These daysails of 50 or so miles moving south brings clearer, bluer water, flying fish startled by our bow wake, stronger sunshine and warmer air temps. Anchoring in Lake Worth 2 ( Palm Beach) gave us the opportunity to explore the area by dinghy, walking, and biking. The yachts, mansions, landscaping and overall wealth here is astounding. Beaches are remarkably beautiful with very few shells and no trash ( also no seaweed so we're guessing little beach sweepers work at night...). Visited the Flagler mansion. Henry Flagler (founder Standard Oil Co. w/Rockefeller) was an integral part of developing Florida ( St Aug to Palm Beach area). The mansion allows a glimpse into their extravagant lifestyles, decor, and philanthropic activities.
(see pics in gallery)
We met a lovely Canadian couple on
"Daily A.R.K." ( acts of random kindness) who built their 63 foot steel ketch ( he owns a steel manufacturing co). Super nice family- sold their home and living aboard with 2 sons (11 & 13) for the next 5-6 years! Wow- just wow.
Sailed from Palm Beach south to Ft Lauderdale where ( we thought) we were so lucky to get a slip at Las Olas marina. This was by far the worst marina ( only one with any availability & also cheapest at $2.50/ night) we have been to as far as basic "amenities". We were located almost directly under the Los Olas bridge! The 3 bathrooms and shower stalls were literally in a portable trailer. My hopeful anticipation for a nice long hot shower was quickly thwarted when I saw the bathroom- unclean, trash can full, and smelled like a port-a-potty! The thought of undressing to take a shower made me feel dirty..... deciding not to go through with it, I left the bathroom only to find John standing there waiting for me and said " we shower on the boat"! ❤️ that guy! The bright side of FT Lauderdale was the magnificent beach and festive Xmas decorations & activities. ( see pics in gallery).
Leaving FT Lauderdale was not difficult - we used a spring line on a piling to counteract string current to get out of the ( small) slip... and it worked like a charm! John is getting so good at maneuvering the boat. We always discuss the plan prior to leaving the slip... and that has saved us big headaches.
We're learning that waiting for "weather windows to travel almost always has eliminated good sailing weather! We've motor-sailed much more than we like, and have rationalized this by thinking if we were on the ICW we would be motoring as well- minus the dolphin escorts!
We are currently anchored off Key Biscayne. We're swimming off the boat daily & exploring Bill Baggs state park where there is a lovely beach. Many portugese man-o-war on the beach ( so in the water). Key Biscayne has a free electric trolley ( 6-seater golf cart) that will pick you up/drop off so we did a grocery run without having to carry everything back (1.1 miles to marina). It's cloudy with an occasional shower today. Asian chicken lettuce wraps for
dinner after a swim today & will watch the Patriots tonight! Hoping friends arrive tomorrow and leave here Thursday to Rodriguez Key, then arrive Key West Saturday for a month. 👏
Take good care of yourselves friends and family! ❤️