Exploring New Waterways

Today was the perfect day to go boating, so we launched the powerboat on the north causeway in Fort Pierce to explore the area. Since we had only been kayaking near here, we were prepared and had both a chart in hand along with a GPS. We must have navigated pretty good since we never ran aground. Besides the backwaters, we also went through the port where mega yachts were docked. This area is supposed to eventually become a megayacht boatyard with a gigantic travel lift. Today there was 'only' the 236ft. Solo and the 144ft. sailing yacht Artemis.

There were also commercial fishing boats and tugs around...

We believe this is a submersible tender...

We can't resist checking out marinas and this one looked to have a sunken boat in the entrance, but it made a good breakwater.

This is the bascule bridge that our friend Di was dismasted under.

A billboard boat, an unusual sight...

Then it was on to find a lunch spot at an island between the Fort Pierce Inlet and the port. 

We were the only ones on the island, which is just how we like it. While exploring, we found this small amphitheatre, which made us wonder if it was for church services, private concerts, or perhaps even a wedding.

We also found a small tidal pond which attracted herons and egrets.

To our surprise, Dave found tons of baby conchs in the shallows at low tide. They are officially called 'rollers' because they roll in the surf without having grown their large outer bell yet.

One was the tiniest I had ever seen. It was almost out of the water, so after I took this photo I put it back in deeper water to grow up.

Dave summed up the day best when we were looking out towards the inlet and he exclaimed, "Look, we have a new horizon!"