating watching the birds circle this place for an hour before nesting for the night. It's quiet too!! Leaving early tomorrow for Lake Worth. Our plan is to get to Ft Lauderdale by Tuesday. It's 100 miles from here. Not as cold tonight so we are hoping for warmer days ahead!!