Vero Beach AKA Velcro Beach

I can’t believe I’m saying this.  I— LIKE—VERO—BEACH!

Neighborhood next to the Vero Beach City Marina

If I were to actually live (on land, I mean) in Florida, I have decided that it would have to be someplace with at least one Live Oak tree in my yard.  And if one, then why not several? Now that I’ve seen entire neighborhoods in which the Live Oaks play a major role, I cannot conceive of any reason to live in Florida without these unruly giants nearby.  

Live Oak tree limb bent low

We’ve been here in Vero Beach for two weeks (waiting for our weather window) and I still cannot walk through the area without gawking up at the trees as I go.  Old, gnarly and gangly limbs twisting this way and that, and frequently bowing so low as to nearly touch the ground.  Perhaps many would have, if not trimmed by some misguided soul who wanted to mow the grass.

Spanish Moss

Anyone who has ever seen a Live Oak tree has seen that dusty blue-green tinsel of Spanish Moss hanging from them.  I was introduced to Live Oak trees in the same way that many Minnesotan children of my generation were— at the movies, in “Gone With the Wind.”  I remember thinking that the Spanish Moss was part of the Live Oak tree.  Of course, it is not, but rather an epiphyte, a plant that takes its’ nourishment from the air rather than soil.  It is an entirely independent plant from the Live Oak and does no harm to the tree. 

Voluntary Orchid on Live Oak tree.

Other flowering plants of one kind or another also live on these Live Oaks including orchids!  On the grounds of the Vero Beach City Marina, there are more Live Oak trees than any other species!   Yes, there are palm trees, and a few Strangling Fig trees (which I will talk about more in a minute) but it’s the Live Oaks that are the show stoppers.  

Plant life growing on the Live Oaks

I learned today that the land on which the neighboring elementary school sits has the last piece of natural forest remaining on this barrier island between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean.  

The palm tree inside the Strangling Fig is all but hidden from view.

The Strangling Fig tree.  I was doing my usual “tree gawking” while waiting for my husband outside the bath facilities when I latched onto an unsuspecting gentleman walking past who looked as if he might know a thing or two.  Indeed he did.  The Strangling Fig wraps itself around another tree and ultimately envelops it until the tree within is all but hidden from view.  

These little lizards move fast--hard to catch them.

As the Strangling Fig establishes itself, it sends down epiphytic roots from upper limbs which eventually reach the ground and may take root in soil.  The knowledgeable gentleman also pointed out the small berries on the tree which are edible.  Not especially flavorful but nevertheless a source of nutrition for Native peoples on the coast.  He knew somebody that had cut the berries with some other fruit and made jelly with it. I discovered that the Strangling Fig tree is a predictable place to find little olive green lizards darting around, up and down the sides.

I never tire of the variety of plant life.

Live Oaks notwithstanding, in the sailing community, Vero Beach is known as a desirable place to spend time waiting to cross to the Bahamas.  I can understand where the nickname, “velcro” comes from.  The marina has an enormous mooring field and the nightly fee for a mooring ball is only $13!  Best deal we’ve come across anywhere!   There are more people living aboard here than we’ve seen anywhere, consequently there is a lot of dinghy traffic back and forth to shore and a lot of traffic between the boats, as well.  Meeting for morning coffee, to discuss the upcoming crossing or for sundowner drinks.  At dusk, somebody or other always blows a baritone conch shell, followed by another conch shell in more of a tenor range. 

More plant life on Life Oaks.

The marina has comfortable shower facilities, and is the only marina laundry we have come across with lots of both washers and dryers.  Reasonably priced as well.  The largest and nicest dog park I have ever seen is next door.  With upwards of 30 dogs or more there at one time, we have remarked to each other about how cheerful the dogs tend to be in that large space; and how well-mannered their two legged partners are as well.  

The beach on Vero Beach.

Within walking distance of the marina are beautiful beaches, a number of restaurants,  a very nice Art Museum in the park and the coup de grace—a bus stop at the dinghy dock.  We can dinghy to the dinghy dock, walk 100’ and get on a free city bus that takes us to a grocery store, West Marine, dive shop, Home Depot, Walgreens or any other store one might need in the city, all free!   Not to mention the free view of the forest of Live Oak trees!

Marina grounds

The weather window as predicted for this coming weekend seems to be holding firm for now.  The weather models predict a good opportunity to cross the Gulf Stream on Friday through Saturday.   Thus, time to peel away from Velcro Beach and move on down to West Palm Beach to be ready for the jump.  Fingers crossed that all remains good for a calm crossing.  

Speaking of "jumps".  Jax is the master of that.