Docking at Ft. Lauderdale
Ambler Isle
V and S
Thu 18 Nov 2010 21:16
|
26 079 965N
080 06 421W
November 19 - December 17, 2010
We left the ICW to enter the New River in Ft.
Lauderdale. The narrow, fast moving river is very crowded with boats,
and always is a challenge. We put down the radar and antennas and
passed easily under all the bridges, except for the railroad bridges. They
had to be opened to pass. As usual we met up with several tour boats at
the tight turns. Tide, wind, eddy, traffic, all added to the
excitement. We passed Larry and Ulla's 70' Nordland and continued onto our
dock about one mile past. We tied up to the dock, hooked to the
electricity, and sighed a sigh of relief. Ft. Lauderdale is an odd place
to have a boat. For one, they do not allow anyone to sleep aboard a boat
overnight. Actually they do not allow the renting of private docks for any
purpose. But of course this rule is bent and even broken by
everyone. If someone should report us living on the boat, we would have to
move. So we kept a low profile, trying to be invisible at night.
Minimal lights and movement. Our dock landlords knew we were aboard.
They even invited us for happy hour several times, and even to dinner.
They recommended a waxer, and even a fuel delivery service. Even they were
amazed that we could hide out so well at night. (By day, we could be
there, be outside, work on the boat, play music, whatever. But
at night we were supposed to be gone. ) We used the time to shop
for final provisions, boat parts,set up the satellite phone, supplies and
more. We took one week to fly to Washington State to visit Eric, Sharon
and Emma. We went with Larry and Ulla to his brother's home in
Sebring for Thanksgiving dinner. We even rented a car and drove to
Naples to visit Werner and Doris for a weekend. Valt worked and reworked
an alternator, which turned out to be faulty. Finally it was time to loose
the lines and set sail for the Bahamas. |