It was difficult leaving paradise but it was clearly time to move with social engagements and a trip to Chicago on the horizon. So, Monday at 10:00 AM, after the usual preparations (i.e., lift the dingy, load the bikes, etc.) we departed Grove Isle and its peaceful marina with great amenities and access to Coconut Grove.
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| We leave Grove Isle in our wake |
We headed north along the shore, passed Mercy Hospital, turned east onto the Derring Channel at the Vizcaya Mansion and headed to the Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge where we joined the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) for our journey north to Adventura (North Miami).
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| Vizcaya Mansion (photo taken several days ago) |
We Passed by downtown Miami's high rises and the cruise ships on Government Cut as we wended our way north to Adventura where were to meet Pam Rose and her parents.
The scenery on the way to Adventura is simply spectacular with high rises, especially to the east along Miami Beach, and large mansions. Pure eye candy. The only "hang-up' was waiting 15 minutes for the Miami Causeway Bridge, a 12 foot bridge which opens on the 1/2 hour.
We arrived at Waterways Marina at 1:30 PM, parked next to a Gazebo and a 100 foot plus yacht. We explored the facility while we waited for Pam, Eunice and Leonard.
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| Guided Discovery dwarfed by Freedom |
Then Pam arrived and Kodi gave her a very enthusiastic greeting after which we all had lunch at the dockside restaurant. As is our custom, we dined alfresco.
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| Leonard, Pam, Eunice and Diana |
Around 3:50 PM, we departed with Pam for the 13 mile run north to Fort Lauderdale where she had arranged dockage at the Lauderdale Yacht Club. On this segment of the run we passed numerous restaurants with the dockage facilities. Rham Emanual please take notice. Chicago could add revenue by allowing downtown restaurants on the Chicago River to add docks.
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| Restaurant with dockage along the ICW |
Kodi approved of Pam's navigating through the ICW but watched her just to make sure.
We passed through Port Everglades, a working port, just before we arrived in fort Lauderdale. Notice the freighter loading yachts. Those yachts could be bound for the Mediterranean or the West Coast. We also encountered heavy traffic. Notice the two freighters leaving through the cut.
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| Freighter loading yachts (for transatlantic passage?) |
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| Two freighters leaving Port Everglades one behind the other |
The S.E. 17th Street bridge basically delineates Port Everglades from the waters of Fort Lauderdale, the boating mecca of the US. Notice the cluster of large and LARGER yachts. The third photo is of
7 Seas, a 280 foot $200,000,000 yacht rumored to be owner by Steven Spielberg. Check out the link. Welcome to Fort Lauderdale.
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| 7 Seas (rumored to be owned by Steven Spielberg) |
At 5:30 PM, we tied up at Lauderdale Yacht Club. We had covered a total of 30 pleasant ICW miles buring only 13.6 gallons.
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| Well it's not a mega yacht (but we love it) |
During our first walk with Kodi she made friends with another lovely yellow lab named Annie and promptly dashed into Annie's house and stole her duck. Nothing changes.
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| Kodi with stolen duck |
Kevin, Annie's owner, was very understanding. Turns out he was also a Lauderdale Yacht Club member.
You may have noticed from the photos that the weather was perfect. Clear skies, 80 degrees and light winds from the north east. Another perfect day.
Written by Les.
In my "second home" waters! Enjoy the stay at Lauderdale--a lovely, homey place. Could you please bring some sunshine with you when you come to Chicago? We need it.
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