I left Fort Pierce on my own a few weeks back. Carol was off at work and was flying back into West Palm Beach. Instead of her getting a shuttle back to Ft Pierce it's easier to bring the boat there to meet her. It went smoothly except for my failure to start the starboard engine. Ahrrrr... more work to be done while in Marathon.
From West Palm we had a short passage to Lake Boca Raton. This is a very nice anchorage right off the ICW with very clear water and nice scenery.
Another planned short day was to Lake Sylvia in Fort Lauderdale. It was good we got there early because it was very crowded. We got the last spot and it was only 1100. Many boats came in over the next two days and left to find room elsewhere. We had planned only one night here but it was very windy and the next passage was going to be offshore to Miami. We cannot go down the ICW to Miami in protected waters because some a**h*les built a bridge with only 56ft clearance instead of the required 65ft. Then obviously someone got a little payoff to let them leave the bridge as is instead of building it properly. Sigh. Florida.
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Because we were in Lauderdale an extra night we were able to watch part of their annual Holiday Boat Parade. Biggest in the world. Too big, actually. And too long. Not to mention very commercial.
After that the passage to Miami was long (although only 20nm) and had some minor discomfort because of the breeze, which was on the nose, making it a little choppy. Not terrible but not great. We got into No Name Harbor in Key Biscayne but this was very crowded, also. Chatted with some friends on Exuberant that were there, also.
The next day gave us breezes behind us for a change so we had a nice sail down Biscayne Bay. We got stopped by the USCG for a safety check but once again our VSC* paperwork was good enough to avoid a major safety inspection. We has a bit of a rough night at anchor near Tavernier because the wind refused to shift past north to north-northeast and give us shelter from the waves. Wasn't bad, just was supposed to be great. We were comfortable and alone anyway.
One last sail offshore with better than forecast conditions brought us to Sisters Creek and Boot Key Harbor. Marathon.
And here we are. Settled in for the winter months. Heather and Luca flew down for the holidays. It has been windy since we got here. And 80 degrees. We can take it. We understand the weather back home has been very cold and snowy. And also very warm. Depending what day or what time it is.
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We want to wish all our friends and families the best holiday season possible. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
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Cleo also gives an enthusiastic hello, too.
*VSC = Vessel Safety Check. Administered by the US Power Squadrons or USCG Auxiliary
