As we traveled up Indian River we were impressed with more hurricane damage – beached boats and destroyed docks.  But the Osprey still rebuilt!  Due to the numerous and intense hurricanes in late 2017, we had considered postponing our loop trip but are happy that we forged on.  We have also been impressed with the human spirit and recovery efforts in overcoming the devastation.

Historic Melbourne was founded in 1867 by former slaves and was named for Melbourne, Australia.  They preserve their history in a quaint little downtown setting.  We explored the town via our folding “boat” bikes.  The bikes still have not helped us to lose weight!  We had to get out early as there were tornado warnings and storms headed our way in the afternoon.

We chose to have a late lunch/early dinner of shrimp quesadillas at Ichabod’s Dockside, a neat little harbor grille at the marina.    

It was a calm, warm morning that later turned into a wet rainy evening.  We stayed in – watching the wind and lightening from the boat.  It blew over pretty quickly and we were out walking the docks before the sun went down.

Tied up at the end of our dock is this custom-built (one of three) all aluminum 57 foot cruiser, built for efficiency in New Zealand.  She was brought to the United States and purchased by a German crew and named “Broadsword”.  Broadsword flies a German flag and after finishing the loop they will crew her across the North Sea all the way to Germany.    

This natural harbor entices bull sharks every spring to spawn.  At times they say there are hundreds in the harbor.  We were privileged to see a number of them lurking around our boat (no pics – all we could see were little fins).

The next day we explored Melbourne  by foot, starting out at the post office to send our monthly fun tourist packages to the kids (candy, toys, t-shirts).

We finished our tour with some delicious fresh fire-grilled Florida-Mex food at Ole’…..

When we got back to the marina we found two more looper boats had arrived so immediately docktails were in order.

Loopers – Bill and Bobbie on “First Forty”, Dan and Jo on “Proper State of Mind”, Terry and Joanne on “Courageous”, Mark and Laurie on “Ladybug”, and of course – Ron and Karen on “Kara Mia”…..

…..artwork of a dolphin in the last picture was given to Karen by a proud 7 year old at the dock and decorates her office window…..