Vero Beach

Sunday we spent the day hanging around Titusville. We did some shopping and spent a lot of time at the playground. The highlight of the afternoon was spotting an alligator in the pond next the the playground. but only bring 3 feet long we doubted it had eaten many children. Yesterday we left Titusville with s/v Sheila and s/v La Smala and made the 30 mile trip to Melbourne. We anchored in the lee of a causeway, so we did not go ashore, however we enjoyed watching pelicans dive for fish all around the boat until well after dark. They soar about 50 feet above the water until they spot a fish and then tuck into a tight dive and hit the water with a big splash. Very fun to watch.
This morning we left Melbourne at 0700. We knew a big front was on the way (the precursor to the storm making Thanksgiving headlines), so we planned to get into Vero Beach as early as possible. About 30 minutes into the trip we spotted an 8 foot long alligator right next to the ICW! By 1230 we were hanging on a mooring in the sheltered cove in front of the city marina. This place is great and it is no wonder why cruisers flock here. $13 moorings, good showers and facilities, a great beach and town, and best of all - free buses anywhere in the county! We went ashore and took advantage of the free transportation with a trip to the beach and to get some ice cream. We will probably stay here through Thanksgiving because the weather looks rough tomorrow and the big potluck on Turkey Day seems like it will be worth staying for.