April 9 - 12 Miami thru Ft. Lauderdale

After a glorious 25th Anniversary evening, we departed Coral Reef for Ft. Lauderdale in some pretty stiff winds. We passed under 15 bridges while adhering to some rather unusual speed zone signs - "Idle speed in ICW Slow Speed Out of the ICW and 25MPH in the ICW Wake no higher than 15".  It was hell trying to keep the tape measures out of the water while hanging over the stern measuring the wake - not! 

Mariner II

The amount of wealth evident in the mega-houses and mega-yachts is staggering.  Such a concentration of opulence is truly unbelievable.  That's not to say that they have good taste - but they certainly have the funds to do whatever ridiculous things they want to do! Among all the huge zillion dollar yachts was one that caught CB's eye. Mariner II is the way to travel the coast in style!

The addition of AIS to both our vessels has provided great tools that we used for the first time.  One is being able to resolve the issue of "inquiring minds want to know", as most of the mega-yachts were identified and we could even see which ones are for sale!  Secondly, and more important, we COULD have used it when attempting to pass a large work boat being handled by two tugs - but, alas, we must first remember that we HAVE the system and then they have to answer your radio requests! Fortunately, as we needed to pass, they turned off the ICW and all was well. Then, as we approached Port Everglades, CB (Commodore Bill) was able to determine that the huge Chiquita Banana freighter was arriving in port rather than departing, making the passage for all safer and with much less stress.

Arrival at Lauderdale Yacht Club was uneventful with 100' of transient seawall dockage - and the only friendly person we met at LYC!  The atmosphere at the club was, to be kind, stuffy.  Food was average and the facilities wanting and dirty.  They made no formal acknowledgement of visiting Yacht Clubs standard at other Clubs and travel to anything in town required some distance.  Undaunted, we welcomed Judy Ambury who kindly provided a car for our use and joined us for dinner at Franco & Vinnie's Pizza Parlor (a favorite of AJ (Admiral Jann)).  

After a day of "rest & shopping" what a treat it was to move on to Coral Ridge YC, a strenuous 2 mile journey and be greeted by friendly staff & members.  CB & AJ took off immediately for a road trip to Anna Maria Island to be with family and a Celebration of Life for dear cousin, Trudy Horigan. PC (Pricness Caryn) & CA (Captain America) enjoyed the Club and their view, even with significant water & wave traffic.  Family night by the pool, complete with movies and laughter, was delightful. The perfect end to the first week of our Great Adventure!