Our Christmas Wish Came True!

We got a great Christmas present!

We made it to the Bahamas so our Christmas wish came true!  (The picture was taken at the restaurant in Coconut Grove but I saved it for this blog.)

It came true but not without some discomfort for about 4 hours at the beginning of the trip.  After waiting two weeks I guess everyone just wanted to go.  It was going to be a bit rough at the beginning but then it was to settle down which it did. (I kept saying, “We waited two weeks for this!”)

Dawn at Dinner Key

       

We had a very pretty sunrise while on the mooring in Dinner Key which I was hoping was a good omen.  We left the mooring around 7:30am after listening to the weather.  Discovery, Synergy and Blue Heaven (First Edition decided to wait until later in the day) opted to leave.

A house in Stiltsville, Key Biscayne

We went out through  Stiltsville  in Key Biscayne.  These are houses just out there in the open water on stilts.  We don’t think they are allowed to live out there any more although some did not look too bad.  The birds seem to really like them!

Once out it in the ocean it was rough, but my Bonine for seasickness let me sleep through two hours of it!  

North Rock where we entered the Bahamas.

We reached North Rock (not much of anything) which is the Bahamas around 2PM which is when we finally shut the engine off and just sailed until 5PM.  It was nice for the peace and quiet for awhile and we were going 7 ½ to 8 knots which is faster than we motor.   

Sunset over the Bahama Banks

Sunset on the open water is just always beautiful to me. However, the wind turned on our nose so we had to put the engine back on.  We motor sailed through the night taking two to three hour watches.   

Sunrise on the water is also neat and you can see that we were not far behind Synergy.  We followed them across closely while Discovery just sped ahead and out of sight with their fast boat.   

Sunrise on the water with Blue Heaven not far from Synergy

We finally reached Nassau harbor around 10AM.  It was great to see the man-made quay,

 the turquoise water,  

 the lighthouse, 

all the cruise ships in the harbor, 

the famous Atlantis Resort

Atlantis Resort

 and the colorful Bahamian houses.  We felt then that we really made it!

Pastel houses- your in the Bahamas!

We went in to Nassau Harbor Club to a slip where we waited for a customs person to come to us.   

Blue Heaven at Nassau Harbor Club

Al dealing with custom

The first customs agent was a lady who granted us 120 days which we asked for, and gets us to April, which shall work for us. 

The second customs agent came on board to finish the paper work.

The second customs agent took our money and gave us a cruising permit and fishing license.  It all went rather smoothly compared to last time.  It seemed that everyone in our group got what they wanted in days which were 180 for the others.

Look at the salt build-up on our stern rail!

Blue Heaven got a good wash down after all the salt build-up.  We got our Bahamian cell phone reconnected and were pleasantly surprised that they now have a Harris Teeter grocery store (for those not familiar, they are a very upscale grocery, however so are the prices.).  But it is nice to have before we leave to go into the Exumas where fresh groceries are at a premium.

We plan to head out tomorrow into the Exumas.  Internet access will now become more difficult.  So have a good holiday in case we don’t get access before then.  We don't know where we will spend Christmas, but we will be with friends (our new family for now) and that is what is  most important.

The Waiting Game Continues

Since the last cancelled crossing due to weather we have been doing some different but also many of the same things as before.  Another boat that we met in Nassau on the last trip and who know the couples on Discovery and Synergy well came into our anchorage.  It is Lynn and Peter on First Edition so the number of people for our get-togethers has increased.   We had everyone on Blue Heaven for happy hour and talked well past dark.

Al heading down under- Blue Heaven  that is!

One day Al looked down at our prop and noticed through the clear water that there was no zinc left.  So it was Al’s first day to put on a swim suit and go into the water.  He was successful at putting the zinc on but now he felt we should try to get another one.  We zoomed over to Miami Beach Marina where there is a marine store.  They did not have one so they ordered one which was to be in by Friday.  We called Friday and then they said it would be in Monday but we were hoping to cross that day  so we cancelled the order.

Another day we decided it was time to play, so Al and I went with Lynn and Peter to the movies.  The women chose “Life of Pi” and the men decided on “Skyfall,” the James Bond movie.  “Life of Pi” in 3D was excellent, with great cinematography and interesting story line.  The guys enjoyed “Skyfall” as well so we were all satisfied and it was a great way to spend an afternoon in the air conditioning since it has been quite hot and humid.

Yummy apple pie and ice cream for Hanukah.  We did share with the men!

We were invited to a Hanukah dinner on board First Edition with the other couples.  We had a grand time learning about Peter’s traditions.  We had potato pancakes with applesauce and a chicken liver pate with crackers for appetizers.  Lynn said that would be the end of the typical Hanukah food but had great chicken tetrazzini and apple pie and ice cream for dessert.  That's right, I said ice cream.  How Lynn has room for ice cream when we are packed full for crossing to the Bahamas is beyond me

New dock for cruisers.

 Now another Sunday has come so we hit the Farmer’s market and church again.  Up the Collin's Canal to the new dock that they have for us cruisers.  

We were hoping to leave the next day so once again to the local Publix grocery for last minute items.  Can we fit one more thing in the frig?!!!!

We are up at 5am to get ready to leave but we wait to hear the weather report from the Bahamas’s guru and guess what… it was a no go again!  What a disappointment!  Since we were up we all decided to lift anchor and head to the moorings off of Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove for something different to see and do.   

The morning sun shining on Miami

Since we left so early the morning sun made the buildings in Miami sparkle like gems which was beautiful. 

How did we miss seeing the cruise ship?

We were heading out of the Venetian Causeway to go under a bridge and all of a sudden we saw a huge cruise ship turning in the basin on the other side of the bridge.  How we missed it at first, I don’t know.  Needless to say, we thought it best to wait until it got out of the way and into the main ship channel with all the other cruise ships that came in that morning until we moved under the bridge.   

Miami main ship channel

As we passed Miami we got to see the Miami waterfront with it’s variety of entertainment for tourists.   

Miami waterfront.

There was no problem getting a mooring for the four boats because they probably have close to 100 of them at Dinner Key.

Shuttle water taxi for the boats on moorings.

We all used the convenient shuttle boat to get us in to the dock and went to a local establishment called Flanagan’s for lunch.  With every pitcher of beer came a plate full of nachos.  Not just a plate, but a platter filled to over flowing!  I wish I had taken a picture but I forgot.  However, I did get our satisfied looks at the end of lunch!

The group at Flanagans.

We all went various ways afterwards, some finding the Home Depot, some finding the boutique shops (gee, I wonder who went where?).   

Dinner Key Marina

We also enjoyed the side walks around the marina, showers and once again the grocery stores.  We hope to leave tomorrow, again!  We want our next entry to be from the Bahamas.  Will our Christmas wish come true?

The Waiting Game

South Beach-Some babes but not a

Since last writing, I left you with Al looking over at South Beach wondering about the beach babes.  Well, we have been there many times since and not just to look at the “Beach Babes.” 

One of the many art deco buildings.

Anchored nearby is Discovery with Carl and Marilyn whom we have seen on and off since Deltaville.  We met their friends Chris and Karen on Synergy also anchored near us.  So “the girls” went into South Beach for a good long walk, people watching and checking out the Art Deco buildings around town.  Until we got back it was time for a Happy Hour on Blue Heaven. 

Collins Canal

Saturday Al and I went over again to do some necessary chores.  To get into town many cruiser use the Collins Canal which is where we take the dinghy to a small new dock they have across from the Publix Grocery store.  You can see how low the bridges are, so you have to watch your head at a very high tide! 

Going under one of the several bridges in the canal.

Al got his “South Beach” haircut, nice and short.  The wavy back flips are gone!

Al's new haircut.

We dropped off mail at the post office and then met Carl and Marilyn for lunch at the ever popular outdoor mall at Lincoln Road. There must have been 50 restaurants all vying for our business.  

One of the many outdoor restaurants on the Lincoln Road Mall

We walked off our lunch once again people watching (a full time sport in South Beach) and checking out the town.  Of course a stop at the grocery store is always warranted.  And I finished my chores for the day by making an apple dessert for dinner tomorrow night on Discovery.

Colorful spices at the Sunday Farmer's Market

We have lots of farmer’s markets in Lancaster but never on a Sunday which was the happening place once again at the mall on Lincoln Road in South Beach.  We three couples all went in to look at the interesting Hispanic food at the market as well as to get some delicious produce.  The stand we found most colorful was the spice and tea stand which I could not resist. 

Holiday decor South Beach Style

Since it was Sunday, I wanted to go to church so we caught the 25₵ bus to take us to the other end of South Beach.  Afterwards we decided we could use a long walk, so we walked back along the historic art deco area seeing the politically correct holiday decorations and some interesting artsy sights.

My "artsy" photo.

By the time we got back to the boat we were ready for a rest before going over to Discovery for a wonderful pasta dinner and a game of Sequence.  Unfortunately, the men won best out of five games.   The ladies want a rematch soon!

After listening to the weather guru of the Bahamas, it sounded like there was going to be a weather window to cross over to the Bahamas on Wednesday.  So we headed over to the local Publix for last minute groceries in the dinghy.  However, on the trip over, we hit a wave and then we heard a crack.  The dinghy seat cracked in the middle.  We could not believe it.  Just what we needed right before crossing over to islands.  Al returned me and the groceries to the boat and then went to the local hardware store in search of parts to fix the seat.  I prepared the “ditch bag” (for non-sailors that is a bag that holds important things for survival) with the last minute items that it needed.  We of course hope it never needs to be used but we have it just in case.  Al did some preliminary work on the seat repair and then called it a day.

We listened again to the weather guru the next morning at 6:30AM and he had a change of tune and so did we.  He said if you like heading into 10-15 knot winds on the nose with 3-4 feet seas it would be okay to go otherwise don't go.  We did not think that would be fun for 28 hours so we are staying in Miami for another week probably until another window might open up.

Skyline of Miami from Key Biscayne

We decided to haul anchor and go down to Crandon Park Marina which is on the northern end of Biscayne Bay to get fuel, water and a pump out.  It gave us a chance to sail some in the bay and we got to see the tall buildings of Miami.
When we went past, there was SeaFair, the huge boat that was up in New Bern, NC that is a moving art gallery.  In front of the skyscrapers of Miami the boat looked average size, in New Bern it looked huge.  Perspective is everything!

SeaFair the moving art gallery.

We also went down to No Name Harbor to see how full it was.  There were only 5 boats there which surprised us. (That is where many go to be ready to leave the cut to crossover.)   However, we decided to return to Miami Beach where there is easier access to stores and activities since it was going to be a while yet.  We are in the same anchorage as before just a little closer to the causeway. 

So now it is the waiting game, listening to the weather every morning for the next opportunity to prepare to cross.  This morning he said possibly Monday, Dec. 10^th. 

Iguana sunny himself on the bridge.

In the mean time, I kayaked some yesterday around one of the islands in the Venetian Causeway.  Going under the one causeway bridge I noticed a quite large creature sunning himself on the pipe next to the bridge.  He kept his eye on me as I got closer, but be assured I did not get too close!  He was at least a yard long from head to tail!  We see him every day so I named him "Iggy the Iguana."  He can be seen from the cockpit of our boat where we are anchored.

Beach at Monument Island in South Beach

Monument in honor of Flagler

I also kayaked over to Monument Island which has this pretty little tropical beach on one side and the monument on the other.

We do our daily chores and of course socialize with our friends in the anchorage. One of the things I did, was decorate Blue Heaven for Christmas.  Even though we are far away from home, we brought a little bit of home with us.  So you can see our little Christmas spot in Blue Heaven.
And so the waiting game continues… more to come!

Deserted Beaches to Busy Beaches

Beach at Peck Lake

After departing Vero Beach, we motored to a place off the ICW called Peck Lake.  Why they call it Peck Lake is beyond me, because it just is an indention in the waterway which allows boats to pull off and anchor.  The reason we stop here is because you can go ashore on the barrier island and by just walking across a short distance there is a beautiful beach once again with very few people on it. 
 The only problem is, if the wind stops blowing, which it does on the lee side where you land, you better be fast to cross to the ocean or get in your dinghy to leave because the no-see-ums can be brutal!

Arleen cutting her wool strips.

 I have gotten a lot of rug hooking done since we have motored quite a bit.  You can see how I use my wool cutter to cut my wool.
After cutting the wool I started hooking the border around each design.  I am progressing more rapidly with this because I am using a slightly larger cut which takes less time to complete.  I hope to be done with the border soon because the rug is getting heavy and hot to work on in the southern climate!

Rug with inner borders done. 

Latest water sport, paddle boarding.

The next section of the waterway has several bridges that you must wait for that open on the hour or half hour.  We see some interesting sights while waiting like all these young ladies doing the newest water sport called paddle boarding. 

Moon out in the east with sun setting in

Due to the wait, groups of boats end up motoring together like an armada in this section of the ICW.  We had four boats plus us until we all got to Lake Worth which is the North Palm Beach area, where boats go various ways depending on their plans. 
  Since we were there by lunch we decided to go ashore to explore what was available in the way of shops.  We found one of the largest West Marine stores we have ever been in within walking distance, as well as a Publix and CVS.  So we will know for the next time what is there in case we would need anything.  We once again had an interesting site with the moon out on one side and the sun setting in the west.  

 The next morning we left early and once again had the sun peeking out behind some dark clouds with the high rises in the background which gave for an interesting photo.  We were out the inlet at slack current so it was an easy out as you can see in the video.

Early morning leaving North Palm Beach

 

One of six caught!

Unfortunately, the winds were a little too light for only sailing so once again it was a motor sail day to Ft. Lauderdale.   Since it was a nice motor sail I suggested Al pull his rod out and fish. 

Well, this ended up being Al’s day for catching fish.  Six to be exact although all were fish called Little Tunny and they are not considered good eating so back into the ocean they went!  But they certainly did provide us with some entertainment.

A Little Tunny- unfortunately not good eating.

Just one of many private yachts.

We got into Ft. Lauderdale to make the 4PM bridge opening.  You could certainly tell you were in Lauderdale with the huge private yachts and huge homes.
We anchored in Lake Sylvia which was full but got even fuller when 4 more boats pulled in after us. 

The weather was going to take a turn for the worse for the next week with winds of 20-25 knots out of the north which does make for a good crossing at all, so quite a few boats left Lauderdale to either cross to the Bahamas or head south to wait out the week in Miami.  That opened up the mooring field at Las Olas Municipal Marina so we decided to take a mooring because we had plans to meet with Al’s Aunt and cousin the next day. 

Ft. Lauderdale Beach

We walked the beautiful waterfront where they had this interesting sculpture of fish made entirely of recycled plastic bottles.  They said it really is pretty at night with the lights on it, unfortunately we did not get to see it lit up.  

Fish sculpture made out of recycled plastic bottles.

  We had lunch along the strip and then I finally put my swimsuit on (the first time this trip) and went to the beach in the afternoon.  Al enjoyed the marina talking with other cruisers and puffed on a cigar while I was away! 

While having drinks in the cockpit enjoying the scenery of some Christmas decorations    

Decorated palm trees instead of Christmas trees.

 we had a gent serenade us with bagpipes of all things.  He was on the dock at a private home playing all sorts of music including Christmas carols which was quite nice.

The next day we did chores in the morning with me doing laundry and Al hauling water to the boat.  But we played in the afternoon when Al’s cousin and Aunt picked us up and we went out to lunch and got caught up on all the family news.  It was so good seeing them but unfortunately I forgot my camera to take a picture.  Later that day we prepared the boat to go out in the ocean again.  This is the one leg of the journey that we have to go out because our 61 ft. mast will not get under a bridge that is only 55 ft.  The winds were to start picking up with this front coming and we wanted to make it to Miami before it got too bad in the ocean.  Fort Lauderdale is not real cruiser friendly so it is not a spot you want to be for a week.

We left at 6:30AM to go out the cut at slack current but the winds were howling at 20 to 25 knots so the waves were probably 4-6 ft. which were not horrible but my top height that I feel comfortable.  We were bouncing quite a bit going out but the worst was when we turned to head south we hit a rouge wave on the side that sent everything “ topsy turvey” in the cockpit and down below.  After that we got our jib partially out which helped us cut through the waves and we sailed at 7 -7 ½ knots to Miami.  Luckily, it was a short day only 20 miles.   

Miami Sky Scrapers

The sky scrapers of Miami were a welcome sight but we had to deal with large ships, a cruise ship having a life boat drill and tug and barge traffic before getting to our anchorage in the Venetian Causeway by 11:15 AM.

Ship traffic.

Life boat drills from cruise ship.

We are now here to wait out the front and to wait for good weather for a crossing!  The earliest will probably be Wednesday of next week and that was a weak possibility at best.  We were here over 2 1/2 weeks the last trip waiting for a break in the weather and it got down into the thirties at night. At least it is suppose to be in the seventies during the day and sixties at night so that is a positive.  I guess we will get to know South Beach quite well again!

Al studying South Beach from afar knowing we will get to know it quite well.  (He is also hoping  the hot beach babes don't mind a little wind!)