Day 9 - Cape Canaveral - Cocoa Village Florida
Magic Friday
Phil, Di and Annelise
Sun 19 Feb 2017 18:11
Early morning start - readying to leave - but we were we?
First. a loud roar - rocket engines - the launch was on BUT a cloudy day - so no sight of its lift-off, then suddenly two very loud bangs - sonic booms as the carrier returned to earth - a successful launch - heard but not seen!
Second. a mishap with mini-magic as I was edging the dinghy past a fixed post - one of the razor sharp oyster shells caught the edge of the dinghy ... psst! We had a leak. Fortunately, we had the two part glue on hand, a suitable size patch and a mend was effected in record time. Delaying us only a couple of hours to make sure the patch held before leaving.
On the way at last, bascule bridge opened and ready for the lock gates - after a short wait the green light signaled us and several small fishing boats into the lock. Tied up alongside we "floated down" until the water levels equalised on the western Banana River (lagoon) side - we were through. Straight into near zero depth water under the keel - we crept along across the lagoon and into the Canaveral Barge Canal - some respite with 1m under the keel. A pleasant trip along the canal, plenty of birds to spot along the way (a Great Blue Heron, a Bald-headed Eagle and an unidentified Heron). Out onto Indian River, turning south, under a 65ft fixed bridge (just) and power lines we were at our anchorage. Contact made with friends in the marina nearby and arrangements to meet tomorrow evening. Perfect. Transom BBQ alight, sundowners and a Sunday roast on the grill!
An evening visitor (a Cormorant) perched on one of the mast spreaders was a pleasant visitor until ... splat, splat - thankfully on the sprayhood BUT the bird had to go - almost resorting to the fog horn before it decided the banging was enough and flew off to roast elsewhere. A peaceful night ahead!
Phil and Di
