We cycled the 12 miles into downtown Miami to get to the boat show. These photos are the half-way point. We came from the edge of the land I am pointing to and are aiming for the skyscrapers behind the palm tree. It took about 2 hours and mostly on a cycle land so not too bad. Some scary lycra outfits to be seen too.

Actually, we only went to the show to meet up with the rigger who fitted the new beam. He accidently broke one of the jammers and we arranged to pick up a new one from his stand at the show.

We didn’t stay long but did listen to a lecture by a Danish woman who sailed up the Norwegian coast to Spitzbergen last summer. Interesting facts: Spitzbergen means pointy mountains; there are 2000 people and 3000 polar bears, firearms training is compulsory to get a cruising permit. Actually it is illegal shoot the polar bears but you can shoot to scare them off and defend yourself if they attack.  It did sound fantastic, with beautiful photos of the ice - but an average temperature of 4C means it will not be going on our bucket list!

On the cycle back to the boat this tree made me smile and when we crossed the bridge back to Key Biscayne so did our first proper encounter with manatee. There were two grazing on a patch of sea grass about 20 ft away. The aerial view just how huge they are, particularly their tails (500kgs). They were a very representative pair - gentle looking, slow moving, propeller scars on their backs. The most common cause of death and injury is boat strikes despite the many signs everywhere requesting slow boat speeds. They came up to breath every few minutes despite having lungs that apparently take up 2/3 of their body! Only managed to photograph nostrils though…..