We anxiously traveled under the overcast skies through a slight drizzle toward Titusville. Once we motored under the NASA Causeway Bridge, the Kennedy Space Center was in sight and we could make out the outline of the Falcon 9 rocket staged on the launch pad. Grabbing a mooring ball close to the edge of the field, we coordinated with the group to meet ashore at Pier 220 for drinks and dinner. The SpaceX launch was scheduled for late the next afternoon, but the weather did not look promising and our amateur meteorologists threw out their predictions on the probability the launch will happen on schedule while imbibing in a few cocktails. After dinner, we invited Harold, Deb, Rhonda, Rob, Tanner, Mindy and little Chloe, back to Bella Donna to continue our pre-launch party which extended well into the night. Duane mixed together some potent rum drinks to satisfy the crowd as the music played and the conversation drifted between boat projects, rockets, and water consumption (the debate over the 5 gallon shower was a hot topic).
The rain started first thing in the morning and as soon as we went ashore to shower and grab lunch, the lightning and thunder kicked up a notch with 45 knot winds barreling through the marina as a monsoon pelted us. We took cover with our pizza in the Captain’s Lounge waiting for the conditions to mellow so we could get back to the boat. A tornado warning had been issued in the area, but Thing 1 through 19 were still getting the astronauts prepared for takeoff so we were still gung-ho for launch. Air Force One flew overhead as the skies cleared a bit and we made a run to the boat to grab our cooler and head over to Siesta. About 40 minutes to takeoff we hightailed it under the bridge with Baby Belle to secure a prime viewing location….11 minutes to takeoff the launch was scrubbed. Duane’s anticipation and excitement had grown exponentially over the last few hours so this development was definitely a letdown, but Saturday was the back up date and we weren’t leaving until we saw the Falcon 9 rocket ride into space. Everyone regrouped back on Siesta and the party continued.
The next three days the love bugs had become relentless swarming the boat for hours during the day. I tried all sorts of online remedies to ward them off, but after the mouthwash/dish soap/vinegar concoction wore off, they were back in full force. Happy Hour at Pier 220 was our meeting spot after chores were done and plans were made for Round 2 of the launch party. This time the SpaceX Launch was a go and, as we sat five miles off the launch pad with our dinghies tied together, we watched in awe as Bob and Doug rocketed off into the history books propelled into orbit bound for the space station in the Dragon capsule. In celebration that evening, it was rum drinks all around.
Our last day in Titusville we all took an Uber to the Playalinda Brewery to enjoy some craft beers and burgers. Beforehand, we walked around the Space Park and marveled at the history of space exploration depicted throughout the area located just across the water from where the magic happened. Nachos are always a great way to close out a visit, so we decided to hit the Mexican restaurant after the brewery for some farewell chips and guacamole and, of course, a round of margaritas.
Along with Siesta and Columba, we were off to anchor in New Smyrna the next morning. Releasing the mooring, we motored by Honah Lee to wish Tanner, Mindy and Chloe well as they had just sold their boat and were headed home. It was so great to meet them and spend a few days hearing about their adventures. It was a cloudy beginning to the travel day, but as soon as the winds increased, the sun emerged to brighten up the rest of the ride. We were traveling against the current most of the trip down the Haulover Canal which is more tolerable when the weather is picture perfect. A few hours into the trip Duane called my name with such urgency in his tone, I almost dropped lunch running out of the cabin. Just wanting to show me the picturesque landscape we were idling by, I was relieved and annoyed at the same time. As we were moving at a snail’s pace, I could have made the bed and washed dishes and still had ample time to leisurely make my way up to the fly bridge before we even came close to passing by the waterfront trailers that had him so enthralled.
After a rocky and rolly final few miles, we dropped anchor between Siesta and Columba and headed to shore to enjoy the afternoon. Walking down Flaglar Avenue, we headed to the beach to get a glimpse of the seashore. The waves were gently rolling in and we meandered along the coast stretching our legs enjoying the cool breeze. Ducking into Flaglar Tavern, the tunes from the one man band echoed through the bar as we sat by the window to people watch and have a late lunch. After having the group back for a “sundowner” on the boat, we all retired early with plans to anchor in Daytona the following day. It was only going to be a three hour ride and Duane was almost as excited to go to the marine consignment store when we arrived as he was for the SpaceX launch.
It was another slow moving travel day as we passed the Ponce Inlet onto the Halifax River, but today the air was stagnant and the humidity was terrible. If the water wasn’t brown and murky, I would have jumped in to cool off once the anchor was set. Have I mentioned lately how much we miss The Bahamas?! After tying the dinghies up at Halifax Harbor Marina, we caught an Uber to Surplus Unlimited. Upon arrival at the sprawling property, loaded with marine parts covering every inch, I knew it was going to be a struggle getting the Captain to depart in a timely fashion. To my surprise, as he took off to explore, I found some items that caught my eye. Namely, a piece of starboard which Harold said he would be able to cut down to size to repair the top of my cracked ottoman. Score! We all staggered out of the store with our various purchases and the Captain did not linger long after. We arrived at McK’s Tavern just as Happy Hour kicked off and, as I settled my plastic board against the wall, the men were going through their purchases marveling at what each had procured to enhance their lives on the water. Back on the boat, I was more than happy to stow away the many new items that found a new home on Bella Donna. Rob and Rhonda swung by and picked us up and we headed over to Columba for dinner. After a great meal, we turned in early once more as the next day was agreed on to be a 7am departure. As 8pm was known as “Looper midnight” for a reason, it was now way passed our bedtime.
It was a spectacular sunrise on the Matanzas River, and after cranking up the chain and pulling the anchor at 6:53 am just south of the Memorial Bridge, I washed the mud off my hands and took my place next to the Captain. We waved farewell for now to Siesta as they were planning to travel longer days heading for Brunswick, GA where they had decided to spend the rest of the season. Tying up to the floating dock at Palm Coast Marina, we unloaded the bikes, washed them down and waited for Columba. It felt great to be on the bikes again as we made our way to the bike trail along the water in Waterfront Park. With the wind at our backs, we hoped the breeze would keep the mosquitoes away. Following the signs for the Graham Swamp Trail, we soon encountered the most wondrous sight….Baby Armadillos! It was truly amazing to see these creatures scurrying about so we had to get close enough for a photo. On the way back from the park, we took a detour to ABC for wine and Publix for steak to BBQ for dinner. With all the goods strapped to our backs, we were off to the marina to have a nice enjoyable evening and I needed to nurse the many bug bites that were slowly swelling up all over my legs. Nature is a beauty and a curse sometimes. Another thing that is a curse sometimes…boat appliances. Upon arriving back to their boat, Harold and Deb came to the unfortunate realization that their refrigerator had stopped working at some point since last night. They hurriedly packed up all the perishables to store in our fridge for the time being as Harold figured out if he needed to purchase a new compressor. I was excited to get to St Augustine the following day and, as we planned to spend 5 days there, Harold would have an opportunity to have any parts he needed for repairs delivered.
