Finally, we have left Stuart and are now at Vero beach, after a seven-hour run. We had the current with us on the St. Lucie River. We were going almost seven knots until we reached the inlet and turned north on the Indian River. Now the current is against us and we lost two and a half knots at the turn.

Vero is a terrific spot with inexpensive mooring balls, nice facilities and nearby streets arched with moss-covered live oaks. We leave tomorrow morning early for Melbourne, about six hours away. We will stop back here for several days on our return trip.