Camping at Ballard Park. Major River Angel -Alice- brought me a Big Mac for dinner!
Minnow and me taking a break near the Melbourne Cswy Bridge
Thursday night had me camping in Ballard Park at the Eu Galli Harbor in Melbourne. It was nearly midnight when I finally gave 2 panhandlers $10 and they walked away. At 6:30AM the next morning, dear Alice, my River Angel from home, showed up with an Egg Mcmuffin and a small bottle of my favorite bourben-Maker’s Mark. And then she helped me clean up and retrieve what could be saved from my lunchbox that had been broken into the night before by……the Boys In the Hood – an Egret, an Ibis and a Great Blur Heron – working as a gang.
I paddled away from Ballard Park at 0930 and straight across to Merritt Island for 2 hours. I paddled north past one beautiful home after another. Beautiful docks with luxury boats tied up. One in particular reminded me of that new show on A &E called The Hoarders. The boat’s name was Never Enough.
The 88 degree heat was really taken a toll on me since I’d gone 2 nights without enough sleep and laid in my tent with my loaded flare gun across my stomach. With no place to camp in sight, I decided at 5PM to cross back over the river and paddle again up the west shore. Shortly after paddling along the Pineda Bridge and heading into the shoreline, I saw a man working aboard his sailboat. It was moored just past the new waterfront restaurant called Grille. I asked him if he had any idea where I could camp for the night and after I told him the purpose of my journey he immediately offered me a shower, a bed and dinner at his home in Melbourne.
First David had to call his wife Beverly for the AOK. And Beverly, just like Kathy Frederick when her husband called and said ” Honey can I bring home a stray?” she was AOK with the idea. David rode his little dingy back to shore where we met again at the boat ramp. What a sight to see Minnow wedged on top of that dingy in his little pick up truck.
After meeting dear Beverly, I took a shower, gave some loving to their Siamese cat and sat down with the Conaly’s to a beautiful home cooked meal. Although I could have visited with this fascinating couple for hours, by 9PM I was in a comfy bed with fresh sheets and a wonderful ceiling fan to cool my sweet dreams.
Again……River Angels have made my day!
Amazing Melbourne River Angels - David and Beverly Conaly. A bed, a great dinner and AC!!!
Minnow on top of skiff in David's truck
FINALLY word from the river. I was getting worried when nothing had been posted since 5/17. Once again, you and that wonderful smile and winning personality drew out the best from another river angel. You are something else, sister!!! Looks like you’re getting close to home and preparing for your wonderful welcome in NSB. I know the MDC is so appreciative of all that you do for them but especially this over-the-top outpouring of money. Stay safe little sis. Hope to talk to you soon. Much love, Cathy and Stewart
By: cathy and stewart hiatt on May 24, 2010
at 10:55 pm
You are in our prayers and thoughts each day. Be safe and know that you are making a huge difference in this world. There is no more important time than NOW to educate people about the importance of our marine ecosystems. We love you Snookie! Rachel and Bella
By: Rachel and Bella on May 25, 2010
at 12:28 am
Snookie, I think we enjoyed the, to brief, visit from you more than you enjoyed the bed and board. You telling us about your adventures was the highlight of your visit.
May the waters always be calm.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall softly upon your hands.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
By: David and Beverly on May 26, 2010
at 3:51 am