No-Name Harbor to Ft. Lauderdale

Early 1 Feb, we pulled up the anchor at No-name Harbor. It was windy, and with the previously mentioned sailboat being so close to us, we (or I should say the co-captain) was more than a little concerned that we might run over the sailboat’s anchor or hit the boat trying to get out of there. But, once again, we got out without any problem, but not without some white knuckles (belonging to the co-captain). Bottom line, the guy who drives the boat in these tight situations is pretty darn good.

To add to our suspense, as we were preparing to leave we discovered that the chart plotter we use heavily for navigation would not come on. The captain checked a couple of things that he thought could be the problem, but was not successful. So, we traveled from No Name to Ft Lauderdale using our charts and compass only. All along, we have used the charts in addition to the chart plotter, but not having the chart plotter just made navigating more of a challenge. This was not a problem for the captain, but the co-captain, once again, was a little uncomfortable. However, with good charts, a compass, and a competent captain, the co-captain settled down and became comfortable with her skills, as well, at navigating with charts only.

The trip from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale was a pleasurable cruise. There was not much boat traffic and conditions for cruising were in our favor. Once we got to the Miami Shipping Channel, we saw many large cruise ships and container ships docked along the way. It’s always high adventure when you are so small in relation to the big container ships and cruise ships. Their idle speed is faster than our cruising speed, so we keep a sharp eye out for them. They could run us over and probably not even know it.

Once in Fort Lauderdale, we rediscovered that traveling the New River to get to Marina Bay is challenging. Mike likes it and thinks it’s a hoot to be in the middle of Fort Lauderdale City in this very narrow river, dodging 100+ foot Mega-yachts, tour boats, and dozens of other smaller vessels. Pat, on the other hand, doesn’t think it’s all that much fun. The river is narrow and there are boats competing for space coming and going all over the place. We also had to go under the I-95 bridge, and immediately beyond this overpass is a railroad bridge. There is not much room for maneuvering when you have to wait for a train to pass. We know from experience. We had a good cruise though, and arrived at our slip in Marina Bay in Ft. Lauderdale around 1300 on 1 Feb.

On Friday, 2 Feb, the chart plotter was disassembled and mailed back to the manufacturer with a guarantee that we would have it back before we are due to leave Ft. Lauderdale on 1 March. While we are in Ft. Lauderdale for this month, we are going to get some boat work done, such as fiberglass work on a couple of dings, new canvas, and things such as that, that you can’t get done in Knoxville. While here, we will get to use the beautiful pool and clubhouse facilities. Not bad!

We also took a side trip to Naples, FL, to see our friends, Steve and Carolyn Slatas, who are taking a long trip in their motor home. You may recall they visited with us in Key West for a few days. We spent the night with them in their beautiful motor home, and had a great time. We will also see Jim and Jaye Hallihan while we are here. They are friends from Knoxville whom we also knew for many years in the Army. Great friends and it will be special to see them again.

That’s it for now, so stay tuned. Next stop may just be the Bahamas !!