Saturday, February 24, 2007

Key Biscayne


Here we are in Key Biscayne. Not a bad spot to hang out. The moorings are cheap and the sports fishermen keep us well supplied with Swordfish, Mahi Mahi and Cobia. We are hoping for some Lobster but no luck so far.



There are also some great beaches near by so we are planning to take a swim on our day off...Sunday. We seem to never run out of jobs to do. There is always something to do on Fine Line or the dinghy.


We have located some fine eateries when we are out and about. Pizza is always good but we are finding lots of good things to eat at the local Cuban Restaurant. It is very convenient because you can also get your laundry done at the same place. What a concept!



We are keeping our fingers crossed for a weather window on Tuesday so we can cross to
Bimini. It is imperative that we leave the US fairly soon because we are spending way too much money on boat stuff. The Miami Boat Show was amazing and had way too many "boat gadgets " that the captain could not live without. Not only is it a drain on the bank account, we can hardly see the water line on the boat anymore!



Life on board continues to delight us. We are not coming back any time soon.



Adios,



Captain Clean and Anne



Thursday, February 15, 2007

Miami

We think we are in the USA but not sure. There is not much English spoken here but with a bit of Espanol, " donde esta el bano", we are managing just fine.
We spent three nights at anchor 1/2 mile off Dinner Key. The weather was brutal with heavy rain and winds. We had enough of that and crossed to Key Biscayne and picked up a mooring ball at Crandon Park Marina. Now we can sleep soundly at night and not worry about our anchor dragging.
We are doing some final provisioning for the Bahamas, how many bottles of Tanqueray will we need? How many props for the dinghy? We believe there is a direct correlation between the first and the second!
Come Monday, we will be watching for a weather window to take us across the Gulf Stream to Bimini. Anything out of the South with moderate seas will be our ticket.
Internet has been hard to find in Miami. WiFi is not to be found on every corner like the rest of the civilized US. We expect it to be easier to find in the Bahamas. Kind of like Mexico, Internet cafe on every corner.
Thanks to all of you who send us a comment. We love hearing from you.

Over and Out,
Captain Steve and First (and only) Mate Anne

Friday, February 09, 2007

Leaving Lauderdale

Leaving the dock is one of the hardest things to do. We had never intended to stay in Ft. Lauderdale as long as we have but that is the story of all boaters. You find a nice marina, good stores, Happy Hour spots and nice people. Next thing you know you are negotiating for monthly marina fees. Lauderdale is the a great place for boaters to get "boat things" done. It also gave Anne an opportunity to fly round trip to SD for $149.00 to sell her car, get the taxes done and visit with the family. But it is time to leave!

We are heading to another fun boat spot, Miami. Miami allows boaters to anchor where Ft. Lauderdale has very few anchoring spots. In Miami we will check out South Beach and attend the Miami Boat Show.

At the end of February we are heading to the Bimini Islands, a short 42 mile sail. We are planning to spend the rest of the winter exploring the Bahamas. Should be plenty to see.

Steve has adjusted well to retirement. Captain Clean has been seen wearing the same clothes for more than one day, going shoeless with dirty feet and he rarely has dirty undies for the boat laundress to wash?? Is he going without??

See you in Miami

Captain and Crew on Fine Line