5/14/2010 DINNER KEY, MIA TO NEW RIVER, FLL

TOWERING SKY LINE

We now have a new stereo system installed in our “old” Quest. Dan worked all morning ripping out the aged cassette stereo and installing the new system and speakers. It sounds great! Now we are awaiting the arrival of the XM equipment. Always something.

This afternoon we moved on from Coconut Grove and traveled the channels through Miami, Surfside, Hallandale, Dania and into Fort Lauderdale’s new River where we docked at a marina on her banks. The ride was spectacular! Sometimes we were required to wait for scheduled bridge openings and at other times it was necessary to request an opening.

VENETIAN CAUSEWAY BRIDGE

BROAD CAUSWAY BRIDGE

TUG ASSISTING EMPTY CONTAINER SHIP

The scenery was varied from the towering skyline of Miami to the huge cargo ships in the harbor then the slightly depressed area of the beach towns ant lastly, the beautiful homes along the river.

When we reached our destination along the new River, we were caught a little by surprise. We had been given directions to pass the bridge and berth alongside the river in a space of our choice between 67 to 71. After asking the bridge master to open we realized those slips were on this side of the bridge. We really had to scramble to pivot while fighting the strong current and gusting wind. That done, we maneuvered ourselves to the riverside and tied up for the night.

"OUR" BRIDGE

NICE DIGS!

OPEN PLEASE

What a beautiful spot. The pink bridge is outside our back deck, the river walk to our port and the channel to our starboard. After dinner we set out for an evening walk to acquaint ourselves with the amenities of our new neighborhood.

Kate and Bruce Bouchard (from the Paramount Theater) will fly in from Vermont to join us tomorrow and we are eager for their arrival.