PEKABU 3 Cruising: Boca to Miami: The Goddess of Bridges Smiled Upon Us!!!

Sunrise on Boca Raton Lake

Pete had Bailey in to shore before the sky lightened. As we pulled anchor, the skies brightened and the sun began its assent. We only waited 5 minutes for our first bridge of the day.

Decorative boat onshore

Length: 300+ ft, Height: 75+ ft, side loading skiff,
10 steps up the aft sugar spoon, Not for our pay grade!

Not only have the size of the home increased substantially in size, but so too have the mega yachts and their numbers! It is a bit intimidating to see these 300+ foot yachts, with 4 levels above the water line and the knowledge that their runabouts are larger than my boat and they are taller than our mast!

Owner has appreciation for art & function!

Futuristic home

Side canal off the ICW

We made all 7 bridges without long waits and two bridge tenders delayed closing so we could squeak though! The only bridge that closed before we were able to clear was SE 17^th Street Bridge, just north of the Port Everglades Inlet. This is 55 high without opening. We slid under with a bit to spare. This time Pete was more confident while I was the one with butterflies in my belly!

One person with so many toys!!!

As we approached, a tanker ship was in the cut. It was interesting to see a tow line extending from its aft to the aft of a tug. Apparently, this is the most efficient way for the ship to turn into the southern canal, where the Cruise Terminal is also located.

Deep and busy inlet.
Tug is really in forward, assisting in
turning the ship.

Marked anchorage south of
Port Everglades Inlet

Breezes were light and once again on the nose. Who could complain when the shore is 2-3 miles to our west and the seas are a magnificent shade of turquoise and green. Add to that a couple of dolphins and a large turtle.

Modern Lighthouse?

Waterfront living, Miami style

The Miami cut was just as busy as Port Everglades, but the boats were much smaller, head and pleasure boats. We passed Greg’s former USCG Station, which appears to be undergoing some major renovations. His former boar, the Dolphin, happened to be in port today. There were many ferries moving construction workers and their vehicles from Fisher Island, while another was bringing a school bus to the Island.

Sailing lessons

Colorful end of day

We continued pass the bridge to anchor just south of the Rickenbacker Causeway. There were a couple of colorful rental sailing catamarans making way; some successfully and others in leaning mode. There is an area Pete was able to use for walking the dog. We even had some time for reading before dinner.

Another way to enjoy the sunset

Looking at the forecast, we are very concerned about a severe cold front that will bring winds in excess of 30 mph on Sunday. Pete called all the marinas in Key Largo and Marathon. Everyone is full. The mooring field in Marathon has been full since Thanksgiving and the wait list is 35 boats long. Sombrero Marina, in Marathon might have a dock. We are on the list and need to call tomorrow. Pete reached out to a couple of friends who are experienced cruisers for additional suggestions. Keeping our fingers crossed.