Day 63
Left the marina in Bimini at 7:40 to head out of the channel and turned 290 degrees to head to Florida. We will be bidding the Bahamas good-by.
Leaving the shallows around Bimini behind, we enter the Straits of Florida and quickly see the water depth change to 1400 feet deep. The water is calm and deep blue with sea less than 1 foot and light winds. Good weather to cross the Gulf Stream and return to Florida.
So far we have seen 5 freighters heading Southeast and lots of fishing boats. You can tell the favorite fishing spots as all the boats are gathered there.
Ninety minutes into the trip we lose sight of Bimini, with continued calm seas and wind. We entered the Gulf Stream which helps us push us north and add 2 knots to our speed.
Two hours in, we are halfway there. We can barely make out the tall buildings on Florida's east coast.
Three and a half hours in we are joined by lots of fishing boats off the Florida coast. We also now can see the coast from Miami to probably Pompano Beach.
Five hours into the trip, we clear Customs using the CBP ROAM App. Glad they let us back in!!
Approaching Fort Lauderdale we can see the cranes and cruise ships of Port Everglades and all the buildings and homes that line the port entry.
Passing through the port we turn north and wind our way up the Stranahan River/ Intracoastal Waterway passing downtown Fort Lauderdale and Pier 66 iconic tower.
We traveled to Lake Sylvia, just off the Intracoastal, where we anchored for the night. We had the company of 24 other boats. Luckily many were just day visitors enjoying the sunny day, playing and swimming off their boats. Was much quieter after 5pm, when all the day boats had left.
After another long travel day, we earned ourselves a good night's sleep.