The question is, “When are we going to cross over to the Bahamas?”  As Murphy’s law had predicted, the balmy flat calm that we had enjoyed all the way down the coast during our journey south, ended just as we were getting to the Lake Worth area where we intend to cross over.  Fortunately we discovered the South Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach.

 

Seriously, as we made our way through the tight entrance to the marina, which is tucked way back up in the cove, Tom made sure Southern Trawl came to within a only a couple of feet of any of these incredible vessels who call Palm Beach their home port. Piloting with twin screws helps, but maneuvering  the turns and curves with high winds blowing and strong current running, without the benefit of bow or stern thrusters,  was a white knuckle experience, even for a seasoned Captain! I had been piloting the last mile or two, but quickly gave up the helm when the going got tough.

Lucky for us, we have friends in the area. Frank & Janina, who are my oldest son’s in-laws, graciously allowed us to have a few packages of last minute items, delivered to their home. Saturday afternoon they drove over to bring us our boxes. It looked like Christmas come early for the Bessents! Guess we got a little catelog happy when we started to order. We were then treated to a wonderful over night stay and delicious dinner at their beautiful new home, complete with excellent wine and Janina’s incredible old family recipe of home made Strawberry-rhubarb pie! The next day Janina took me to The Gardens Mall where I got a pedicure and picked up a few more “essentials”. No use taking this boat “roughing it” idea too far! Thank you Frank & Janina for your generous hospitality. We sure do like your neck of the woods!

Realizing the weather was going to keep us in port for a while,  we rented a car and headed out to go see the natural side of things. We drove to Shark Valley in heart of the Everglades, which lies in the western center of the 50 mile wide River of grass. They offer a tram ride tour, or if you’re young,

athletic, or a bit older and think you are, or just need a good workout, you can  rent bikes and enjoy the 15 mile loop at your own pace.

From the observation tower at the 7 mile marker, we had a 360 degree 18 miles unobstructed view of the ” River of grass” without  a single man made structure in sight!

 

 

 

 

We had such an exciting day, but were very glad to get back to the park station and drive home.  As we drove the more rural route north, towards Lake Okeechobee, the former Everglades had been reclaimed and converted to agriculture. There were stretches of seemingly endless fields of sugar cane. We drove for over  50 miles where, as far as you could see in either direction, were either full green fields ready for harvest, or freshly harvested fields that had been burned black to make ready for the next planting.

The weather forecasters are saying winds should be dying down by Thursday or Friday. The local Dock master says he heard another front is moving in by the weekend??? We are also looking forward to the arrival of Bill and Betty Sue, local Folly Folks who are headed this way in their boat, and plan to arrive in the area by Friday. They have been enjoying this rodeo for many years, and have offered to introduce us to their version of how to enjoy Bahamian Crusing. We plan to enjoy having them show us the ropes of how and where to catch lobster, fish and other local advice you can’t find in a book ! Of course we will NOT be giving away trade secrets or posting any coordinates of where we catch the big one!

We’ve had a diver come by to clean the bottom of the boat and the local computer /TV expert has shown us how to turn on our tv & connect to marina wifi. (Our own wonderful GURU Keith set us up before leaving town, but somehow we lost the skills between Folly and here). Sorry & Thanks again Keith!!! You know we’ll be calling again for reminders!

We’ve got the rental car for one more day, so it’s off to grab any very last minute necessitates. Hope the boat can swallow one more shopping trip. Think she might be listing just a bit to port already!

Have a great day all!