Mark and I have long said that when we grow up we want to be just like our friends Kathy and Bob who cruise aboard Wild Wind. From the get-go both Kathy and Bob encouraged us when they learned of our desire to cruise and complete America’s Great Loop. Before we left Chicago they were helpful in providing us with information, tips, and sage advice that would make our trip easier and more comfortable. I remembered Kathy telling us of a marina that they stay in while in Fort Lauderdale but I could not remember the marina’s name. A call to Kathy not only provided me with the name of the marina but a wonderful chance for us to talk and compare experiences. Unbeknownst to me following our telephone conversation, Kathy called Hall of Fame Marina to let them know that we desired to stay in their marina while in Fort Lauderdale. I was flabbergasted later when I called Hall of Fame to find out that they did not have a slip for a boat of our size but they would be happy to accommodate us in an 80 foot slip at no extra charge. Mark and I have never played with the big boys before and we were wowed by the prospect of being an 80 foot slip – even I could dock the Lolligag in an 80 foot slip. I am not exaggerating when I say that the Lolligag was smaller than most “auxiliary craft” aboard these big boats.
We arrived and were greeted wonderfully by the marina staff. This marina is named Hall of Fame Marina as the International Aquatic Hall of Fame is housed within the marina grounds. As both of our daughters (and now our granddaughter) swam competitively, we were very familiar with swimming and diving meets. We looked for their names as we were sure that with all of the swim meets that we attended while the girls were growing up that surely they would be in the Hall of Fame…
The famous “Where the boys are” Fort Lauderdale beach was literally right across the street from the marina. Upon arrival and settling in, Mark and I walked all along the beach. The temperature was warm but the water and sea breeze was wonderful. It was a fantastic afternoon at the beach.
We had plenty of work to get caught up on since we spent all of our time in Miami playing. This was the first time that Captain Mark could really wash the boat since Sanibel. All of the water in the Keys is transported from mainland Florida so we were unable to wash the boat during our stay in the Keys. I did the laundry, paid bills, and attempted to get the blog current.
While Mark was washing the boat he was given the most wonderful compliment that we have ever received. A gentleman who owned a 100 foot boat down the dock from us came by to see the Lolligag. Pointing to our boat he said “That is the best boat in the harbor. I have a little 26 Nordic in Bermuda and I just love mine.” Pointing to his large boat, he said “That is business, the Nordic is fun.”
Finally it was time for Cinderella Lolligag to return to reality. We left the 80 foot slip with ease and headed to the Atlantic.
Hours on the water: 4
Nautical miles traveled: 23
Number of bridges to be opened: 2
Time spent waiting at bridges: 30 minutes
Next Destination: West Palm Beach anchorage
What we're listening to: Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
What we watched: Nothing - we cleaned the boat
Lesson for the day: Once again we learned that bigger is not always better
Obligatory knitting report: Baby Sweater for Maxwell
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