Ft. Lauderdale to North Palm Beach, April 20-25, 2014

April 20-25, 2014

Yacht following us on the intercostal near Dania Beach, FL

Well, as Easter Sunday eve played out, the good events outweighed the bad, so I've not bailed yet, but the Lord would not have been happy with my behavior. With expectations of few miles (the captain quoted 4-5) and the reality of far more (we traveled 1.4 hrs and still had 4-5 miles to go...really?) before anchoring, the sun was setting on us as we dropped anchor in Sunrise Bay. I still had to grill Easter dinner, so I was just not a happy person. With my experiences thus far, I think I could have written "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" if I'd only thought of writing it first!

Iconic Ft Lauderdale home across from the Ft Lauderdale Yacht Club

Beautiful yacht!

Another mega-yacht

Two Georges Waterfront Grill in Deerfield Beach

Exhausted from frustration (I never realized how tiring being mad/upset can be which speaks for letting go quickly), I slept late then put in some time on the Nordic Track before pulling anchor at noon and motoring to 2 Georges at The Cove where we arrived around 3 p.m. Captain Clay had arranged to meet the Bike Doctor at this location, but the harbor's narrow entrance gave him cause to pause. I sensed some hesitation on Clay's part, confirmed when he abruptly abandoned the fly bridge helm saying, "You're driving." Oh really? (From an experience standpoint alone, that's probably not a wise decision, captain!) Thank goodness he meant only temporarily as he reappeared shortly, took the helm and expertly guided SaSea Sally stern first thru the narrow fairway to the slip beyond, cozying up to 3-4 charter deep sea fishing boats aligned along the seawall. This marina (never did figure out who the '2 Georges' were) has nearly direct access thru a nearby inlet to the ocean beyond and is thus a desirable location for charter fishing boats.

Clay and I explored the Deerfield Beach area surrounding this marina (mostly retail with a residential area bordering the water) later afternoon and arrived back at the boat in time to meet the Bike Doctor who traveled in a well-stocked older van accompanied by a PA (physician's assistant) and greeted us saying, "So this is the patient" when he saw my bike sitting on the walkway. Mission accomplished at a reasonable price, both bikes got a once-over with mine getting a replacement front rim and new spokes. Prognosis: excellent. Patient care notes: exercise frequently over next few days to make sure gears are well lubricated. Yay! Good to go!

We opted out of The Cove restaurant which was highly recommended, especially by the Bike Doc's wife who used his appointment as an excuse for dinner out. Instead, we chose the nearby Asian Buffet where the price was right and selection was abundant. A quick stop post-dinner at Publix for fresh breakfast fruit, Clay proclaimed the day a success, and I agreed.

An unlucky or careless boater!

We awakened early with a bright street light shining into the aft stateroom porthole, a clattering of buckets, and numerous conversations among eager fishermen prepping for an early morning fishing expedition. The noise penetrated closed doors and windows so the volume was considerable. I guess there was no doubt to the crowd's excitement.

Up and off for our morning walk, Clay and I returned to review the day's bridges ahead and to prep for departure.

One of MANY LOW BRIDGES in this area--slow going.

There are many drawbridges along the east coast of Florida. Our boat's height (20' 4" with mast up) requires many to open for us to pass through. And, because we don't want to request unnecessary bridge openings, we study the chart in advance (and sometimes not so much in advance) so as to be prepared. Of course, neither do we want to chance passing under one that won't accommodate our height; that would NOT be pretty! Additionally, many of these bridges are on a set schedule as is the one immediately beyond our harbor entrance at 2 Georges at the Cove. We didn't do so well in timing our departure, and thus had to idle in the ICW awaiting the 12:30 p.m. opening. But we had a lazy day with plans to anchor near Lake Worth Tuesday evening, so no worries here.

Old Key Lime House bar and restaurant - Lantana causeway.

Sunset at Lantana Anchorage south of Palm Beach

Old Key Lime party boat

              We pulled anchor Wednesday morning after an overnight at Lantana Anchorage. Clay introduced me to two tablet apps which assist boaters in determining bridge passage, MX Mariner (which cross-references to Active Captain) and MX Tide, at which time I

A few of the mega-yachts in Palm Beach

elected to navigate my first passage under the bridge nearby. Please note that Clay insisted I get a tablet (notice I said 'I' get a tablet) for this Great Loop; I now understand WHY he insisted ('he' wanted it)! With his interest in technology coupled with the huge amount of information available, the navigational aspect of boating has become extremely 'easy.' The two user-friendly apps installed on my tablet are but one example.

Mega yacht

Downtown West Palm Beach

Another unique home.

                             As we passed through Palm Beach we were treated to views of mansions, mega-yachts, and a large downtown.  One never ceases to be amazed by the opulence and wealth in America.  Several ship yards and boat repair facilites were located on the north edge of West Palm Beach to service and repair the mega-yachts.

Palm Beach home with intercostal on one side and ocean on the other.

               Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach was our Wednesday destination where we docked mid-afternoon. With SaSea Sally's lines tied and electric and water hook-ups connected, we mounted our bikes with intent to exercise the gears and to pedal to nearby North Palm Beach Country Club for a swim in their Olympic-size pool. Swim plans were aborted when we found open swim hours over and the pool filled with the practicing swim team members. But we did exercise our gears, biking to a nearby marina for a chat with other Loopers who were preparing for a Thursday morning departure to the Bahamas.

Nice digs in Palm Beach

First mate getting ready to grill

           We decided to stay an additional nite at OPCM which gave me a chance to swim, to pay bills, to catch up on laundry, and to eat a nice dinner at the nearby Sandpiper Club. Clay and I also found a delightful and very popular morning walking route (sidewalk along the seawall) which circled the entire perimeter of the peninsula on which OPCM was located. I have no clue as to what Clay did all day, but neither of us seems to have trouble filling our days with activity which was one of my fears and a major hesitation I had in accompanying Clay on this Loop.

The iconic Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach

Friday morning prior to departure Clay launched the dinghy to determine its 'sink or swim ability.' Clay was suspicious of a leak, but the dinghy, an inflatable with two layers composing the hull, did not take on any water. Unfortunately, though, the motor repeatedly died which put the two of us into paddling action accompanied by my singing "Row Row Row Your Boat" much to Clay's embarrassment (more the embarrassment had he joined in). I guess we needed a little upper arm exercise to balance the walking/biking conditioning of our lower extremities. So, motor repair went on Clay's 'to-do' list; sadly, the list is never blank!

As we departed Old Port Cove Marina, I discovered Clay had gone trigger happy with WD-40. Every hinge, latch, snap, tidy-up (rope holder)...in fact most every movable boat part...had been dosed with the lubricant. Of course, as I moved about doing what the first mate does, my fingers and hands became more yuk'd. Not knowing what the yuk was until post launch made the experience even more distressing, but an easy clean-up! I joined Clay on the fly bridge as we bid adieu to North Palm Beach and headed north.

 More adventures of the SaSea Sally to follow as we near April's end.

Strange looking boat near the Palm Beach Inlet

Palm Beach skyline.