Once the East Coast skyline came into view, it still took hours to reach Port Everglades. I’ve only been through this pass once and that was (you guessed it) on a cruise ship. Impressive when you’re on a small boat with the enormous cruise ships docked all over.We wound our way around to Lake Sylvia about mid afternoon. There were lots of little boats anchored here for the weekend. We circled the lake until we found a good spot then anchored for the night. 7/2 – 7/9 We love staying on the New River…It brings back great memories of when we first met in 1999 & I would drive up after work for the week-ends. Good news - We are able to tie up just about where we were two years ago. It’s close |
| BLUE MAX on the New River @ the 3rd Ave bridge |
your hand, the fountain height and colors change. It’s fascinating & a gift from Wayne Huizenga. At the opposite end of this park they constructed a high tech band shell with wide, cement seating area behind the stage. It faces a large expanse of a grassy area where the audience can bring lawn chairs and blankets.I saw the full-length version movie of Grease & had a ball.There is so much to do everyday, we didn’t know what we should do first. We discovered that we could have free picky foods if we had at least two drinks at the Downtowner. Two drinks? no sweat for us and that became our dinner for two nights.Another night we stopped at a historic Inn located west of the railroad tracks on the River Walk. It is now an elegant restaurant and bar.What a gorgeous place. They cater weddings & events – the surroundings are magnificent with a wide porch facing the river. We had never been there before and decided to try their happy hour. Surprise, they too had food: Sushi! Me eat Sushi? don't think so. The barmaid explained it all to me and how to eat it. What the heck, the ‘new me’ tried it - it was surprisingly good. So much for dinner that night. Did I say, “We love to be in Ft Lauderdale”? A reason to stop in Lauderdale was to replace the batteries.They were nine years old and over the past several weeks he had been nursing them along like running the generator a lot more
than normal.I used this time to wander around the shops on Los Olas. I splurged and bought something new! I found several consignment shops as well. So many things and places to choose from – I was in my glory & alone too. One night we listened to music at O’Haras on Los Olas Blvd. Another day we toured a museum and another day we walked, what seemed to be forever, all the way to Rt 84 to Sailor Man, 2 water maker companies, an antique shop, a pawn shop and a clothing store where Wayne finally bought a new par of Sportif shorts. I bought 3 pair of Sportif shorts and 2 “frosty” mugs. Good grief, we’re actually shopping - I hate to shop. It was a great week but the time to return home was drawing quickly closer. Somehow, Wayne ran into a boat broker, Jack Cuddire, who happened to be the individual who was involved with outfitting and customizing BLUE MAX (originally named SYNTAX) then selling her to her to the first owners in Boston way back in 1981! Jack came to the boat. It was amazing what he remembered and was interested in the many changes that have been made to BLUE MAX over the years. Originally, we planned to leave Lauderdale on Wednesday and spend the weekend in Marathon so I could see mom, go to Dockside and go dancing at the Village Cafe on Saturday night. But our plans changed again which is something you have to get used to living aboard. We needed fuel and couldn’t get it from the barge until Monday morning – fuel was available from a marina at about $.50 more per gallon and we needed 300 gallons. The weather forecast looked like we’d have lots of rain and thunderstorms on Monday. Well, we would go anyway, “after all, what’s the worst that can happen”? We figured we could always stop in Miami or along Elliott Key like we did in April. Monday, 7/9 The alarm went off about 5:00 am!!! We rendezvoused with the fuel barge at 7:00. The weather looked OK & we decided to travel “outside” and try and push it the entire way to Long
Key.It took 14 long hours and passed through several squalls. I had to get acquainted with the Radar. It wasn’t the most pleasant trip but now we just wanted to get home. (yea – right!) We continued to run after dark – the only time we did on this entire trip.We anchored in Long Key Bight near the Channel 5 bridge.It was raining and dark as hell.Our charts are out of date as there is a new, lighted red marker at the bight.We were extremely cautious, last time we were here in January 2001, we dragged anchor in the middle of the night. Tuesday, 7/10 We anchored in Niles Channel to wait for a high enough tide to get to the cottage. We had really mixed feelings about the trip being at an end - even discussed turning around (hell, I was serious!). The cell phone rang…it was Meredith…”Welcome home”. She was crossing over the Niles Channel Bridge and saw us. We took the dinghy to the house and was greeted to a totally over grown yard. What a mess to come home to! The house was clean but the porch was trashed from rain and it was difficult not to start cleaning right away. We reviewed the tide chart again then “sounded” out the channel with the oar from the dinghy.Wayne and I had several lively discussions about the best and safest way to enter the channel tomorrow. No doubt we are two very headstrong people.Wednesday, 7/11 We got BLUE MAX in without any real difficulty – bumped a little, but nothing serious. We were actually home after an incredible 3-month adventure.The best part is that we didn’t kill each other after being together 24/7. Yes…it was quite an adventure and I was fortunate to have a boss who allowed me to take the time and a great staff to take over. Wayne and I learned many lessons about each other; how to be partners and a functioning team. I learned much about the nuts and bolts of the boat, how to drive and dock her, navigation skills, how to clean a really big fish and cook it like the Bahamians. Wayne learned more about cooking, fishing and emotions.
I heartily recommend an extended getaway for all of you who think you have all the time in the world left.
Remember, life is short so Seize the day (Carpe Diem)
(And, oh...eat your dessert first)
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