Merritt Island

Our time in Ft. Pierce on Sunday was brief but enjoyable.  We got to visit with friends from our first phase of the Great Loop in 2012:  Jim's Joy; Sequel; Good Karma and One September.  It was WONDERFUL to get to see old friends again.  Jim's Joy had a wonderful sentiment on a sign on their motor yacht which is pictured below.

"I live for the nights I can't remember with the friends I'll never forget"

While at Ft. Pierce, we couldn't believe the size of the mullet in the marina and the clarity of the water.  The mullet were a lot bigger than in Biloxi and could be seen by the 100s as you walked up and down the docks there.  We even got to see a manatee between boats but couldn't get a picture quick enough.

Mullet in Ft. Pierce city marina

On Monday, we continued on towards Melbourne area and passed our twin, OZ, and also another neat pirate ship anchored along the way.  We talked with the owners of OZ for a bit on the radio and exchanged information.  They are headed for the Bahamas for the winter.

OZ - another 36' Endeavour TrawlerCat headed for the Bahamas

Pirate Ship anchored on the way to Melbourne area

It was a long 10 hour day to arrive on Monday but we made it before dark.  We had selected a marina to stay for two nights while we could locate our permanent home.  It was a VERY unpleasant two nights.  The marina was quite exposed with little break wall for protection.  Unfortunately the wind was really high at 25 mph the last two days and sleeping was nearly impossible.  The boat was taking 2' beam seas in the slip for both days and nights.  We could hear the dishes sliding around in the cupboards and it felt like you needed a harness to strap you to the mattress for the night. The one highlight were the manatee in the marina.  We were able to get a picture of a nose of one when it came up for air.  Manatee are everywhere here and have been plentiful for viewing the last couple days.  Lots of no wake and even no motor areas to protect them as they don't go very fast.

The dark spot in the middle is a manatee nose getting a breath of fresh air

After five straight days of boating from Ft. Myers Beach to here there was no rest for the weary.  First thing Tuesday morning we picked up a rental car for the day and toured marinas in the area.  We found our new home at Harbortown Marina on Merritt Island.  This morning we relocated and are secured in our new slip on E dock.

Harbortown Marina is located on the Cape Canaveral barge canal and is behind the Cape Canaveral lock so only about a 6 inch tide.  That is good news because the docks here are fixed and not floating. On the other side of the lock the tide is 4 feet.  Below are a few pictures from our arrival this morning.  We face the mangroves and it is very secluded and quiet.  Fortunately it is also a natural hurricane hole.

View entering our row at Harbortown Marina

Our view out the bow

Our view off the stern - lots of sailboats

Since we now have a permanent home we could finalize car transport.  We also got word our cars were picked up this morning in Biloxi and should arrive this evening.  Thanks to our Biloxi Point Cadet Marina neighbors who watched over our babies the past three weeks.

Cars loaded for transport from Biloxi to Merritt Island

Just as the trip down the river was in 2012, the trip to the Atlantic side of Florida was amazing.   Full of adventures and people we'll never forget along the way.  We wish would could have taken longer for this trip and spent more time along the way.

Excluding our 2 hour ride this morning to our new home, we traveled 14 days, covered 961 miles and logged 118 engine hours to travel from Biloxi to Merritt Island.  Since this phase of our Great Loop has come to a close, we'd like to say thanks again to all our loyal followers.  Until next time . . . .