Miami Days

We’re here in Miami and I would say we definitely have what my nephew-in-law calls “the Florida attitude”. I’m not quite sure how I’d define that, so I’ll just say we’re enjoying the weather, the tropical scenery and our surroundings in general.

The natives are very accommodating! 

The marina here is small and not fancy, sitting just off the ICW on the western shore of Biscayne Bay, where the breezes come up every afternoon. Unlike our previous two marinas, transient cruisers and live aboard couples predominate, with only a few sportsfish. The atmosphere is low key and friendly, set by the very accommodating staff of two. Our complex includes three high rise condos on wooded grounds with a nice pool area and fitness room, which are available for our use. 

The complex sits on the edge of MiMo, the recently designated Miami Modern neighborhood. While the side streets have many small renovated 50’s style homes, Biscayne Boulevard (US Route 1) is a little iffy, although the best restaurant in Miami, according to Zagat’s, is at the end of our block. There are numerous 50’s style hotels, some more attractive than others, but we couldn’t resist photographing Wishes-- yes, it is actually in operation-- we have a laugh every time we drive by!

South Beach Sunday

We see Manatees almost daily here, and sometimes a congregation of them heaving under the sea grass which blows in and out with the tides and wind. We also see dolphin feeding off our stern on occasion, and last week, there were incredible moonrises.

We spent our first Sunday afternoon here walking the board walk at South Beach with our niece and her husband who had joined us for a long weekend. We also explored Coconut Grove with them and went back again ourselves last weekend to the 49th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival. There was a huge number of artists and skilled crafts people, food vendors and many fellow visitors, a fun afternoon. There are many, many things to do here and I’m afraid we’ll run out of time and energy before we’ve scratched the surface.

Moon Over Miami (Beach)

Miami has become a center for the art and design markets and the Design District is about 20 blocks away, home to several restaurants on our list. We are often struck by the feeling that we’re in another country, not just from the diversity of the population and the multiple languages, but by the look and feel of the buildings and streets, the elevated trains. We have been seduced and Miami is again high on our list for next winter.

Going back to our trip here over two weeks ago, I’ve included a photo of Carry On underway coming down from Jupiter, approaching the Donald Ross bridge. It was taken by friends from the eastern shore of the ICW as we transited-- we had no idea they were there. We really got a kick out of this photo and the others they took, as we never see ourselves underway!

We have two more weeks here and I know it will go fast. More later---

"Carry On" southbound at Palm Beach Gardens