Lake Boca, Boca Raton, Fl

HOOORAAAAY!!!  We finally got away from the dock at the Fort Lauderdale Marine Center. We were there longer than planned but it was a good stop.  After a late start we made our way down the New River to join the ICW.  The river traffic provided a few moments of excitement enroute.  Just as we made our way around a bend in the river we came bow to bow with the huge tour boat 'Jungle Queen' which was closely followed by a big catamaran.  The 'Jungle Queens' captain must be accustomed to such encounters because he squeezed his boat close to the boats lining the far side of the very narrow River giving me just enough room squeeze.  Passing the catamaran was a piece of cake.

We joined the ICW at the 1065 mile mark (to Norfolk) and started making our way north backtracking our way up to Stuart where we started our trip to Ft Lauderdale.  We made our way through nine bridges plus the four on the New River.  All in all we lost at least an hour waiting for scheduled bridges opening.  There wasn't much traffic in the ICW but did encounter a few hot rod boaters whom had no regard for 'no wake' zones.  Their wake bonces off the concrete walls of the ICW creating square waves which made for plenty of rocking and rolling.

We are now anchored on Lake Boca in Boca Raton, FL.  We passed by this anchorage on the way south and decided not to stay because of rough water caused by wind but today was picture perfect.  We followed the cruising guides advice and stayed close to shore and made our way to the north east corner of the lake where there was ten feet of water.  We dropped the hook about a hundred feet in front of beautiful expensive homes.  The water was clear enough for me to see the anchor on the bottom.  We took advantage of the great weather by taking the dinghy out to the MIDDLE of the lake where the water was very shallow.  I was able to walk in (not on) the water towing Sue in the dinghy.  Once back at the boat I was able take a swim and check the bottom of the boat.  Everything is in good order.  After Happy Hour Sue prepared another culinary delight and we are now watching TV.  We are to only boat anchored here for the night. 

Today was one of the best days of our adventure.  It sure is fantastic to be underway again.

Y'all stay vertical,

Capt John and First Mate Sue