February 22, 2010

The Admiral & I continue south toward the Keys. Today we travelled from Jupiter FL to Ft. Lauderdale. Arrived in time for a visit from good friends. Cocktails aboard and then out to dinner. Our first guests aboard! Lots of slow travel through Palm Beach and North Lauderdale, but made it to Coral Ridge Yacht club by 1545 before the dockmaster went home.

Ivory Lady is behaving very nicely and we're happier by the day that we found her. Even the washer & dryer are first rate.

February 23, 2010

Took delivery this morning of one of our new kayaks that we bought at the Miami boat show. Second unit (Jann's) will be shipped to Marathon. We didn't depart Ft. Lauderdale until about noon, but made it to Coconut Grove and the Coral Reef Yacht Club by 1600. Uneventful day on the water. Lots of money tied up in waterfront property and large yachts along this stretch of intracoastal. Downtown Miami is really impressive from the water, even on a mostly cloudy day.

Walked the Grove and reminisced about 20 years ago when we stayed near here on our first boat "The Golden Dawn". We had good friends who lived in the Grove and also met some new friends who have remained so through the years. Good memories!

Feb 24, 2010

Finally we got to excercise Ivory Lady as we hit the open water of Biscayne Bay headed for Key Largo. She was a dream at 17 knots even with a moderate chop. We dodged thunderstorms and generally had a great day on the water. Arrived in Jewfish Creek, the intracoastal gateway to the keys and are starting to feel like we're home.

Also arrived early enough to give the boat the cleaning she has needed since leaving the boatyard in Stuart. She looks great! Tomorrow, we take the final leg to Marathon and settle into our winter digs at the Marathon Yacht Club.

For more pics of Ivory Lady, check out the slide show at www.yachtpics.com/new_boats/43-117_mainship/index.html .