Lantana and on to Hollywood

We had a layover day in Lantana. Another epic bicycle ride of about 16 miles or more to an Auto Zone in Boynton Beach. Why is it that whatever we want seems to be one or two beaches away?

The day started with a few rain showers and an overcast sky. Most fortunately we did not get the overnight strong and possibly severe thunderstorms. The winds were up overnight with 30+ knots of wind in the 5 am to 7 am time period.

If your not the lead dog the scenery never changes.

It was a good day for a bike ride, bright sunny with a slight breeze to cool down. We didn't push ourselves, had lunch out and returned to the boat by about 5 pm. Oh - Oh! It's absolute low tide now and the boat is about 3 feet below the dock. How to get on the boat????  Stepping off the dock and over the bow pulpit seemed to be the easiest way. Peter was the first to make the leap of faith. I was more fortunate to be able to have Peter hold my hand as I got on. Safely aboard. Nothing to it.

Just one monster home after the other

We had a new saltwater experience around 7 pm when the winds turned to the north/north east, effectively pushing the boat onto the dock. We heard a crunching sound as the oyster shells on the concrete dock pilings were scrubbing the fiberglass hull. As fresh water boaters this is new. Sure glad that it happened while we were on the boat and not while we were away bicycling. Another adjustment on the lines, keeping in mind that there is a 2.5' tide. A little bit of a challenge for fresh water boaters learning how to tie a boat between pilings and trying to keep the anchor from hitting the concrete dock to the front, oyster shells on pilings to the side, allowing for a tide, and still be able to get on and off the boat.

Early start this morning. 42 miles to Hollywood Beach and 20 bridges. A real challenge. We started early and caught the 7:30am bridge at Lantana. We have given ourselves as much time as possible because we have no idea of how long it will take.

It's as if they are in competition for the biggest

By 10:30 am we missed the opening for the Hillsboro Bridge by just a few minutes and would have to wait a half hour till the 11 am opening.  Too bad that north bound sailboat couldn't have a gone a little slower thru the bridge opening, we could have made it. Not bad tho', we have travelled 20 miles of the 42 we have to go and this is bridge # 10 for the day. By my calculation we are making about 7 miles an hour.

This could be a very long day!

I will publish this post now, and then come back to it later with further information and some photos. I am posting as we travel.

Peter remembers this boat from previous years. Very pretty and such a great colour.

And then there is the competition for the biggest boat. And this is not the biggest.

We arrived Hollywood Beach and were all tied up by 4 pm. Not too bad, 42 miles, 20 bridges, in 8.5 hours. We missed the openings on at least 3 bridges and had to wait 30 minutes till the next opening.

Bahamas Express Cargo Boat. 

On the way down we passed the Port Everglades Inlet that we will using to get out of the Intercoastal Waterway to make our way over to the Bahamas. It is a Class A Inlet with lots of big ship traffic so it will work very well for us. It is about 6 miles back.

Joe's Crab Shack on ICW

We also passed Joe's Crab Shack, a restaurant right on the ICW. We have tied alongside for a day or two when we have been travelling with Steve and Linda Franko. Part of the deal is that you eat at his restaurant. Who am I to complain when I don't have to make dinner.

Now we will finish the last of the preparations for the Bahamas trip while we wait for Steve and Linda. We expect to be here at Loggerhead Marina for 6 nights at least, and then we may move back to Joe's Crab Shack if there is space while we wait for Steve and Linda. If all goes well, they should arrive on the 25th or 26th.

A new twist on "Finding Waldo" Find the Pelican.
Hint, check the dinghy in front of Joe's Crab Shack.
He is just sitting there watching the boat traffic,
not the least bit concerned as we passed.