Day 197: Mosquito Lagoon

Day 197: January 31: We picked up anchor and motored out of Melbourne Beach Pier at our usual time of 8:30 a.m. The wind has been relentless and today is no different, requiring us to keep the flybridge windows closed. With them zipped up, it's easy to forget how chilly the wind can make it, but when I head down below or just try to sit on the bow, I am quickly reminded that we still haven't reached 80. 

Once in the channel, we passed under the Melbourne Causeway. In no time we were surrounded by dolphins, including a really small one, taking lessons from his more experienced friends. Several times during the trip we saw dolphins and seabirds working in the same area. John wanted to stop and cast a line, but knowing his track record I suggested we keep on moving.

The Dr. Sally Ride Memorial (NASA Causeway) was surrounded by machinery and materials. As of January 2024, the original bridge has been replaced with new construction but work is still going on to clear up the debris that is still partially obstructing the channel. 

We also passed through the NASA (Jay-Jay) Railroad Bridge (vertical clearance 7' when closed). Like today, the bridge is normally in the open position with flashing green lights indicting vessels may pass. An approaching train stops at the tracks and the operator initiates a command to lower the bridge. Lights switch to flashing red and the draw lowers and locks. The draw remains down until a manual raise command directs it to open. Once a train has passed, the bridge reopens and lights return to flashing green. The 38-mile long railway connects the mainline of the Florida East Coast Railway to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. NASA uses the railroad to transport large or bulk materials to support its operations. We did not see any rockets traveling across today! 

Located along Florida's coast about 60 miles east of Orlando (around Titusville), we came upon the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Within minutes of passing under a small bridge it felt like we had left civilization behind. Remote and isolated, this part of the ICW felt entirely different from the other stretches. 

We turned off the ICW and headed further into Mosquito Lagoon to find a good spot to anchor for the night. With the wind blowing, there was quite a bit of chop across the very expansive lagoon. John motored us in as far as possible, trying to find a spot behind a small tract of land. There was a stretch of beach protecting the ocean from the lagoon; we could see several cars in the distance as well as two windsurfers. I was standing on the bow dropping the hook when one of the windsurfers came flying by, yelling out "hello Loopers"! Guess our AGLCA flag is quite recognizable. 

We anchored in about 5 feet of water, so despite the predicted strong overnight winds, we were sure the night would be peaceful. We were alone with nature!