Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Christmas Eve in wealthy Palm Beach, Florida. Last minute shopping for these two (his and hers) Ferrari owners at Tiffany’s Jewelry store. Much to Deborah’s dismay, David just looks on and makes no attempt to go inside!


Fort Lauderdale, Florida has 300 miles of waterways. Pleasure boat registration in Broward County alone is a staggering 43,000. This one and only mooring field lies alongside the busy Inter Coastal Waterway at the Las Olas Bascule Bridge. Water Music is front right.


Looking the other direction Water Music has a great view of all the bridge activity.


One of the most picturesque homes seen from Las Olas Blvd.


Much of Ft Lauderdale has been developed as an extensive canal complex.


Some of the boats are bigger than the houses.


Some houses are larger and grander still.


The redeveloped downtown lies astride the New River.


The area includes cultural venues, restaurants, and of course lots of boat docking.


Parks and promenades are landscaped into a very pleasant setting.


The 17th Street Bascule Bridge is the largest one in the area and just north of the inlet from the Atlantic Ocean. It opens for traffic every half hour. Note the lamp posts which reach a nearly horizontal position when the bridge is open.


Safety is all important. Walkers, and bikers have their own automatic barricades.


Nearly open. This double bridge really is an engineering masterpiece.


A fuel and provisioning dock just north of the bridge.


This 80 ft+ private yacht coming through the open bridge is not at all an unusual size here in Ft Lauderdale. Life is GOOD!

St. Marys & St. Augustine

It has become a tradition that cruising boats heading south gather in St Marys, Georgia for Thanksgiving. This year a record 107 boats participated. We decided to anchor down river where there was more room, as any wind against tide in these strongly tidal rivers can cause boats to swing wildly. Water Music is highlighted in the black box.


Looking up river to the small town of St. Marys and beyond. Again Water Music is highlighted.


St Mary’s is a sleepy little town with an attractive waterfront.


The riverside park provides plenty of opportunity to slow down and enjoy the view.


For the 7th year running, residents of St. Marys made sure the Thanksgiving dinner was special. They provided and carved 16 turkeys and 8 hams while each cruising boat brought the side dishes. There was so much food we could even take a plate of leftovers back to the boat.


One of the local churches.


Waterfront property at high tide.


Some really beautiful and well maintained homes are dotted around town.


As soon as Thanksgiving is over, the focus is on Christmas and who has the most elaborate decorations.


This was the winner in St Marys.


We then moved on to St Augustine in northern Florida where the town has gone all out to keep the local utility company happy.


St Augustine is the oldest continually occupied city in America, first settled by the Spanish in the 15th century. Being a tourist destination creating a Christmas spirit is big business.


No festivities should be without Santa. Strange looking reindeer!!


Another tradition in many coastal towns along the eastern seaboard is the parade of lights.


In St Augustine it is organized by the local yacht club.


Note the number identification. There has to be a winner!!


Back at the boatyard, where we are currently having work done on our rudder, this Heron prowls the dock.