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Myrtle Beach SC to Vero Beach FL

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Why does it take so long to move from one port to another along the eastern
seaboard? When you only travel 50 miles a day and this coast is more than 3800 miles
long it takes a bit of doing! And you wonder why we are still in South Carolina. So are
we in November, supposedly headed to warmer waters, behind the curve again. Our
goal is St Mary's GA for Thanksgiving and Vero Beach FL for a trip home to Atlanta
for the Holidays. November 13th we left Myrtle Beach with a pack of 4 or 5, past
construction of McMansions along the ICW into the serenity of the Waccamaw River.
The civilization gave way to beautiful Cypress swamp, wildlife and autumn colors. We
spent an evening in Georgetown visiting one of our favorite fish markets and catching
up with our friends, Roger and Kathy of Talisman. The next day we leave very early to
make the Ben Sawyer Bridge opening and tie up to the inside of the Mega Dock of
Charleston City Marina. The weather became bold and very blustery so we stayed put
in the cold and wind and did repairs which frustrated the Captain. Someone said
"While you are sleeping, your boat is breaking."! The temperature dropped to 34
degrees and we decided to stay put and "chill", enjoying a visit with brother Reg.
Saturday the 5 am temp was 46 degrees so early dog walk and off we went to make
the Waphoo Creek Bridge. The salt marsh enveloped us in fog as we meandered inland
but we arrived safely in beautiful Beaufort SC. The lovely waterside park has been
completed and it is easy to stroll around town, restaurants and shops and relax. We
joined Talisman and Hananniah for breakfast, threw in some laundry and packed up to
do an overnight outside passage. This is the first time we will miss the continuously
shoaling waters of Georgia

We traveled offshore through the night with Carl and Marilyn of
Discovery, making a well guided diversion around an incoming
tanker outside Savannah as night fell. The rest of the evening was
extremely calm as we motored in water that looked like oil with a
half moon reflection. We came into the St Marys River and
anchored by 10 am, settling in with many other cruisers here for
Thanksgiving. The next few days were warm and fun with doggie
snifalots, sundowners, organizational chats, radio news dispatches
and just getting to know the 200 plus attendees. The turnout was
huge, the orchestration and food phenomenal and the townsfolk
extremely helpful. Unfortunately the weather was windy and
there were some issues in the anchorage, reflected in our
etch-a-sketch chart plotter. A few nights were spent on anchor
watch but only small damage was recorded. Just friends watching
out for friends.

We decided to sit out the lousy weather and have our own turkey dinner so that we could
have leftovers. What is Thanksgiving without leftovers? We had a surprise and welcomed
visit by Joan Hamner, a previous owner of the Viking Rose. It was delightful to have her
aboard to see the care and improvements we have made over the past 3 years. I think she
was glad to see her old home! We then ventured out of the harbor as one of the last to
leave and arrived in Fernandina Beach under cloudy skies and strong currents. Florida at
last! The fog settled around us in the evening as we explored this fun town . Arte Pizza was
great. The next day, Nov 26, we did some provisioning, laundry, cleaning and touring, then
visited Talisman for sundowners. The Christmas lights were sparkling as we walked Otis
around town that evening and carols were in the air.

We headed to St Augustine Tuesday Nov 27th under low clouds expecting high tides due to the moon. As this
effects bridge height and we are tall we pass many at low tide. The waters were a bit skinny, the terrain
serene marsh with many dolphin, white pelican, kingfishers and ibis. We arrived in St Augustine, under the
dismantled Bridge of Lions and anchored on the south side with some difficulty, succeeding after the second try.
The current is swift, the swing room limited and the bottom of questionable holding. The weather is windy and
rainy so we decide to stay put. Unfortunately Otis has a serious mishap running joyfully down the dock with great
exuberance on the 28th. He falls with his back legs going out from under him for no apparent reason, yelping and
stricken. Many bystanders go to his aid. He stands after 20 minutes but is obviously impaired. Coincidentally,
Michael Hoff of Valkyrie and the fellows of Salty Paws, Jim and Bentley are chatting with us. Michael is an
orthopedic veterinary surgeon and Bentley is an MD. Otis is among dog loving friends and we are so thankful. He
recovers enough to make it home and we sleep with him in our arms in the salon. The next morning we rent a car
and go to Gainesville, University of Florida Veterinary School. Michael believes the effects are neurological
rather than broken bones so we seek the neurology departments expertise. We leave Otis overnight, spend a
fitful night ourselves in a hotel and wait for the verdict. The next day they have ruled out cancer, thank
goodness, and we wait for further results from a spinal tap. We collect him just after anesthesia, a drooling,
patched, sad trooper. We are very worried but glad to have him close.

We returned to a boat rafted up to us in reverse...very odd.
Their rudder had become tangled in our anchor rode. When all we
wanted was a peaceful night, we watched as the owner dived and
set free his rode with difficulty at dark after much help from
fellows around. The stressful day for all ended with a good nights
sleep very much appreciated. The next day Otis is hobbled but
cheerful and we stayed close all day.

December 1st there are festivities galore in town so we take turns
ashore. The Militia is reenacting and marching to the fort with
muskets, fife and drum and exuberance. It is very moving. Cannons
are set off, much to Otis's dismay but the spectacle is invigorating.
The village is alive with carols and lights and though our hearts
aren't quiet in the mood, we appreciate the vigor and theatrics.

The weather has warmed the next day to the 70's, much better and sunny. We left St Augustine to move on to
Daytona, Halifax Marina. The current was against us most of the day but we arrive to helping hands and friends,
Shin Ay and Hannaniah. The passage was quite lovely with lots of wildlife and sunshine. Our friends invited us
aboard but we are still tired and healing though we are very glad to see them both. We actually hooked up the TV
and enjoyed 60 Minutes and catching up with what is going on in the world. It seems to continue without us. Otis
is still fragile and sick in the night which concerns us. He seems embarrassed by his frailty but continues so
sweetly to try and please.

While in this great facility we do some laundry, cleaning and spiffing up
topsides. Fresh water is always appreciated. The weather has turned very
warm, our friends are along and the passage through Ponce Inlet goes
without a glitch. We had thought we might continue further but duck into
New Smyrna Marina as clouds and rain are overcoming us but the air is still
hot. The next day we continue on as the air cools to 48 degrees in the
morning. We put the enclosure up and have some hot chocolate as we travel
through Haulover Canal, see rolling Manatees along the way. The Indian
River opens up before us, shallow and scattered with scrub islands and
wildlife. We come into Cocoa Beach and share pizza and stories with our
buddies in the anchorage, Sapphire, Shin Ay, Sojourner and Gratitude.

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Travels of the Viking Rose

Our goal is in site as we set off on December 5th. Cocoa Beach is
set for a shuttle launch, festivities are planned and many will stay
here for the view. But we move on early, headed home to Vero. Our
day is more of the spoil and scrub islands of the Indian River but
with lots of dolphins, pelicans and cormorants along the passage. As
we enter the harbor about 4 pm we breathe a sigh of relief. Even
Otis seems to know we are safely back. As we come ashore we see
familiar faces, he sniffs a few familiar smells and we settle in to
Vero Beach. Our raft mates on Watercolors, John and Susan, are
delightful and we share the evening with experiences and plans.
There are many we know in the mooring field and we will touch base
with them all in the next few days. Our plan is to be here as we
travel to Atlanta to be with family for Christmas and then move on
to the Bahamas in the New Year. We are blessed to have had a safe
passage and appreciate the ability to continue this lifestyle we love
so much. Come on down and see what it's all about!...............