Old Rosie in the Bahamas

We didn't intend to spend a lot of time in Miami....
The first night we anchored in Sunset Bay with plans to move to another nearby anchorage the next morning. When we shifted into gear and began to haul up the anchor, the shifter cable broke.
Let me tell you that there are many worse times and many worse places to be when you have no forward or reverse ....remember the bridge photo?
So, while we waited for a new cable to be shipped to the nearest West Marine, we decided to get to know some of our anchorage neighbours and check out what Miami Beach has to offer.

We were tucked in beside Maurice Gibb Memorial Park

and the Venetian Causeway.

The swirling tidal currents made for some close encounters.

We toured along Collins Canal, under a series of bridges, but could only go as far as a fallen tree.

The dinghy dock was beside the launch at the Marine Police Station, so we weren't worried about our dinghy or motor when we went ashore for the day, but we did lock both of them.
It took only minutes to get from our boat to the dock, and the nearest grocery stores- two of them- were only 3 blocks away... such convenience is every cruiser's dream!

There was also a paddle board rental place nearby; the bay seemed to be a very popular place for young girls in bikinis to try out this activity, much to Ben's delight.

also a nice kayaking area....hmm, that's not me in the kayak, Ben...

Hey, nice boat going by the anchorage! We know the captain.... Joel is the professional captain of this 87' Sunseeker. He is from Southern Ontario and we have mutual friends in Owen Sound. Joel had radioed us the day before when he saw Old Rosie go by on the ICW.

Joel and his buddy, Clive, dropped over to see Old Rosie, then we dinghied back ashore for dinner at an amazing restaurant called Beer and Burgers. Ben ordered the Mustang Sally, I had a Freebird (a turkey burger)...DELICIOUS! The craziest thing on the menu was the "Mother Burger", described as "the size of a manhole cover with buns like couch cushions". Just as we were leaving, a Mother Burger had been ordered by a group of 6. Although we didn't see the real thing, there were photos in the hall of the chef using a chain saw to cut the burger.
Anyway, a good time was had by all.

No wonder this is called Sunset Bay.

We toasted this sunset with Chris and Ed, who were anchored nearby. Plans were made to check out SoBe (South Beach) and the Art Deco district the next day.

Marcel, your tradition was carried on!

We loaded our folding bikes into the dinghies and headed over to the dock, then with Ed in the lead, we headed eastward. The colour of the ocean is as brilliant a shade of blue-green as the umbrellas...

We saw the hotels of the Art Deco district as we biked along the beach boardwalk, and zigzagged down Collins Ave.
"Where are we going now, Ed?"

At the end of South Beach is the ocean inlet called Government Cut. If you have ever watched Miami Vice or CSI Miami, you might recognize scenes that were shot in this location.

The Lincoln Road Mall stretches for about 8 blocks and is packed with trees, restaurants, art galleries...
Elvis would come alive when you threw money into his guitar case. The sign read, "Start with tips."

...and shops of all kinds.
The windows and walls of this clothing store were floor to ceiling old Singer sewing machines.

Beautiful orchids were hanging from the trees.

Miami is described in the cruising guide as "the gateway city to the Caribbean and Latin America". We agree that it often feels "more Caribbean and Latin American than mainland". It was hard to find an English speaking radio station...really enjoyed the Latin music!

The next day we decided to go with Chris and Ed to Little Havana for dinner.

Havana 1957 was the Cuban restaurant of choice- great meal!

The street was alive with locals and tourists.

I can just imagine how lively this area was during Calle Ocho. "Miami's largest street party" happens every March in Little Havana.

The tools....

the hands...

The new shifter cable will soon be installed and ready to go.

The delay for repairs turned out to be a good thing. We got a chance to make new acquaintances and to spend time at our new favourite beach.

Now, on to Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne....

Time for to leave Stuart?
Ok ...but first, we were delighted to cross paths again with Debbie and Frank... another delicious dinner and one more singsong.

....and then, lunch with Jim and Alice... Shrimpers is a great restaurant overlooking Manatee Pocket.

This heron seemed to be posing for the camera,

and check out the jellyfish! The water was full of them for a couple days.

Moving on down the ICW, and we couldn't resist taking a picture of another lighthouse...this is the one at Jupiter Inlet.

Leaving the Lake Worth anchorage we met a parade of mega yachts heading north; it was the morning after the West Palm Boat Show.... it was like having free front row seats, but it made for a hectic time getting through a couple bridges.

We heard an unusual radio message as we waited for this opening: "Bridge, Bridge. I have no engine and have lost steerage."
A very healthy tidal current pushed the sailboat along until it was jammed right up against the bridge. Luckily, when the bridge opened, the boat straightened up and the single-hander tied up to the fenders.