The following is Scott Fais' weekly blog detailing discoveries made while traveling through Florida and along the road of life.
We take water, wind, and fire, and mix them together for a change of pace this week.
There will be no hikes, no hunting for oranges, and no attempts at performing a sport. This week, we sit and watch the world go all by in style.
The Indian River is part of Florida's famed Intracoastal Waterway. Protected by the rough seas of the Atlantic by Florida's east coast along (the also famed) A1A, this stretch of water is traditionally less choppy than the Gulf or open ocean. Mix this with a 49-foot catamaran (a boat with two parallel hulls) and you have smooth sailing.
Take a seat in a chair on the forward deck or just lay in one of the nets off the bow and relax. That's the only thing you're responsible for when you sail with Indian River Cruises.
Growing up on Lake Erie, I can attest to the fact that taking care of a boat is a big task (I still have scars on my shins). However, building one is beyond my comprehension.
What started as a dream for Captain Mark Strauchman could have ended in a nightmare, but became a profitable business. The TWA flight attendant was "furloughed" after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. After American Airlines purchased TWA, Mark found himself out of work. He used the extended "vacation" to build his own boat. But this isn't any boat.
The "S/V Double ShAAfted" (Yes: there is a reference to American Airlines in the title) is quite the yacht. Sporting twin master staterooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, air conditioning down below, TV, XM radio, all the creature comforts are here. It's hard to believe the craft was built in Mark's Brevard County backyard before a crane plucked it up and dropped her into the river.
Captain Mark is joined by First Mate Joe Carbone at the helm. The pair offers five different cruises daily. I set sail for the evening sunset voyage (refer back to the water, wind and fire reference above). The highlight is just sitting, catching a breeze and watching earth's golden ball of fire sink into the shoreline.
Also on board is GiGi. The dog is on each cruise, taking her place behind the helm where she keeps a lookout or enjoys a nap. Gigi joined me in our weekly postcard (somewhat over exposed this week).
I mentioned my scar from boating. Here is something you won't see on TV or On Demand: I almost brought home another when I tripped and fell on the deck.
BAM!
Everything was in slow motion as I tumbled TV camera in hand. Fortunately, I landed on my side, cradling the camera. The camera didn't have any bruises and remarkably, neither did I. The tumble took place while I was walking and taping at the same time. It's just one of the hazards of being a "One Man Band." I've included a still photo of the incident in the slideshow above. The moral here: watch your step. But on the Indian River, you won't do much walking since you'll be too busy watching the world go by and feeling the breeze in your hair.
Until next week, safe travels.
-SCOTT
Scott Fais grew up spending summers on the water. Know of another great "watering hole" the whole family can enjoy? Cast him a line atsfais@cfnews13.comand be sure to send photos.