Changing Lattitudes Does Change Attitudes

 

Bye Bye Harbour Towne

Our First Bridge - Dania Beach Blvd.



After returning to Harbour Towne Marina the weather continued to forecast small craft advisories and winds from 12 - 20 knots and we had a storm blow through on Tuesday 3/12/13.  We decided to revise our travel plans and to head down the ICW (Inter Coastal Waterway)which is located more on the inside instead of going on the outer coast way. We were excited to leave on 3/14/13 and began our approach to the first bridge at approximately 8:30 ish AM.  The bridge operator has to be hailed on Channel 9 and your vessel name, direction of your approach must be given as you request an opening. We were promptly told by the bridge operator that the bridge does not open until 9 am.  This is when we found out that most bridges have a set time of opening.  Most of the bridges were on the half hour some open straight up on the hour and then the thirty and others at 15 minutes after the hour and then 45 more minutes past the hour. We went through approximately 12 bridges - 8 had to be opened and 4 were fixed.  We require about 53 feet so you have hope for the best on the tide level and look for the markings on the bridge to tell you the feet available at your approach.

 

Bridge Operator instructs whom goes first if there are more than 1 of you in an opposing approach and too wide to squeeze through together.



Hellooooo  Miami !

We stayed in Dinner Key Marina also known as Coconut Grove Miami for two nights.  We met another couple Alan and Martha that own the same boat as ours. (An Island Packet Catamaran- only 40 were built and they had Hull #40 ours is Hull #7) We agreed that we will put together and Island Packet Cat Rendezvous.

The water is so shallow 6-10 feet on the average...it's freaky to see the bottom.

Have no fear Captain Hayes is here !

 

We headed to Black Point Marina yesterday and plan to stay 2 days before heading to Gilbert's Marina in Key Largo tomorrow.  The water on the average was about 7 feet on this 3 hour cruise from Dinner Key.  When you look into the water and you see the bottom it is a bit shocking because it looks like you are 2 feet from the bottom. (Beautiful though!)

 

Blackpoint Marina/Loggerhead Club

This marina is located in a National Park and dogs are not allowed. Boaters can technically bring them to shore for there walks however,  absolutely no restaurant attendance for dogs.

And of course, Miss Nikki is having a relaxing time.  She loves crusing and does not get sea sick. She does have a couple of life jackets when she is out on the bow. We have pulled into the slip bow forward and are able to drop our dinghy in this marina. We have a  restricted manatee area behind the marina. We will try to take a few more photos today as we go out exploring today via bikes and dinghy cruising. LATERS!!