4 Days On The High Seas-- Give Me The Intercoastal

April 26 - 29, 2012

April 26

The intercoastal ended right after Sanibel Island.  We have been out in the Gulf for two days and will be for two more.  Then, when we get to Miami we will enter calm waters again.  Even though it has been pretty flat -- two foot waves – it isn’t the smooth ride that we have become accustomed to.  At one point we talked about crossing the Atlantic and exploring the Mediterranean.  That would mean running thirty days, 24 hours a day and out of sight of land the whole time.  The boat could certainly do it, but not this wimpy crew.  Luckily we came to our senses before we got too wrapped up in that plan!  We’ve decided there is plenty to explore right here…..  

The small float that indicates a crab trap

Today’s destination is an anchorage in Little Shark River.  I’m hoping that the name is just a colorful choice; not significantly chosen due to the local critters.  No matter – there will be no swimming from our boat.  This is a popular location -- 18 boats stayed with us.  There is so much water – miles and miles, but most of it is too shallow to run in.  Everyone is looking for a protected area that keeps the wind to a minimum and is deep enough for an overnight that has a four foot tidal change.   

         

I’ve mentioned the crab pots that we are constantly dodging during our travels.  They are most heavily used from November through April.  The floats are painted different color combinations to identify ownership and to enable retrieving.  If you see one, there are probably a couple dozen close by.  Today, for the first time, we saw a boat harvesting them.  The transom of the boat is open.  A motorized pulley hooks the float and yanks the metal cage out of the water very quickly.  I’ll continue to purchase my crustaceans at the restaurant and grocery.  Even from a distance, it looked dangerous.

April 27 

We were in open water again today.  It started out flatter than yesterday with following seas (the waves are pushing us along from behind).  Late this morning we arrived in the Florida Keys for the first time.  We were going to stay in Marathon overnight, but high seas and storms are coming our way – so, a change of plans.  Now we are going as far as we can while we have daylight and anchor on the easterly end of the keys.  The thought is that we can get to Miami and the intercoastal before the storms and 7 – 9 foot seas begin early Sunday the 29^th.  When we changed course and headed under the 7 mile bridge, the waves doubled in size and started coming at our bow.  Basically, a less comfortable ride.  Today was one of those long travel days.  We're too far from land to see the scenery and it was overcast .  I guess not every day can be picture perfect.        

                  

The 7 Mile Bridge --
The longest and most famous of the bridges
that connect the Keys.

Our sister ship and traveling partner to Stuart,
Almost Perfect.

April 28

After 102 miles we anchored near Rodriguez Key last night.  The weather was 'busy' with lots of heavy wind and torrential rain storms.  We'd wake up, hear the rain, roll over and go right back to sleep. An anchor alarm will wake us if the boat moves beyond a preset distance.  That is an anxiety reliever that makes for a good night's sleep.  We were off to an early start again today.  The closer we got to Miami the higher the waves got.  By the time we were an hour from the intercoastal we were in six foot waves.  The good news is -- I didn't throw up!  That is a big improvement over previous crossings.  Miami is never dull:  great architecture, big homes and beautiful yachts, but the best is yet to come.....Fort Lauderdale. 
   



Seven homes remain in Stiltsville -- an area
of huge controversy in Biscayne Bay. 
Some want them saved and put on the historical
registry while others want them removed.



Tube Dude's first visit to Miami!

As we passed through Port Everglades two cruise ships pulled out in front of us:  the Amsterdam (781 feet) and the Crown Princess (948 feet).  A cargo ship was being maneuvered by tug boats and it's Fleet Week so there were two Navy ships with lots of security.  That all happened in about a half mile and less than an hour.   

Fleet Week in Miami.  The sheriff's boat with
lights flashing came along our side and
instructed us to move straight ahead away
from the ships.  Yes, Sir!!!!

It looks like a shopping center, but it's 948 feet of ship.

You can hardly detect the small boats along side.

The tug boat is beginning to pull this cargo ship
away from the dock.

April 29

We are so glad that we pushed to get to Miami yesterday.  Waves on the outside channel, protected by a reef, are at 11 feet, the wind is gusting at 28 mph and it is pouring rain.  Being on the intercoastal we have the rain and some of the wind, but no waves.  Inside the pilot house we are snug as bugs!

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was first lit in 1860. 
The light can be seen 25 miles at sea. 
During the Civil War the Confederates disabled it by
stealing the machinery.  It was put back in
use after the war. 

We started out this morning in Ft Lauderdale and went through Palm Beach.  The wealth just gets more and more crazy down here.  It does make for an interesting ride.  Anchored for the night in Jupiter.  Tomorrow we'll be in Stuart before noon. 

Last night after dinner, Brian was figuring out today's route and I was working on the blog in the pilot house.  When I finished, I decided to take some things down to the salon and straighten up for the night.  Well, instead I did a bone density test.  I missed the first step from the pilot house and somehow fell down two flights of stairs.  I landed on my forehead on the bed/bath level.  Except for my right arm and left leg, I am bruised and scraped form head to toe. It's hard to imagine how I did it, since the stairs go in opposite directions.  Well, nothing broke -- not even my glasses.  I guess my bone density is pretty good!

Where do you dock when your boat is too big for
the marinas?  You put it at the commercial docks.
7 Seas -- 282 feet

Pegasus -- 236 feet
Down here 100 foot boats are common.

We have Zillow running as we pass through these
neighborhoods.  Highest price we have noticed
$30,000,000.  Most bathrooms -- 23.
The wealth in these communities is staggering!

In 1993 we chartered this 65 foot Florida Bay Coaster.
For a week we explored the Abacos with Joan and Larry
and celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.
.

"Red sunset at night; sailor's delight."
Hopefully, that will bring us a sunny day tomorrow.

Gotta Smile -- We're lovin the ride!