Trains and internet.

 The east coast of Florida has embraced high speed passenger rail service.  This has created tension with the substantial recreational boating industry. The Brightline runs between Miami and Orlando, and crosses many waterways.  For example, when exiting the Okeechobee Waterway to join the ICW at Stuart, we had to request an opening of the Roosevelt bridge, and the railroad bridge next to it. The train service has increased in popularity which decreases the time that the railroad bridge can open.  This causes a backlog of boats traveling to and from Stuart, and has resulted in lots of meetings and political issues between the two industries.  When we crossed, there was about a half hour wait, and we were in a group of about 20 boats waiting. The clearance for the railroad bridge is only about 5’ so most boats can’t get under it.  

To help alleviate the situation there is a web site where boaters can see when the railroad bridge will close, so you can try to time your arrival at the bridge.  It shows the trains in real time.  Unknown to me, this has become an issue for boaters traveling the ICW on the east coast.  

The other matter, internet, has a better story.  In the past, we had to rely on cellular or marina WiFi which is spotty.  We now have Starlink internet service on board, and have decent internet anywhere in North America.  Starlink is a collection of low orbit satellites that provides decent coverage for rural areas, RVs and boats.  It is a true game changer for us.  We now have continuous coverage and can stream, make wifi calls and surf the web just about anywhere.  We have signed up for the marine plan, which so far is a bargain at $150 a month.  The only downside is Elon Musk keeps changing the plans when he loses money on his other ventures.  But, we have the ability to pause the service at no cost, so it is still a good deal for us.  More and more boats, are replacing those big domes that provided phone and Direct TV for the relatively small Starlink antenna.  It is nice to know we will have communication while at sea, and in the Bahamas.  Right now Alexis is watching the Saints, and is in a foul mood, so there is a downside….