Adventures on the Intracoastal Waterway
Setting out from Vero Beach, we’re navigating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) on our way to Fort Pierce. The water is shallow, and our speed is a mere four knots, making for a slow but steady journey. With depths dropping to just nine feet, we’re carefully maneuvering past other boats, as the channel here is quite narrow.
As we travel, we anticipate passing through a bridge that opens every half hour. Based on our current speed, we expect to reach it around 5:30 PM, although the pilot is working well, so we’re optimistic about arriving sooner. It’s a beautiful day, and despite the slow pace, the scenery keeps our spirits high.
Navigating the Challenges
While we’re cruising, we encounter a lot of boat traffic, which can be a bit overwhelming. A motor yacht zooms past us, creating a substantial wake and rocking our boat significantly. It’s frustrating, as larger yachts often disregard the smaller vessels. Some do slow down, but many seem to speed by without a care.
Unexpectedly, we hit something in the water, and it feels like a hard hit. We’re uncertain about the damage, but we know we need to check the keel once we anchor. This incident adds a layer of tension to our trip, especially with the busy traffic around us.
Preparing for the Bridge
As we approach the drawbridge, we reduce our speed to avoid rushing. The anticipation builds as we can see the bridge in the distance, and we hope to make it through without any further incidents. It’s a bit chaotic with boats moving in all directions, but we manage to keep our focus on our course.
After passing through the bridge, we finally reach our anchorage. The surroundings are industrial, but we’re relieved to drop anchor and take a moment to breathe. We’ll assess any damage later, but for now, we need to rest and recuperate from the day’s challenges.
Evening Reflections
As the sun sets, we prepare a meal using leftover turkey. It’s a simple dish of turkey and gravy over rice—comfort food after a long day. The soothing aroma fills the cabin, and it feels good to have a warm meal.
While cooking, I fix a chair in our navigation area using Gorilla Glue. It’s a handy adhesive that has saved us on many occasions. A little goes a long way, and it’s perfect for quick repairs on the boat.
Assessing the Damage
The next day, our first priority is to check for any damage from the previous day’s incident. Thankfully, there’s no water leaking, but I’m still cautious about inspecting the keel. The water clarity improves as we navigate, which gives me hope for a thorough inspection.
As we continue to settle into Fort Pierce, we plan our next moves. The weather is unpredictable, and we must wait for a suitable window to venture out into the ocean. We’re also looking forward to stocking up on supplies and taking care of a few boat repairs.
Grocery Shopping Adventures
Grocery shopping in Fort Pierce turns into an adventure of its own. We navigate through a drive-thru liquor store and then make our way to Publix. The experience is amusing as we try to maneuver our dinghy amidst the busy dock traffic. It’s a comedic scene, but we manage to gather our essentials.
Cooking Up Nourishment
Back on board, my wife begins making a nutritious bone broth from the leftover turkey bones. This process not only provides a hearty addition to our meals but also boosts our immune systems. The broth bubbles away, filling the air with a comforting scent as we prepare for the next leg of our journey.
With plans to make dumplings from the broth later, we look forward to enjoying a warm, nourishing meal. It’s moments like these that remind us of the joys of living aboard and the simple pleasures of cooking together.
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