We departed Angelfish Creek this morning at about 7:45 and went West into Card Sound to take the inside route up the Intracoastal Waterway to Miami. The wind was blowing directly on our nose, and the temperatures were unusually low, so we decided to stay on the inside where we would be somewhat more protected. Except for the aft entrance, we kept the center cockpit enclosure (aka "the Florida room") zipped and tight so we travelled in relative comfort. When the sun came out and shined, it got downright warm inside. We were able to run out the jib for a portion of the trip (a change in course across and up Biscane Bay brought the wind a bit off our bow), so we got a boost from the wind and were able to reduce engine speed, but maintain our leisurely pace.

We now are anchored in the Venetian Causeway off San Marino Island (N 25 47.320//W 80 09.634) in what obviously is an old section of Miami. There are homes all around (not condos) and they are relatively modest, not like the huge palaces in Naples and in other newer areas. Downtown Miami and the cruise ships are visible just off our aft port quarter. We will take and post some photos.

We expect to stay here a couple of days, reprovision (there is a Publix food store a dinghy ride away), enjoy some sights and walking on shore, and then head back south a short distance to a marina (from whence Lauren departed for her wommanship experience a couple of years ago) to take on fuel, water, dine out, and then go to No Name Harbor from where we hope to depart to The Bahamas. It looks like a possible weather window opening on Thursday and Friday -- Hooray! But, we won't count our chickens before they hatch.

Stay tuned!

Van and Lauren