Well, I got up early Sunday and was tied up to the fuel dock when the marina opened at 0730. I topped off the diesel and headed down the Intracoastal. I decided to take the inside route because of some uncertainty as to when the cold front with "high winds and rough seas" would arrive.

It was one of those "name your poison" moments. I could either risk being caught off-shore in near gale conditions or deal with about 28 bridges over the course of 40 miles; most of which were on restricted opening schedules. I opted for the bridges.....

By the end of the day, the gale was sounding more inviting... I spent a lot of time waiting for bridges and dodging small pleasureboats. On the bright side, however I got to see a lot of prime real estate close up. I really had no idea there were so many rich people in the US.....yeesh!

Anyway, I managed to get to Fort Lauderdale just after sundown. My intention is to wait here for a couple of days for the weather to settle down and warm up before heading out of the Port Everglades Inlet.

Here's another picture from the boat parade.