Bahamas Bound

Since the weather has put our departure for the Bahamas off until Monday Dec. 30th, I thought I would take the opportunity to make a quick post.  We had a nice stay in West Palm Beach for a few days over Christmas.

Jupiter Lighthouse (just north of West Palm) decked out for the holiday

Two days before Christmas, we met up with Jeff and Barbara Harris for dinner.  These are boating friends our ours from New York that are in their home in Jensen Beach, Florida for the winter.  We always enjoy visiting with them as we pass through.

Christmas day was spent with Keith's family in Stuart, FL.  It was great to see everyone.  I think for the first time ever, Keith was the brother with the least amount of facial hair.

The dashing Mackey Brother Trio

     In addition to the Mackey clan, Keith and I were able to spend an hour visiting with our boat neighbors from last winter in Marathon, Pete and Cindy Bauer.  They have their boat in Stuart this winter.  We stopped by while in Stuart on Christmas Day to say hello and catch up.  It was great to see them and hear about their adventures over the past year.  The cruising community is a close knit and small group.

     After spending Christmas Day in Stuart with the Mackeys, we returned to Southern Style and had dinner on the 26th with our very good friends Pete and Rachel Ferrara from Orlando.  It was a funny coincidence that our boats ended up docked next to each other.  It was so nice to catch up with them.  We all love to travel and hearing about their latest adventures was awesome.  Until next time, maybe in the Chesapeake, we wish them well.

Pete and Rachel's boat Endless Summer next to Southern Style in the Palm Harbor Marina

A rather elegant duo if I do say so

Friday Dec. 27th we were off the dock to catch the 8:00 AM bridge leaving West Palm Beach.  Pete snapped this picture of Southern Style as we were pulling out.

Heading down the ICW toward Ft Lauderdale, we saw many LARGE homes and some LARGER boats.  Here is just an example.

I think you get the idea.

Traveling from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale the ICW is quite busy with all kinds of boats from big to small and the smaller ones just fly.  In the narrow channel the wakes just make it like a washing machine.  See picture below:

Friday Dec. 27th we moved the boat to Fort Lauderdale.  Good friends Russ and Michele Reynolds from Ocracoke came to Fort Lauderdale and got on board.  They are coming across to the Bahamas with us and spending a week or so there before we drop them in Nassau to fly home.  So far the weather looks like a go for Monday Dec. 30th.  Everyone keep a look out for our first post from the Bahamas.