Eau Gallie - Oh Golly! Kurt says we caught the Eau Gallie fever over the last week. Lazy days and quiet nights hanging out with the liveaboards.  We were invited to the Wednesday potluck and had a great time chatting with people all the way  from the Virgin Islands to Maine. Took in a varsity baseball game, a Frida Kahlo exhibit and had a picnic lunch along with a flock of White Ibis birds.

Mostly enjoyed the colorful old Florida homes and the "we are trying hard to be hip" vibe in this hard working town on the "space coast".

"Velcro Beach". A week at Vero brought art, beaches and a visit from Pandora.  Back to high70's today as we start our day with brunch at the VBYC. A lovely stop that many never seem to leave.  "Live-aboards" next door at the city dock add lots of color and community as they seem to keep watch for all of us.  Again, a captain's lounge provides the hub for sharing travel stories, weather updates and a TV! Planning an Oscars party there tonight and I got caught up on American Idol this week too.

The art museum is world class in this monied town.  I enjoyed the galleries full of local art as well.  The Riverside theater is also well known nationally but all shows sold out for West Side Story.  We need to start planning ahead for theater as we head north.

More monster homes and boats as we continued north to Juno Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Of course we had to Google a few yachts and the prize went to Kismet, a 310 footer owned by the Jacksonville Jaguars owner.

The highlight of the week though was spending time with my Uncle Dean and Tish on Hutchinson Island in Stuart.  I cheated and slept in their condo 4 nights and we were treated to many wonderful homemade meals. We visited the local Elliott museum where Dean and I studied a fantastic chair exhibit and we all enjoyed the 95 historical cars.

We also enjoyed time at the Marriott Marina and Resort where we docked. Last, we drove back to Miami for the boat show and had a great time...luckily we didn't get tempted to get a bigger boat! I guess Loophole is doing her job to be our home away from home just fine.

On to Vero Beach next!

Chasing rainbows on the Atlantic

The Kismet

From Boca Chita to Hollywood we experienced a similar 180 degree shift in lifestyle to entering Mobile Bay from the rivers.   Boca Chita is a key in Biscayne Bay that is now a national park. It was owned by Mark Honeywell back in the 30's as his private estate and retreat for industrialist friends.  Perfect spot to transition from the keys back to reality.

We cruised past Miami and enjoyed the skyline and real cruise ships. We will be back via land for the International boat show next week.  We are in Hollywood, a lovely town with Atlantic Boardwalk and a very diverse population. We enjoyed tacos on the beach and burgers at Le Tub, a local favorite and biked the town easily. Kurt says the concrete jungle we have entered on the East coast is not for him long term.  Still, the contrasts on the trip continue to keep us intrigued and on our toes.