April 3, Day 282 – Cocoa Beach to Merritt Island, Harbortown Marina

We spent a lazy morning as we were really in no hurry to leave our anchorage. We had only around 8 miles to travel. Our destination today was Harbortown Marina on Merritt Island. To reach this marina we turned off of the Intercoastal into the Canaveral Barge Canal. We actually passed the marina by and made a side trip continuing up the canal to the Banana River. We traveled north on the Banana River as far as we could until we reached the restricted waters that border on Cape Canaveral. No one is allowed in these waters a few days prior to a space launch.

We headed back down the canal to our marina arriving just before 1:00. It took us awhile to dock the boat though. First we went in bow first. However, we were on a very short finger pier and could not get off the boat. We backed out, pivoted around and then went in stern first. We had to do a lot of finagling to fit in the slip and get tied up, but we did it. Earlier in our Great Loop trip this would have been quite a challenge for us, but the Captain and his crew have become “sorta” proficient at handling the unusual and unique docks we sometimes encounter.

After getting settled in, we went to the office to check in and then, along with the gang on Second Star, had lunch at the on-site restaurant, Nautical Spirits. The rest of the day was spent lounging at the pool, while also doing laundry at the facilities located right behind the pool. A pretty enjoyable way to do laundry.

We had leftovers for dinner (from the Thai food last night) and watched the sunset. It got quite warm today, but we’re not complaining. We’ve finally found the kind of weather we were expecting in Florida.

Looking back as we departed Cocoa Beach

We turned off the Intercoastal and headed up the Canaveral Barge Canal

We saw some people camped right along the canal. Not really our idea of a great campsite ... but it was by the water.

The shoreline was thick with trees and other vegetation

We approached this bridge and weren't quite sure there was enough clearance for us to get under without the bridge opening. We had 2 different charts showing 2 different heights.

More of the shoreline

Just before the bridge we passed these old dilapidated docks and makeshift buildings. There was a sign that said overnight dockage, but that was probably in an earlier century.

Yeah ..... we made it under the bridge. It was a good thing, as the next opening wasn't for 25 minutes.

More of the scenic shoreline

This was the way to Sykes Creek

We were just thinking this looked like gator country .... when what to our wondering eyes should appear ...... an alligator

We passed by the Harbortown Marina where we would be staying .... but didn't turn in yet. We kept going up the canal.

There was a guy out in the shallows throwing his casting net (much better than Gerry was ever able to do)

There were a couple of big cruise ships in Port Canaveral

Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral are that-a-way

Just before dark we noticed all these birds in the trees surrounding the marina. As far as I know, they're still there (too dark to see)

A shot of the sunset -- not great -- but it was a different view from the past few nights.