Melbourne Beach, Florida

January 5 - 8, 2010

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Melbourne Beach, Florida

Again, I take a picture of the rig at every campground...it helps to remind me later of what the park was like. Bear with me if you are getting tired of seeing the Beave!

We're here at Sebastian Inlet, known for its fishing, kayaking, surfing and beautiful beaches. And again, we're experiencing record low temperatures and bone chilling wind that keeps us from enjoying all of the above. By the way, I wanted to let you know that as we were leaving Fort Clinch, Ken had to get on the roof to chip and sweep ice off the toppers so we could get the slides in...so much for balmy Florida!!!

Sebastian Inlet State Park spans one thousand acres on the barrier island and joins the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon which is part of the Intercoastal Waterway.

This state park is located on the "Treasure Coast". The McLarty Treasure Museum is located at the south boundary on a survivors' camp of the wrecked 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet. The museum features artifacts and displays from the ill-fated fleet that was returning to Spain when a hurricane struck, sinking the fleet along with its "gleaming" cargo including jewels to adorn the Queen of Spain. Survivors struggled to shore but many died of exposure and exhaustion. For four years salvagers, divers, pirates and privateers flocked to the area to retrieve as much treasure as they could. But, less than half the material listed on the ships' manifest reached the Spanish treasury. With scuba gear and modern dredging equipment, treasures are still being discovered both in the waters and on shore, especially following large storms. Major discoveries are still being made along the Treasure Coast, especially between Sebastian Inlet and Fort Pierce. (Greg and Marilyn...another form of treasure hunt!!)

We woke to day 2...a bit warmer; Wow, what do we make of this? So, we took a walk. By the end of that walk, I took off the second of two sweatshirts. Is it a tease?

We got back to the rig; made dinner...ate dinner. It's still light and it's still warm enough for an evening campfire...and that's just what we did. For the first time in SEVEN weeks, it was warm enough to sit outside for a couple of hours to enjoy a glass of wine in front of a warm fire.

Again, beautiful park, bad timing.

Tomorrow we head for Orlando where we'll join Susan and Bob and hopefully more of this warming trend. See you then!!