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

Home Again

So Happy Together

Yes, it’s been a while since I sat down to blogspot.com. We’re in Miami today, having arrived yesterday afternoon after an early start, transiting 29 bridges, 26 of which required a draw. While we had beautiful weather to travel, it was an intense day, calculating speeds required to make timed openings, sometimes treading water waiting for a bridge tender to stop traffic and sometimes needing to giddyup. We’re pleased with what we’ve seen of our new marina and the 10+ acres surrounding it, but more about that later.

The trip back home to Carry On from Sun Valley was a long one—a car, three buses, three planes and then the ride home the next morning from the cat sitter’s with a very vocal and unhappy beastie. Once back on board, Bubba was fine, but stayed pretty close to me for a couple of days!

We really enjoyed our stay in the Palm Beach area and it’s definitely on the agenda for next year. Thinking about the appeal beyond the weather and the golf that so many enjoy there, we loved the beautiful beaches and paths for long walks, the availability of good and reasonable restaurants, the shopping-- for marine supplies and everything else—a good fish store, the citrus stand, the stone crab truck on the highway, and of course the Sunday morning Farmers Market in Palm Beach Gardens. 

Pickles Anyone?

Operating from October to May, the market ranged beyond the usual array of produce to the family run pickle stand, the olive stand, Mr. Mycelium and the Mushrooms, a couple of olive oil vendors, a woman selling custom painted pointy toed shoes and high heeled sandals, orchid specialists, “Sisters in the Pot”-- two large ladies selling Bahamian conch specialties, barbeque and Jamaican jerk stands, a burrito and empanada stand, even huge funky flowers made from recycled plastic. I’m sure I’ve missed a few. As interesting as the vendors is the people watching—especially with a cup of coffee and a treat from Mr. Bread!

There were so many other things that we didn’t quite have time to do this year, but key to our happiness and well-being are the friends in the area, both old and some new. 

Paul's Favorite Stop

I never thought much about palms before our extended stays in Florida, but I’ve become an aficionado-- so many varieties and while I have my favorite species, I know the names of few. The Palm Beach area is beautifully landscaped for the most part, accented with tropical plants that we struggle to grow indoors in New England and colorful plants and flowers. The hibiscus have been in bloom and sun tolerant impatiens are abundant, and the banyan trees provide lovely shade. It all feels very tropical and exotic, and a very nice way to spend the winter months. A little scary to these two confirmed New Englanders!

More technical difficulties with the “SPOT” so you won’t be able to see our location for a few more days. The problem will be solved with 3 new lithium batteries from Amazon.com—we’ve discovered leaving it on while running all day goes through battery life quickly! 

Banyan Tree Near marina