April 12, Day 2: Wednesday; Miama to Ft. Lauderdale

We cruised north up the bay after breakfast (oatmeal). The day started somewhat grey and we could see dark clouds approaching as we saw the skyline of Miami in the distance. As we cruised up to the Intracostal (ICW) in Miami we saw business district right on the harbor – huge buildings one after another. We were practically alone in the ICW and couldn’t see activity of any sort until we saw a small park on the left. Came to our first of many bascule bridges which was already open fortunately. We know we’ll be waiting around for many bridges to open as we head up the ICW.

As we approached lower Ft. Lauderdale Dirk noticed a familiar building – the restaurant where we took his mother, Judy Hart, to lunch a few years ago after picking her up from her cruise ship.

Around 3:30 we started looking for a place to anchor out. Our first choice, Lake Sophia was too crowded but as we searched for our second choice we came upon municipal moorings we could use near a bridge. As we gave it a try we learned how to attach to a mooring; the wrong way  – which was to make a big loop and throw it over the ball,  and the right way – pick up a loop attached to the mooring with a boat hook and put your rope through it.  Now I know…

Had a nice night in the midst of a bridge, houses and boats, and saw a neighbor fishing for breakfast in the morning.