Done with the ICW. December 21 2012

Today was an interesting day. The world did not end and we have completed our section of the Intracoastal Waterway. We are at Mile 1094. The ICW continues, but this will be our jumping off point to the Bahamas.



The day began in Fort Lauderdale, where we had been for four nights. We woke up to strong and blustery northwest winds and small craft warnings on the Atlantic Ocean. "This is a perfect day to finally go outside and actually do some sailing," said Dan. Laurie was less enthusiastic, but willing to give it a shot. By going outside we were able to avoid seven draw bridges and make good time. We headed to sea at the Port Everglades Inlet and turned south. We unfurled the headsail and trucked down the Gold Coast to the Government Inlet at Miami. We had great boat speed and small waves with the offshore winds. Dan pulled out the fishing gear and trolled for Maihi Maihi, with no luck. Laurie drove the entire way and agreed it was a good decision to sail today. For Great Lakes sailors, it was a remarkable day on the ocean.




This was the view entering Government Cut with Miami in the foreground.

We rejoined the ICW for the few miles to Dinner Key at the town of Coconut Grove. We grabbed a mooring ball and learned that the water taxi was not running due to the small craft warnings. Showers (long overdue) will have to wait until morning.



Our journey down the ICW began on October 22 in Norfolk Virginia at Mile 0. Here we passed the shipyards where our country's military might is strengthened.

Since that time we have enjoyed getting to know a part of the country that was new to us. We have passed though Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and finally Florida. We sat out Hurricane Sandy anchored in the Dismal Swamp. We have experienced many warm sunny days and some cold wet nights.

We have visited many small towns and cities such as Elizabeth City, Morehead City, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Beaufort, St. Marys, Fernandina Beach, Vero, Fort Lauderdale and more. They are all connected by this magnificent waterway and all offer safe harbor to water travelers.




We have witnessed incredible sunrises and sunsets while anchored in places like Minim Creek, Toogoodoo Creek, Bull Creek, the Wahoo River and many others.




We have seen evidence of tough times,





And prosperous times.




We have had some history lessons and learned more about the hardy folks that settled these lands.




We have walked with the wild horses of Cumberland Island...




and sailed with dolphins. They have become a common sight that we never tire of.



This is our view of Coconut Grove as we swing on a mooring ball. We plan to hang around this area until we get the proper weather window to head for the Bahamas and the next adventure.




This will hopefully be our last blog until we get to the Bahamas. So....from the crew of Glory Days, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.

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Location:Coconut Grove, Florida