Sarah arrives at F. Lauderdale
Shelena
Phil Scourfield
Wed 1 Jun 2016 21:29
27th May - 1st June 2016
Great excitement as Sarah arrives for a short holiday aboard Shelena. Our
marina is as near as you can be to a beach with the benefit of marina
services such as electric power and wifi, and we are very well protected
from sea swell. Indeed, we are in the US Intracoastal Waterway. This
amazing waterway runs from hundreds of miles up the east coast of the US. It
is well used by locals and provides many waterfront homes for those that can
afford it. It protects those that use the waterway from the full force of
the Atlantic Ocean. For us there are severe limitations caused by our deep
draft of 8 feet and mast height of 75 feet. Nevertheless, we can access
certain parts. The height of the mast means that we need to call VHF channel
9 to request the Bridge Master to open the bridge. Some do so on demand and
some open at set times. Fort Lauderdale is on demand.
It is pretty hot and humid in Florida but Sarah liked that. Not to her
liking was the beach and umbrella charges of US$50 per day! Seems a lot but
is essential. Nevertheless, Sarah did manage to negotiate a discount. We
need to buy a sun umbrella.
Our revelation with Sarah was to learn how to use Uber. What a fantastic
service! Never really mastered it in the past but it became essential in
Florida. As mentioned in an earlier entry, taxis can be expensive. Contrast
Uber which is convenient and great vale. Never too old to learn a new life
skill! Thanks Sarah!!