The Long Lay-Over

“We learn something every day, and lots of times its that what we learned the day before was wrong.”       Bill Vaughn

Last time I blogged I stated that my diagnosis of calcific tendonitis was correct, but I was wrong. On May 5th, my left clavicle joint swelled up and became very painful. Still I had the pain and immobility in my right shoulder, and was running a low-grade temp. During Monday’s  physical therapy session on the 6th, they called my Ortho doc to say that something else was amiss.  I saw him on the 7th, and he stated that there was no calcium visible in the shoulder x-rays, but that my original symptoms had been very classic.  He referred me to another physician who I was able to see later on Tuesday, and he admitted me to the Parrish Medical Center for extensive tests and observation.

3-Day Stay at Parrish Medical Center

I was quite impressed with the beautiful facility, the staff, and the top-notch customer service and care I received.  During my 3-day stay, I had every test imaginable, was assigned a team of 4 doctors (sort of Mayo Clinic-like), one of which was an infectious disease specialist.  Back in Vero Beach I had run a high fever for one day, and he was afraid of Dengue Fever or some other insect-borne illness.

Back on the Boat – Flowers from our 3 sons

The final diagnosis (very vague) is reactive arthritic inflammatory response.  It is most likely an auto-immune response from a prior viral infection. I was put on a regimen of Prednisone, a Celebrex-like anti-inflammatory, and more Oxycodone for the pain.

I was very glad to be out of the hospital and back on the boat.  We have been treated very well by the folks at the Titusville Municipal Marina, and have been given the monthly slip-rate, and use of the Cruiser’s Bus for any medical appointments, etc.

Titusville Marina Sunset

Progress in my recovery is going slow – I have a little more mobility in my right shoulder, although my collar-bone joint on the left side is swollen again.  Monday we made a visit to the Rheumatology Clinic, and he upped the Prednisone, and hopes that in a short time my symptoms will subside.

It is heavenly to be able to sleep lying down now (yeah!) in the aft cabin, and I manage to get about 6 hours each night.  As most of you know I’m not a morning person, but have seen the sunrise every morning except once since we’ve been in Titusville.

D & E Docks (We’re on E on the left)

Well, I digress.  This blog is not supposed to be about me, but about our journey.  But we’re stuck here in Titusville, albeit a good place if you must have a lay-over.  We will be here for at least another week until I am able to function better and have less pain.

Manatee drinking water from ARiverDerci’s port drain

In the meantime, we are enjoying the manatees who thrive here in the marina harbor, munching on the sea grass that floats in, and drinking fresh water from boat drains and dripping rain water.  We were lucky enough to be here during the Love Bug hatch, where we were inundated with the pesky joined insects. Today we took a walk through the nearby park and out to the pier for appetizers at Cracker Jack’s Tiki Bar.  The stormy rainy weather has subsided, and we’re enjoying coolish 60′s in the evening’s and mid-80′s during the day.

Upside Down Manatee Slurping Water near Swim Ladder

Mother’s Day we took the bus to Beef-O’Brady’s and watched the PGA golf tournament, then restocked groceries at the Publix.  Jim made more improvements to the dinghy stabilizer bars, and fixed a hose and re-fueled the reservoir for the trim tabs.  He has literally been my right arm, helping me reach, lift and carry things.  He’s done the laundry, the dishes, vacuumed, pump-outs, and been there for me when the going was tough.  Since he’s the social sort, he has met and introduced me to all of our very kind and helpful live-aboard neighbors.

NASA – Kennedy Space Center in the distance

Our pace has definitely slowed down – we have been taking it easy, enjoying Netflix movies in the evenings, and putzing around during the daytime. We still plan to visit the Kennedy Space Center before leaving here, and are getting anxious to be on the move again.  We are thinking of trailering the boat back to our port of Lake City, MN while we’re home for the summer, instead of leaving it in storage ‘on the hard’ in Florida.  I think we would both miss it, as it feels more like home to us than our townhouse.  Tomorrow we plan to take in the Space Walk of Fame Museum, and possibly the 1891 Queen Ann style Pritchard House.  We’d like to take the dinghy out fishing one of these days when it’s less windy, either in the Indian or Banana River, as Titusville claims to be the “Redfish Capital of the World”.

We recommend that you register on our blog; that way you’ll get e-mail notification when we update and are underway again. Titusville is a great place to be – but we’re ready for the lay-over to be over!

Pain and Rain

Cocoa Village Marina

Cocoa Village Marina was home port to some of the nicest people anywhere.  And I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a marina with cleaner facilities.  I can’t recommend it enough, although I can honestly say I didn’t get to enjoy my time there.  My right shoulder started causing me severe pain, and muscle spasms made sleeping impossible.

Cocoa Village Marina

Jeff & Terry’s Sailboat ‘Ariel’

On Monday, April 29th I decided I needed to see a doc, so we found an urgent care center 2-1/2 miles away.  Jeff and Terry Z aboard ‘Ariel’ were kind enough to drive us there, then took Jim to the Publix while I was getting a steroid shot in the good old Gluteus Maximus, along with a 6-day regimen of oral Prednisone.  The nice old doc diagnosed my problem as osteoarthritis.

We ran into Betty Boop along the way

Later that day we walked into Cocoa Village for some fish tacos, then to the famous old Travis Company Hardware where Jim was able to order some more stabilizer hardware for the dinghy.  The store is housed in the original building, and is still run by descendants of the founder, where they had an amazing array of inventory – some looked like it had been on the shelf for decades.

Travis Hardware Company – Cocoa Village

On the 30th we enjoyed talking to 2 of our sons who share the same birthday, four years apart. We sat in the cockpit and watched the lightning and storm clouds build around us.  Jim made a sling for me out of a strap he uses on the dinghy motor, and assembled and installed another dinghy stabilizer bar.  I decided wine might be the best medicine for me, as nothing else seemed to make a dent in the excruciating pain.  Later we took a sauna where I applied moist heat.  Again, sleep eluded me.

 

Leaving Cocoa Village Marina

 

Titusville Mooring Sundown

On May Day, with the assistance of fellow boaters, we pulled out of the marina, as I was incapable of performing my first mate duties.  Jim drove to Titusville, about 25 miles up the ‘ditch’ as the ICW is commonly referred to here.  The waterway was wide, with a very narrow marked channel running through it.  We went under three bridges and passed by the 140,000 acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, an important winter area for migratory birds. In the distance the Kennedy Space Center was clearly visible.  Out-running an expansive rain cloud, we grabbed a mooring ball outside the Titusville Marina.  It was a long, stormy and rocky night, but I managed to catch a few hours of sleep.

The following morning, my pain, weakness and stiffness had increased.  I was a wreck, and decided I needed to see an orthopedic doc.  I found one close by within our Blue Cross network.  Jim made a great decision then – we were going in to get a slip.  Otherwise, he didn’t know how he would get me in the dinghy and to land safely in the rain and high winds.  I couldn’t even get myself dressed…

Approaching Storm – Titusville Municipal Marina

A very helpful marina worker, after understanding our situation, assigned us a floating dock and helped us secure the boat.  He provided little wooden steps for me to get out, as we had to climb out the port side of the boat. After getting settled, the harbor master drove us via the Cruiser’s Caravan to my doc appointment, where I finally got an accurate diagnosis of calcific tendonitis.  X-rays were taken and I was given another cortisone shot, this time in the rotary cuff of my right shoulder.

Calcific tendonitis is somewhat of a mystery.  My body, for unknown reasons, built up calcium deposits in the tendons of my rotary cuff.  It has stages, and the pain begins during the reabsorption phase when your body attempts to assimilate it.  The calcium is the consistency of toothpaste at this point, although it feels more like razor blades.  A side effect of the intense pain is frozen shoulder, which sets in rapidly, and makes it impossible to move your shoulder.  It’s my own little personal strait jacket!

I was prescribed Oxycodone and started physical therapy yesterday to reduce the inflammation, muscle strains, and to get my shoulder moving again.  With the help of my other arm, I can now raise it up almost 90 degrees, although I still have little side mobility.

All of this pain makes me think over and over of my dear Mom, who had more than her share with her 2 hip replacements and 1 knee replacement.  How did she endure it for so long, all the while caring for my ailing father?  She is a great inspiration and mentor to me.

Kevin – Indian Princess Captain – in Titusville

Thursday evening Jim bumped into Kevin and Tom aboard the paddle wheeler ‘The Indian Princess’.  We last saw them back in Ft. Myer’s Beach, where we got a complimentary ride.  Apparently the boat has been sold, and they are in the process of transporting it up to New England.  It’s so fun to bump into people again that you’ve met along the way.  They become part of your personal story.

Yesterday the rains came heavy at times.  We saw a couple manatee in the marina catching rain water drops from a neighboring dingy.  Waves as high as 17 feet were reported outside in the Atlantic here, and winds were gusting strong even in the harbor.  Many of us added lines and discussed hurricanes.  There was a power outage in the marina, which caused quite a stir, and Jim met many of the neighbors.  After dinner aboard (I was able to cook) Jim took down the table booth and set up a nice flat area and we watched a good Travolta flick while the rain poured down around us.  With the help of the pain meds, I was able to get a full night’s sleep.

Another day of rain today – Jim walked to a couple of marine stores, and rode the marina Cruiser’s Caravan to the hardware store to purchase a cheap drill.  He is currently making adjustments to the most recently installed dinghy support.  I’m hoping that tomorrow he takes a look at the electric stove-top which has been working sporadically, and now seems to be completely caput.

2 manatee catching rainwater droplets

Tomorrow the chance of rain diminishes and sunny skies are forecast for the next few days.  I hope my pain level diminishes with the rain.  Next week I go back to the Ortho Doc and to physical therapy for three sessions.

We are looking on this as just another bump in the road. One never knows what’s in store, and we feel so blessed to be fulfilling our dream. We’ll be here in Titusville until I’m functioning better and my pain has subsided.  Our hope is to take the bus to the Kennedy Space Center where we want to spend an entire day before moving north toward Daytona Beach.

Blessings to you all!

Evening Picture off the Bow Sunday Evening 5-5-13

The Treasure Coast

The Treasure Coast, as this region of Florida is called, was named for the Spanish Treasure Fleet lost in a 1715 hurricane, and emerged out of residents’ desire to separate themselves from the Miami and Gold Coast regions.  I like to think of it as a place full of natural treasures; loggerhead turtles, manatee, sandy beaches, citrus groves and inland rivers.

Highway Bridge at Dusk from the Stuart River Walk

Sunset Bay Marina and the town of Stuart 5 miles up the Okeechobee Waterway were well worth the 5 mile detour.  The marina facilities and staff were top-notch.  I loved the building with its rocking chairs overlooking the water-front.  We explored the town on foot on Sunday via the boardwalk - went to the flea market, which was more of a farmer’s market where we got some fresh veggies, cheese and grass-fed beef.  On a stroll down the main drag I spotted the dress I had previously purchased on-line for my son’s wedding on a manikin in a shop window.

Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart

Monday we got a good soaking rain – Jim took the dinghy from our mooring ball to the marina and did a load of laundry.  Later, after the rain subsided we met up with Ron and Carol aboard ‘Dragon’s Dance’ whom we were dock mates with in Clearwater Beach and saw again on the mooring field in Ft. Myer’s Beach.  It was good to see them again!  We walked into town and enjoyed gelato and ice cream in a cute little shop, then hung out in the air-conditioned lounge at the marina.

Sailfish Fountain – We met the sculptor who created this

Tuesday was my 57th birthday and I was blessed with perfect weather – 80 degrees and sunny.  We took the dinghy to the marina, then got the use of free bicycles and rode around town.  I tried on the dress that I had seen in the shop window, and was pleasantly surprised.  We stocked up on a few things at the Publix, stowing our purchases in the baskets on our bicycles.  Then we had lunch at Mulligan’s – and I enjoyed a cucumber mojito – very cool and refreshing.  Later that evening we face-timed with son, daughter-in-law and grand-daughter.  Our dinner was apples slices, cheese and crab cakes from the farmer’s market.  It was a memorable day.

Sunrise from Stuart Mooring Field

The following morning we left our mooring in Stuart, then went to the gas dock to re-fuel, pump-out, and add fresh water.  Another boat at the dock was getting ready to head to the West Indies.  It still amazes me the places people take their boats, the exotic destinations, and the freedom that goes with this life-style.

Indian River Island

From Stuart we back-tracked up the St. Lucie River toward the inlet to the Atlantic.  Here we joined the ICW which runs through the Indian River for many miles.  This stretch of the ICW is wide, with many islands created from dredging spoils running parallel to the channel.  Many of the islands had sandy beaches which boaters took advantage of.  It was somewhat reminiscent of the river beaches back home on the Miss.

Indian River – ICW Bridges

We cruised past Fort Pierce, established in 1837 as headquarters for the US Army during the Seminole Indian War.  There is a large inlet here out to the Atlantic, and because of easy access by water and rail it became the economic hub of the Treasure Coast.  Bridges on this stretch were further apart and fixed.

We made our way to the Vero Beach Municipal Marina where we radioed in and were assigned a mooring ball.  We enjoyed our stay there – one day taking the free city bus to a shopping area where I was able to find embroidery floss, denatured alcohol for the stove, propane tanks for the BBQ, and a few items at the Publix.

Vero Beach Sunset

One evening at 4:00 there was a get-together at the marina where everyone brought a dish to share and a musical instrument if they had one aboard.  Jim brought his harmonica, several had guitars, and a great sing-along ensued.  We learned from a live-aboard about ‘Active Captain’ and ‘Bluechart Mobile’, a Garmin application that we down-loaded to my iPad.  It is another great navigation tool, and interacts with Active Captain which gives you up-to-date comments on anchorages, marinas, etc. and shows the depths and markers in channels.

Rainbow from Vero Beach Mooring Ball

Friday we decided to bring our bag chairs to the beach, quickly got our stuff together, and dinghied over to the marina where we could catch the bus.  We ended up missing the bus, so started hoofing it.  We had only gone a few blocks when some guy in his driveway yelled out to us, “Hey, are you cruisers?  Do you want to take my car to the beach?”  Wow, people are so accommodating and helpful everywhere we go!  He ended up giving us a ride, and took us to the best beach area.  We enjoyed playing in the crashing surf and people watching.  A brightly colored blimp flew overhead, following the beach north.

Heron Fishing from Mooring Ball

Since we recently got a request for more stats, I will add a few now. These pertain to our 2nd phase from 2/18 thru 4/27.

• Nights off boat:  13 (10 in Miami during new lower unit installation)
• Slips/Docks:  20 (5 free)
• Anchorages: 7
• Mooring Balls: 29
• Running Time – Engine Hours: 58
• 327.86 Gallons of Fuel Purchased
• Statute Miles Traveled: 627 (approximate)
• Average Gas Mileage: 1.91 mpg (approximate)

Our New Shiny Out Drive

Today we got underway early and cruised about 50 miles north up the ICW in the Indian River to the little village of Cocoa, famed as the setting for the sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie”.  We pulled into the marina here, and tomorrow Jim is anxious to explore the famous Travis Hardware store – supposedly they have every kind of hardware imaginable, including marine supplies.  Our Florida Guidebook says Cocoa has a trolley system, if so that is always a fun way to get around.

Our current location at Coca Village Marina.

Cocoa Village Marina

 

Until next time, ARiverDerci!

The Gold Coast

Inside of the Bahamas Express Boat

The one-day trip to the Bahamas was a bit of a disappointment, but another adventure nonetheless.  We took a cab at 6:30 a.m. to Port Everglades, went through customs, waited (and waited), then boarded the Bahamas Express boat.  The cruise to Freeport was a 3-hour ride – then we went through customs again, then boarded a bus.  The 1/2 hour bus ride took us to the touristy section of Freeport.

Aboard the Bahamas Express

We walked to the beach, had lunch at an outdoor café, visited the marina, then a 2-1/2 hour downpour ensued.  Hence, we ended up in a Bahamas casino, where we donated (of course), and waited out the rain.

Ships Outside Grand Bahamas Harbor

The trip back was the same in reverse – we caught the bus at 4:30 pm, and got back to our boat about 10 p.m.  The next time we go it will be via our own boat – we’ve heard nothing but good things about the Bahamas, but this trip was too much to do in a day, and we didn’t get to do or see  much.  Still, we’re glad we went.  I’m trying to visit all the places in the ‘Kokomo’ song, and the only one I have left is Bermuda.  Some day I’ll check that off too!

Freeport Shopping Area

Wednesday morning we got up, showered in the marina (nice showers) and had breakfast aboard.  Then we shoved off and headed north up the ICW.  It was slow going with many no-wake zones and low bascule bridges which we had to contact via radio to get opened. We cruised past Pompano, and ended up anchoring out in Lake Boca Raton – a little shallow lake with an inlet out to the Atlantic.

Lake Boca Raton Sunset

The water was that beautiful blue-green color I love and crystal clear.  I saw a large sea turtle when we were setting the hook, and took advantage of the 82 degree water and went for a swim.  It was wonderful to say the least, although a little difficult to get aboard afterward because the dinghy was on the back, and obstructed the swim ladder.  If anyone was watching my attempt, I’m sure they had a good belly laugh!

How Many People Live Here?

The following morning while pulling the anchor, I saw a huge black and white spotted stingray on the sandy lake bottom.  We cruised past Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, and saw many more mega-yachts and Floridian mansions along the way.  The ICW goes through long Lake Worth then, much wider with more greenery, expansive lawns and golf courses.  It was refreshing, and the architecture of the homes had a little more  Midwestern and East Coast flavor.

One of the Docks at the West Palm Beach Marina

 

We anchored out again in a somewhat sheltered spot near the West Palm Beach city docks.  The temps, especially overnight, have been unseasonably warm and humid. We went to the Thursday evening celebration called ‘Clematis by Night’ and enjoyed the free live music and landscaped water-front park, with its fountains, greenery, built-in benches, and walkways. I bought an amazing batik skirt, all hand made and designed by a woman with a business called Tropical Vibrations.  We had $3 beers and wine, then went to an outdoor establishment on the waterfront called E.R. Bradley’s, where we sat at the bar and mingled with the locals.  The night reminded me a little of the summer Thursday Concerts in the Park back home, only a bit more sophisticated.

Fountain in Park during ‘Clematis by Night’ celebration

Friday the 19th we stayed anchored out at the same spot in West Palm Beach. We dinghied to the city dock, then walked 0.6 miles to the Publix and did a little re-stocking of perishables.  It was another hot, humid and windy day.  That evening we went to the near-by amphitheater and checked out the ‘Lord’s House’ sponsored event for the homeless, where people put up their tents and spent the night.  Further into the city park we enjoyed the free and fabulous 5-piece jazz band, and walked through the near-by marina with its mega-yachts and Rolls Royce’s in the parking lot.

Floating Snack Bar near Peanut Island

Today we pulled up anchor, and after pump-out, ice, and water, once again headed north up the ICW.  Peanut Island, which was built of the dredge spoils from the Lake Worth Inlet to the Atlantic was crowded with weekend boaters enjoying the sandy beaches.  This little man-made island has a bunker, originally built as a bomb shelter and headquarters to house President JFK if needed during the Cuban Missile Crisis. When we reached Jupiter (the city, not the planet) we encountered a good rainstorm.

Jupiter Light house

Many golf courses and sandy beaches bordered the ICW, and we debated about pulling up to one of them.  However, our lines for the sand stakes that we used so often on the Mississippi were indisposed – one securing the dinghy, the other one stowed in the forward bow hold.  It seemed like too big of a hassle, and the weather was not favorable, so we continued on.  We heard through the boater’s grapevine that Tiger Woods has a home in Jupiter – a guy we met a couple of nights before in West Palm Beach put in his tennis court.

One of the Beaches encountered Along the ICW Today – Note People Under Tent in Water

This section is called the Gold Coast because of all the money here, and it’s evident everywhere you turn.  I’m still amazed at the yachts, cars and homes!  Where did all these people get their money?  The extravagance seems decadent when there are so many homeless people in Florida.  But there’s always something to goggle over.

More Gold Coast Mega-Yachts

Once we left Lake Worth behind, the ICW narrowed and became more wild.  Our route included rivers and creeks and we passed mangroves again, which we haven’t seen since Key Largo.  Osprey nests once again were plentiful, and since there was so much fresh water, manatee zones were everywhere.

One of many Bascule Bridges on the ICW’s Gold Coast

We drove through Hobe Sound to the St. Lucie River.  Here we decided to head west up the Lake Okeechobee Waterway to the town of Stuart instead of proceeding north.  It’s a small detour, but we like the small town feel of the place, and according to our neighbors who have lived aboard and traveled for 4 years in their catamaran, it’s the best place ever!  The Internet is working great, even out here in the mooring field.

Today’s rains brought in some much cooler northerly air.  It’s a little reprieve, with the low tonight only 71 degrees (currently 96% humidity).  I’m hoping for better sleeping weather – although it’s raining again, which means the hatch has to be closed, greatly diminishing our air circulation.  Tomorrow  we will explore this little haven – known for its weekend flea and farmer’s market, the Lyric Theatre, and the shallow waters of Bathtub Beach.  Who knows what else we might encounter while we’re here in Stuart!

Finally – On the Move

It was a long stay in Miami, and disappointment set in Monday, April 8th because the parts still had not arrived to fix our lower unit.  After checking out, we walked to the boat from the Shalimar Motel (1.2 miles) lugging our bags.  We discussed things with Jose’ the service manager, and tracked the parts coming via UPS.

Jim Invented a New Cocktail – Vodka Crush – Yummy!

Since it would be a least a couple more days, we decided to book a room back at the Best Western in Surfside.  They were able to accommodate us, so we hauled our bags to the bus stop, and rode the ‘L’, then the ‘S’ back to our old favorite spot.  It was good to be back in a nicer part of Miami, with the ocean waves crashing on the beach right outside our window again.

Back to the Beach at Surfside

We hung out at the hotel patio, played backgammon, then walked to Flanigan’s for burgers and drinks.  A couple of games of air hockey and pool ensued, then we walked back to the room. Heartland Boating magazine wants to do a feature story that Jim wrote few years ago about our Mississippi River trip from Lake City to Keokuk and back.  They need high-resolution pictures, which we are having trouble getting, but hopefully we will get that figured out, and they will be able to publish the story.

On Tuesday, April 9th, I did laundry at the hotel, then walked the beach and found many pretty shells and pieces of sea glass.  We hung out at the hotel facilities most of the day.  Dinner was very burnt lasagna from a box (mmmmm – not) which resulted in the smoke alarm going off in our unit.

Surfside Beach – North Miami

After breakfast the next morning we walked the beach in the sun and wind.  Cousin Steve, chauffeur extraordinaire, picked us up after we checked out, and drove us down to South Beach where we enjoyed lunch at a street café on Lincoln Rd.  Then it was another hotel stay – this time the Best Western Plus on the Bay.  It was a nice spot, on Biscayne Bay, half way between the beach and Marine Max.  We had happy hour at Shucker’s overlooking the water, and watched boats coming and going.

View from Our Balcony – Best Western Bayside – Miami

On Thursday, April 11th, we were finally going back to the boat!  Once again Steve picked us up, brought us to the boat, then to a nearby restaurant for lunch.  The new lower unit was on, but the mercathode still needed to be installed, and was due to arrive soon.  Back to the boat, we walked both of our coolers – the big one on wheels and the small one on the 2-wheel cart to the grocery store – about 8 blocks away.

The grocery store was also a meat market – they had every cut of meat imaginable – even chicken feet and beef kidneys.  However, it was difficult to find anything that hadn’t gone past the expiration date.  We grabbed a few things and pushed our coolers back to Marine Max, crossing Biscayne Blvd and past the homeless folks.

Jose’ – Our Marine Max Service Manager

Turns out we already had a mercathode – so we didn’t need it!  The boat was ready to go with a brand new shiny lower unit and was in the water when we got back.  I unloaded the groceries and Jim and Jose’ arranged shipping for our old lower unit.  We are sending it home to be reconditioned and sold on Craig’s List. I was so ecstatic to get going again!  Ten nights in hotels was too many (and too expensive).  I think we know Miami pretty well, have a good mastery of the bus routes, and had a great time there, but it was SO time to move on!

Quickly we got underway, shoving off around 4:30, and headed north up the ICW.  We didn’t go far – found a good anchorage in South Lake off the ICW in Hollywood.  It was very hot and humid.  Dolphin’s swam around the boat and we got a good rain shower during the night.

Sandy Shoal in the ICW – Ft. Lauderdale

Friday morning after breakfast aboard we scrubbed down the boat, vacuumed, cleaned rugs, the head; anything that looked dirty.  Marine Max had installed a new porthole light in our aft cabin, and there was fiberglass and wood shavings all along the headboard. The boat looked much better – even the rain during the night helped wash off some of the grit from sitting on the hard in the boatyard.

Port Everglades – Loading Ship

Our cleaning done, we pulled up anchor and headed to the nearby Hollywood City Marina to get fuel and fresh water.  Then north up the ICW we went.  Port Everglades was an astonishing place with its big shipyard along the way. Soon we were entering Ft. Lauderdale – and never have we seen so many mega-yachts and sprawling mansions!

Little House & Boat on the ICW – Ft. Lauderdale

The waterways were busy with traffic, both near the port and on the ICW.  Bridges and channels criss-crossed everywhere.  With so much to see, it was difficult to pay attention to the driving and navigating!

Another Little Ft. Lauderdale Shack

We took a mooring ball near the Las Olas Marina almost under the bascule bridge.  We took the dinghy down and drove into the marina to pay.  Turns out there was going to be a 2-day music festival on the beach, with proceeds going to ‘Save our Oceans’.  Our location was perfect – we could take the dinghy to the dock; walk to town and the beach, and all weekend heard the live music from the boat.

Steve and Ying with Chichi and Jerry

Saturday, after a good old thunderstorm and downpour, Steve Knese and his wife Ying picked us up and took us to lunch at a fantastic Japanese buffet.  The food was so fresh and diverse – Jim sampled some little squid and I enjoyed the sushi and mussels, among many other things. We drove to their condo in Davie to meet their chiwawas, Jerry and Chichi.  Then off to the Publix we went to complete our grocery run.  They helped us haul everything down to the dinghy, where we said our goodbyes.

Back on board we listened to the music coming from the beach, enjoyed happy hour, and grilled steaks on the barbie.  The best part was that we booked a one-day trip to Freeport in the Bahamas aboard an express boat – we’re going on Tuesday!

My fave – a yacht with a garage for the dinghy

We dinghied back to the dock and walked the few short blocks to town.  The concert had just let out for the evening and crowds milled through the streets.  We stopped in a couple shops where we got a small backpack/cooler and a new swim suit for me.  Then we found a little bar with a fantastic live band and danced and laughed the night away.  Andrew, a very nice gent who gave up his bar stool for me, kept buying us drinks.  It was a fun time!

At the Las Olas Mooring Field near the Bascule Bridge

Sunday we took a dinghy ride around, trying to hear the concert music better, and checked out some of the mega yachts docked nearby.  We heard Free Bird and other songs done by Leonard Skinner and one song performed by Michael Franti.  We did face-time with Nathan and Brandi, and saw a dolphin in the water right beside us.  It was another hot and humid day.

Tow Boat Towing Another Tow Boat – They even have breakdowns!

This morning after a brief rain shower and breakfast aboard, we left the mooring ball and got a slip at the Las Olas Marina.  Jim pumped us out, and I’m working on the blog in the air-conditioned media room here.  Laundry is drying now – and I’d better do something about my nails.  The pink valentine’s day pedicure has pretty much worn off.

Tomorrow we’re off to the Bahamas!  Jim is happy that someone else will be piloting the boat across the Atlantic, and may learn a few tricks. We have to leave for Port Everglades at 6:30 a.m., so will have to arrange a cab to get us there.  None of the water taxis or trolleys run that early or even stop there.  We’ll be back around 10:00 p.m., then Wednesday we will head north up the ICW for Pompano or Boca Raton.  It’s so great to be back on the move again!

Miami

Our stay on Miami Beach – Surfside, at the Best Western was a great experience!  The views of the Atlantic were beautiful, the staff very accommodating.  We enjoyed the beach, pool, and full apartment, and were able to do a lot of sight-seeing via the local bus system, water taxi, and my cousin Steve Knese as chauffeur and tour guide extraordinaire in his tricked out Mustang convertible.

Strom Clouds over Miami Beach

On Tuesday, April 2nd we took the bus to downtown Miami to Bayside Market.  It’s a huge open-air mall with many water-front restaurants, music stage, boat tours – always something happening.  Spanish is the main language here, and it is such an international and multi-cultural city – it felt much like we had traveled to another country.

Giant Banyan Tree at Bayside Market

We enjoyed lunch and mojitos at the Largo Café, and walked around the shops.  We met a fun young couple from Switzerland and enjoyed their company.

Water Taxi we used to go from Miami to South Beach

They are touring much of the US in a rented motor-home.  The four of us took the water taxi to South Beach – there’s no where like it – especially Ocean Drive with all its art deco architecture and open air restaurants.

Car Outside Restaurant in South Beach

We decided to do a little shopping on Wednesday, so walked to the nearby Bal Harbour Mall in Surfside.  Saks Fifth Avenue was our first stop – we’ve never experienced sticker shock quite like that!  The cheapest price I found for a dress was $1,100; we saw really cute strappy heels for $1,595, and an ordinary-looking pair of men’s swim trunks for $295.  Wow, we were in the wrong place!!  All the shops in the mall were upscale beyond anything I’ve ever seen, and not many people walked out with shopping bags swinging from their arms.  Once outside, 3 Rolls Royce’s were lined up in the parking lot.

One of Many Painted Sea Turtle Sculptures in Surfside

Back down to reality, we split a pitcher of beer and chicken wings on one of the sidewalk tables at Flannigan’s, then walked back to our hotel.

Thursday we packed up a few beverages and found a nice spot on the beach.  We played backgammon, snacked, and had fun in the big surf.  From there we went to the pool, and played a few more games of backgammon.  I cooked up dinner in our room, and we had a quiet evening relaxing in our spacious living room.  The hotel life was getting easy to take – clean linens every day, dishes washed, and of course the view of the Atlantic out our windows!

Jim at the “Elderly Crossing”

We were hoping that the boat would be repaired by Friday, as we had to check out of the hotel (no room in the inn).  But on Friday Marine Max had not even gotten the parts.  My cousin Steven Knese picked us up and drove us to the boat so we could drop off the cooler.  It rained off and on most of the day, but we had a great time – He gave us a tour of South Beach, showed us where he lived there for six years, was a wealth of helpful information, and a great communicator with the locals, as he has good mastery of the Spanish language.

Cousin Steve Knese – tour guide extraordinaire

We walked along Ocean Drive and lunched at Gloria Estefan’s Cuban restaurant – Larios on the Beach.  Steve had to get to work at Miami Dade Community College where he teaches computer classes.  We took the Mustang to our new temporary place of residence – the Shalimar Motel, on the north side of Miami.  Steve changed into his work wardrobe and we got checked in.  It was so good to re-connect with him – to get to know him as an adult – and we so appreciate his dry witty sense of humor!

Art Deco Sculpture – South Beach Park

The Shalimar is nothing like our stay at the Best Western.  We are right on Biscayne Blvd. (Hwy 1), on the bus route, on the north side of Miami, a much seedier part of town.  We have seen a mentally ill homeless person pushing a shopping cart down the sidewalk, garbage diving for survival tidbits.  It is certainly a city of diversity – from the richest of the rich to the poorest of the poor.  The motel is basically one room and a bath – no ice machine, no Kleenex, no bath-tub.  But we wanted to be within walking distance of the boat, and it was difficult to find a place with a vacancy.

Billionaire’s yacht off Star Island, enjoying Miami Bay

Yesterday we had a really fun day.  First we walked to the boat (1.2 miles); then took the bus back downtown to Bayside Market.  We took a 1-1/2 hour tour aboard the ‘Island Lady’ which tours all around Miami.  Star Island, one of the main attractions, is home to mansions of the rich and famous.  Owners have included Sylvester Stallone, Don Johnson, Elizabeth Taylor, Shaquille O’Neil, Gloria Estefan, Will Smith, Jackie Gleason, Madonna, and Rosie O’Donnell.  Many shows and movies have been filmed here including Cocoon, Scarface, Miami Vice, and the Adam’s Family.

One of the Many Mansions on Star Island

After the boat tour we enjoyed happy hour at the Mojito Bar, and took turns trying on clothes at a fun Cuban-style shop with Tommy Bahama wear across from the bar.  I found a hat I had to have, and a couple of pair of shorts – Jim even bought a hat – and a fabulous white silk shirt that I think he’ll wear to Calvin & Kristin’s July wedding back in Minnesota. More mojitos followed – then we walked past the American Airline

Posing with our New Hats and Jim’s New Shirt

Stadium where the Miami Heat game was going on, to the bus stop and hopped aboard.  Back at our room, we ordered pizza, and sat outside in the balmy evening air and enjoyed our late dinner and drinks.

Late this morning we walked to a nearby restaurant for brunch – then to a funky consignment shop where I found myself laughing hysterically in the dressing room.  There are so many fun clothes down here, but my middle-aged physique doesn’t look good in very many of them!  We then strolled through Legion Park to the water’s edge, then back to the room.

ARiverDerci “on the hard” Waiting for Parts and Repair

Tomorrow we will check out of our room and carry our luggage back to the boat.  It is our hope that the lower unit and mercathode will be delivered and installed within the day.  Although Miami was a great place to get stranded for a week, we are so looking forward to being aboard on own boat (home), and being back on our Great Loop trip.  Unfortunately, because of the expense of repairing the boat (about $9k) and the price of gas and water in the Bahamas, we won’t be making the trip there at this time.  But I’m sure it will happen sometime in the future.

Let the journey continue!

Biscayne Bay to Miami Beach

Laundry is always a challenge while aboard.  At Pennekamp I did laundry at the facilities which were shared by the campground.  Only one dryer was operational, so I ended up carrying the wet laundry back to the boat and hung it out all over on the bow, cabin, and cockpit.  Luckily there was a strong breeze – it still took a good six hours for it all to dry in the humidity.

Laundry Drying Aboard

On Thursday morning, March 28th, we took the glass bottom boat tour out to the reef aboard the ‘Spirit of Pennekamp’.  We saw 4 manatee in the channel between the Sound and the Atlantic, a sea turtle, octopus, lots of different forms of coral (actually animals, not plants), and many fish.  It was a fun trip in good weather with only a moderate chop.

Spirit of Pennekamp – Glass Bottom Boat

Sergeant Major Fish on Coral Reef

We got back to our boat about noon and quickly prepped to head out.

 

 

 

 

We drove through Biscayne Bay and its beautiful aqua water to Key Biscayne and pulled into a very protected spot – No Name Harbor, crowded with many other boats.  The skyscrapers of Miami were in the distance.  We set anchor near the mangroves, cooked steaks on the BBQ, watched the sunset, and saw an amazing shooting star.

Sundown from No Name Harbor – Key Biscayne

The next day we dinghied over to the sea wall, then walked along the paths to the lighthouse at the tip of Key Biscayne in the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.  It’s a beautiful park bordered on the west by Biscayne Bay and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Lighthouse

We climbed to the top of the 95 foot lighthouse, around and around the circular staircase, and outside to the most spectacular views of both the Atlantic and Biscayne Bay.  We checked out the beach, enjoyed lunch at the crowded Lighthouse Café, then hiked back to No Name Harbor.  There was an ‘at sea’ rescue which involved the coast guard boats, police boats, and a helicopter.  All the hubbub happened at the sea wall in No Name Harbor.

View from Top of Lighthouse

We spent another night anchored out in those protected waters, and enjoyed the many local Cuban boaters with their families, swimming and playing in the warm secluded waters.

Drip Drying Dishes – Easter Sunday

Saturday we drove across Biscayne Bay to Coconut Grove and got a mooring ball with the Dinner Key Marina.  We took the dinghy into town, and dress shopped at Coco Walk (I have to get a dress for our son’s upcoming wedding).  We had a slice of nummy pizza at a sidewalk pizzeria and enjoyed mojitos and bruschetta at Brio’s.  It was a different shopping experience and a fun night.  We took the dinghy back to the boat in the dark.  There was a sailboat moored next to us from North Pole, Alaska named ‘Bye Polar’, which I thought was pretty humorous.

Easter Sunday we cooked our own special dinner aboard – pork roast on the grill with au gratin potatoes and green beans almandine.  We prepped to head out in the morning – the boat is still leaking lower unit fluid, so we made arrangements to have Marine Max in Miami service the boat (this is our 4th go-round; definitely more than a burp).

Clouds over Miami – en route to Marine Max

This morning we set out after going into the marina for a pump-out.  We met a great couple from Maine with a sailboat who were stranded because the shuttle boat was on the fritz.  We gave them a lift back to the mooring field, then set out.  Going through downtown Miami was a treat – under all the bridges and seeing the big cruise fleet.

Cruise Ship Line-Up in Miami

We made it to Marine Max and unloaded the fridge contents into the cooler and packed our bags.  Off to the Best Western Oceanfront in Miami Beach via Jose’ in the Marine Max van.  While the boat is being worked on (hopefully for the last time), this is home. We couldn’t check in until 3pm, so had lunch at Flanagan’s, and Jim decided to get a haircut while we waited out a downpour. The hotel is a great old place,  right on the beach.  Our room is actually an entire apartment with living room, kitchen, and ocean view.

Sand Bar Beach Outside of Miami Beach

This evening we walked along the beach , and met our Jewish neighbors who come here every year from New York during Passover. They are originally from Israel.

I’m feeling a little spoiled, enjoying the hotel experience, and all this space!  We’ll probably be here for another couple of days until the boat is fixed (once and for all, I hope)…

View from our room in Miami Beach

While we are here we will try to prep for an upcoming trip to the Bahamas.  We need to get the charts, the GPS chip, our US Customs sticker, and wait for the right winds.  Our plan is to go through customs in Bimini, and do a little island hopping.  We have heard from others that it is outrageously expensive, so our tour may not be all-inclusive. Since fresh water is such a commodity (it costs $1 per gallon), and gas prices fluctuate daily, regulated by the government, we will have to wait and see.

Miami Beach at Sundown

Until then, we’re enjoying our hotel stay on Miami Beach.  We may explore South Beach (SoBe as it’s called by the locals), or just hang out here.  With the longer days and the warm temperatures, it’s truly a wonderful life!