I know I said my last blog was the end of my blogging, but a looper girl can change her mind, can't she? I have decided to post a blog or two more since we are still underway and still on the water along the loop. I want to share a few more photos taken since we left the Melbourne area. Most importantly though, we have had several special visitors in the last couple weeks, and I want to share a few memories of their visits.
A few more photos from Eau Gallie, FL.
Regal Osprey
Don't you take your bird to breakfast?
This store's name says it all!
I had never seen Night Blooming Cactus wrapped around palm trees before. Cool!
We certainly have come full circle (or, shall I say, fully looped?) This is Hank Barker, who we bought Contentment from in 2017! Thank you for a wonderful boat that has given a most comfortable home.
On to Cocoa Village, FL. Love this darling cottage!
We got to see our first NASA launch. I swear it is in this photo!
We cruised on north to Titusville, FL.
A mural in downtown Titusville.
Contentment in her home at Titusville City Marina.
A classic barber shop in Titusville. Always a great place to accrue local knowledge.
On our way to New Smyrna Beach, FL., we enjoyed traveling this Haulover Canal, because it is narrow and we can wave and talk to fisher people along the shore.
Our dear friends, Mary & Jim Gosnell (aka Hi-dee-ho-Neighbors!) and Debbie & Floyd Kearns flew in from Houston to spend the weekend in New Smyrna Beach, FL. It was great fun to see them and spend some with them in the cute town. Thank you so much for visiting! See ya''ll in Michigan this summer!
The Gosnells, Kearns and Jacksons shared a cozy dinner at Riverpark Terrace restaurant in New Smyrna Beach.
This is the sweet B & B where the Gosnells and Kearns stayed.
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Can you believe the guys did not want to join us ladies at the New Smyrna Beach Art Fiesta? But guys, there were 250 art and crafts booths!
It took quite a few tries, but we finally got all of us and the gold flag in a selfie!
After our Michigan friends departed, we had more wonderful visitors! Rick & Deedy Crossland (gold loopers from M/V Rejoice) came to see us at New Smyrna Beach. (photo below) We have enjoyed meeting up with them several times since first crossing paths in Belhaven, NC during our 2018 leg of the loop. Thank you for coming, Rick & Deedy, and for bringing the delicious local bounty! (Rick, a chef, shared his special prep tips for fresh corn. Yum!!)
Jacksons and Crosslands
Right after Rick & Deedy arrived, Ellie and Dave Pierce from Hilton Head, pulled in aboard "Miss Ellie", to spend the night. The 6 of us went to Corkscrew restaurant in New Smyrna Beach.
Miss and Mrs Ellie above!
Poppy so graciously shared a little bit of "her couch" with Captain Dave.
Talk about coming full circle-Ellie & Dave were with us on day one of our Great Loop journey. They were onboard Contentment when we left Melbourne, FL. on January 14, 2017! Thank you, Pierces!! Captain Dave gets an award for following us so closely almost every day. He actually marked on a road atlas where we were each time he found us!! Wow!
Less than 24 hours later, and "Miss Ellie" is off again. See you soon in Hilton Head!
We are off to Saint Augustine, FL. (2/25/20) Like a friend of ours said, you would not want to stay at the Bed and Breakfast shown below if you sleepwalk!
The sight below is horrifying. We do know noone was onboard, thank goodness!
Approaching Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Ponce, FL.
Following a shrimp boat on the Intracoastal. He kept going out into the Atlantic Ocean. Not us!!
Lions Gate Bridge welcoming us to Saint Augustine, FL.
Just in case you ever think about doing America's Great Loop yourself, the photo below shows the possible routes. You may hear from me again before or after we land in Hilton Head, SC, sometime next week. (around March 6th) Now, that will HAVE to be my last loop blog, right? After a month or so, we will be leaving the boat in Hilton Head and will drive to Michigan, where we will stay on land, until???
