mile 839.5-846.5
We showered at the marina and took our time leaving. We forgot that we had a timed bridge to consider until we were underway. We were too late to make the 11 am opening of the George E. Musson Bridge, so we had to go slowly to time for the 1130.
The current was against us initially and then changed as we crossed the inlet. We had no issues going through the junction with the Indian River. We practiced holding the boat still and straight in the current and watched people fishing around us.
Rick at the New Smyrna Beach City Marina was very good at guiding us to the marina on the radio. David pulled in to our slip without issue. Some other boaters from Fit Lady helped us tie up. They were leaving and we helped them with lines. Their stern came within inches of crashing into the boat next to them as they pulled out.
We filled the water tanks, did laundry and waited to see an afternoon rocket launch. We saw the rocket heading for the sky. The sound arrived moments later. We could not see the booster return to land at the launch pad.
We made arrangements to pick up a car for a field trip tomorrow to Blue Spring Park. This is one of the places manatees go for the winter. The water is a constant 72 there. Apparently the water is clear enough to see them well. November through March is the best time to catch them so we thought we should take the opportunity. Grace and the girls will join us.
The enterprise was only 3.2 miles away, perfect for our afternoon walk. We headed out, first along the river and then along the Route 1, which in these parts is called “The Dixie Highway.” We passed the little airport with a flight school. The training planes were taking off one after the other. They had red tails. We also passed a school for aviation mechanics. Little purple flowers lined the edges of the sidewalk.
The enterprise workers were very nice and got us a red nissan sentra at the economy price. We headed across the causeway bridge to the publix. We reprovisioned with some fresh fruit and vegetables and bought some small steaks and asparagus for dinner. We opted to explore the town rather than the beach as it was cool and cloudy. Canal St. is the main strip of New Smyrna Beach. The lighted palms were pretty.
We visited the local brewery that was quite busy on a Tuesday night. The beer names were great. The shark attack seemed to be a local favorite. Rachel and Brent took care of us and we spoke with some local duck hunters. The brewery has done well with their Christmas toy drive, filling many bins.
