Miracle Mile

We decided to "do the ditch" from Fort Lauderdale to Delray yesterday. The two mile stretch from the inlet at Port Everglades north along the ditch is called the Miracle Mile. Along the banks of the ICW are unbelievalble homes and yachts. One publication mentioned that million dollar homes are being raised so that more expensive homes can occupy the space. There were dozens of yachts over 150 feet and hundreds from 75 to 150 feet. Many were parked out back of those homes. The ICW winds around marinas and high rise condos and through waterfront homes that heally do not like to have small boats around.

As usual, the winds were very light and afternoon thunderstorms were the only relief from the heat along the way. We had to negotiate eleven bridges. All were on restriction meaning they do not open on demand but on a schedule. Some openend on the hour and half hour, some on the quarter hour and one every twenty minutes. Given their spacing and our boat speed, we found ourselves waiting for several opening times. We got the chance to practice what I call hovering. Imagine a busy weekend at a bridge where boats of all kinds are waiting for the opening. Most have two screws (propellers) so they can deal with wind, current and other boats, but sail boats have a different problem. So yesterday, rather than motoring around during the wait, we worked on hovering. Got fairly good at it and confidence grew. Certainly, we do not twitch at the approach to bridges any longer. That's a good thing.

We will move along on Monday.