Dinner Key - Coconut Grove - Miami

 

The Waterway Guide mentioned the immense mooring field of 250 balls at Dinner Key (Coconut Grove - Miami).  Barry inquired of the marina as to the possibility of getting a covid test in the area.   They told us about the testing facility in the park directly behind their marina.  

Both Barry and I were able to get a rapid antigen test as well as a pcr test through this kiosk.  The fellow doing the testing suggested we use the marina's address as we were Canadian and this allowed us to get the tests free.  (a saving of at least $250)

We co-ordinated having the tests done, allowing 2 days for processing, with an upcoming weather window to make the crossing to Bimini and check in within the 72 hour requirement. 

Dinner Key marina was a great help to us.  Not only did we get the covid tests we needed but we also enjoyed their beautiful facilities. 

Barry made a trip to Ace Hardware for belts etc., topped up our fuel and fresh water and got a propane tank filled.   I visited the nearby Fresh Market to replenish our fruit and vegetables. 

Much as we enjoyed our time at Dinner Key and felt their mooring balls were great value ($29. a night), we were happy to head across Biscayne Bay to anchor in the lee of Key Biscayne (outside No Name Harbour) with over 50 other boats.....waiting to go.

We were surprised to find Dinner Key's immense mooring field was unprotected except from the west (prevailing wind- east).  The vast majority of boats on the balls were unoccupied and had no dinghys.  It appears they are "stored" there ..... right out in the open bay.  Odd.  Must be quite interesting when the wind picks up. 

Dinner Key is home to a vast fleet of International Etchells Class boats. We delighted in watching the massive fleet sail out the channel for Friday races.  

Sittin' and Waitin' and Hopin' and Prayin'

 

With Fort Lauderdale and Port Everglades inlet behind us we continued to clear through the bridges heading south.  

                                                                 Jenga anyone?

We found lots of interestingly unique architecture in Hollywood, Florida.  

With the Miami boat show taking place over the upcoming long week-end (Washington's birthday) we decided to sit low for a few days in Baker's Haulover Inlet. (adjacent to Florida International University and Oleta River State Park)

We were excited to spot 3 iguanas in the mangroves while touring along the park's winding river trails.  

As well we enjoyed watching the unique kites that were being flown on the Atlantic beach.  (whale and jelly-fish designs)

Each morning we start our day by listening and recording the NOAA weather forecast from our VHF radio. 

Our goal at this time is to co-ordinate the PCR negative Covid-19 result test needed to clear into the Bahamas with a weather window to make the passage.  

It takes 1-2 days to get the test results and we have 72 hours from when the test is taken to clear in.  

We found our way past Miami's waterfront on February 22nd to stage for the crossing in Biscayne Bay.

Lake Sylvia, Fort Lauderdale

 

Like finding the prize in the Cracker Jack, this beautiful Island Packet (anchored behind us) picked up a bicycle off the bottom.  Unable to get the bike untangled from her chain and anchor she left the anchorage with it sadly hanging on her bow.

While anchored in Lake Sylvia, Fort Lauderdale we found very few options to get to land.  We were happy when our friend, Henry (Michielsen) found a way to contact us through the home construction site beside this bridge.  Even though the home is not yet fully constructed it has a street address and a mailbox.  We ordered pizza delivery one night to the "mailbox" as well as $600.00 in groceries through Instacart from Publix.  

A dinghy ride under the bridge and across the ICW allowed us access to garbage drop off and fresh water.  As we found out, travel under at low tide is considerably easier than when the tide is high.  

                                                      Waiting on the weather window.

Under Repair - 2

 While on anchor in Lake Sylvia, Fort Lauderdale we were absolutely delighted by a surprise visit from our "London" friend, Henry Michielsen. 

 

Henry hailed Barry from shore as Barry was working on our dinghy's outboard motor.

The transom hold-down bolts were seized.  As well, the carburetor was plugged.  

Repairs continue on our dinghy as we glue down parts that take leave and patch holes that have her deflating.  Definitely an on-going project.  

Thanks for the photos Henry.

Does this constitute having a life-jacket on board?

While in Fort Lauderdale, the hose on our Sea Frost refrigeration let go.  Barry spent a day on shore with a taxi driver attempting to find someone who might be able to repair the hose.  In the end, a replacement hose was ordered from Sea Frost in New Hampshire.  (shipping - 4 days)  

Our efforts to find a marina that would take delivery of the package for us were in vain.  If you're not paying for a slip with them, they were unable to offer assistance.  Many thanks to Henry's girlfriend, Gaetane for agreeing to take delivery of the hose.  What a lucky treat for us to have friends nearby  willing to offer a hand.

Watch for "Under Repair - 3" ....nobody said it would be easy.

Fort Lauderdale - Party On!

 

We made only 22 miles progress on Friday, February 4th as we negotiated our way through 10 more bridges to arrive in "America's boating capital" Fort Lauderdale..  

We dropped anchor in the very full anchorage at Lake Sylvia.  

Not only does covid appear not to be an issue here but the party is in full swing.  Numerous party boats are amidst the heavy traffic bouncing around on the Inter-coastal waterway.

We like a party as much as anyone but we do wonder sometimes if anyone is in charge of the "ship"?

Lake Sylvia (Fort Lauderdale) ICW M1064.5

Fort Lauderdale has an immense area of man-made canals lined with miles and miles of beautiful homes, accompanying docks and yachts.  

Under Repair - 1

 We are familiar with the cruising description:  "fixing your boat in exotic locations" but we didn't expect there to be quite so many repairs. 

On February 2nd we ventured in to Palm Beach Yacht Harbour Marina for fuel.  They have a travel lift and fork lift in full-time use as they're taking boats in and out of enclosed dry storage....on demand.

Safe to say .... they don't specialize in sail!

In order to maneuver in their tight quarters, thrusters are a pre-requisite.   

This was the location our transmission cable chose to break.  

Unbelievably, Barry did get us out of there, broken cable and all, by working the gears from the engine compartment.  

We dropped anchor that night in nearby Pelican Harbour; a snug, secure, man-made lake.

Soooo, what to do?

We'd purchased Towboat U.S. coverage before we left so we called them for assistance.  We hoped they would bring us the part but alas they would only tow us to a marina.  Having had enough "fun" in marinas today to last us awhile we decided we needed to make land.

We found the address of the condo units near us on shore by way of Google Maps.

We googled them and came up with their condo management office.  "Maria" there gave Barry permission to come ashore even though she said it would probably cost her her job.  (she was ready to leave anyway).

After a few calls, Barry found viable transmission and engine cables at Eagle Marine in Delray Beach which he paid for by phone.  

He arranged for a taxi driver to pick up the parts and deliver them to the condo address.  

The security people on shore who swarmed Barry proved Maria's point but fortunately he did manage to take delivery of the parts and make a hasty escape (well as hasty as rowing will allow). 

It took Barry a whole day to install the 2 new cables; transmission and engine throttle

.

Trump Territory

 

The many "Trump" flags we pass make it abundantly clear that he has many supporters here.

The flags read:  "TRUMP  Make America Great Again"

                         "Photo of Trump - reads:  "Miss Me Yet?"

                          "TRUMP 2024 - Take America Back"

Cheaper by the Fours

 

I'm shocked by the many boats passing by who have four 400 hp outboards on their transom....many colour co-ordinated to their boats.  

We saw this sort of indulgence before while in Trinidad but fuel was considerably cheaper there. 

I suppose if you can afford the outboards the cost of fuel is not an issue. 

There clearly seems to be a competition to have the largest, most indulgent pleasure craft floating at your dock.

Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Inlet (ICW Mile 1018.4)

 

As January rolled into February and we make our way further south we're happy to report the weather is warming up.  :)

Today was a day of travelling through unbelievable decadence of palm-lined golf courses and spectacular homes.  

We passed through 10 bridges in our 37 miles of travel today.  Some open on request while others are on the hour and half hour.  Very few are tall enough for us to get under.  

Constant juggling while waiting for the bridge openings makes the travel tedious.

We anchored with at least 150 others.  They spread for miles behind the barrier island adjacent to the Lake Worth Inlet. 

We were surprised to have a cruise ship slip past us while we were in the anchorage.

Windswept IV

 

While we moved along today in the parade of boats heading south we were surprised to see Windswept IV.  (previously owned by Murray and Heather Rand)

She was making her way to the Bahamas as she has done over 20 times before.  Her new owner need just hang on for the ride as Windswept IV certainly knows her way.