Ft. Lauderlade

We got into Ft. Lauderdale about 3 o'clock and made our way back to the New River.  We had a reservation for a spot on the Riverwalk Wall operated by the City of Ft. Lauderdale.  When we made the reservation,  they told us they had a spot, but it was next to a construction site so it may be noisy and dusty.  We gladly accepted the offer because we needed some time plugged in and water to do laundry, get provisions and just be tied up for a couple of days.  Dock rates in the area range $4 to $6, a foot per night, plus electric....the City of Ft. Lauderdale is only $2.50 a night including electric plus we got a discount for being in a Boat U.S. member.  Nice!

Got lots of views of the lifestyles of the rich and famous!

Working our way up the river to our dock on the River Walk. 

We got tied up and indeed our spot was just across the street from a new high-rise building under construction and right in front of the 3rd Street Bridge.  It was noisy and dusty but it was great to be tied up.....we were happy to be there.  We did our normal stuff, boat wash, give the inside a good cleaning, laundry, provisioning, etc....and got the bikes down for the first time since we left Bimini.  

The next morning, Bill went to get our bikes and found the cable had been cut and they were GONE!  We couldn't believe it!  Oh well, now we have a reason to look into e-bikes! 😉  

Super yachts are towed up and down the river to make sure they don't loose control in the skinny river and the current.  

Later that day we decided to take the dingy out for some exploring and a early dinner at Coconuts about a half an hour away.  Coconuts is known for their Scooby Crab Claws!  They are the bomb!  It's crab claws that have been boiled in this buttery garlic and other seasonings all day.  So yummy! 

Sandbar located in the river. 

After dinner we started back to the boat and noticed a bunch of helicopters flying around, but figured it was normal Ft. Lauderdale rush hour traffic.  As we made our way up the river, a firefighter boat stopped us and said that the crane at the construction site had fallen and we couldn't pass.  We told them that our boat was up by the bridge and our dog is on it.  They let us pass and said we would have to talk to the police boat up ahead.  Luckily, they let us go past and get on the boat.  

It was unbelievable!  We had been watching that crane moving stuff since we got here and now a big chunk of it had fallen onto the bridge just ahead of the boat, smashing two cars and putting a hole in the bridge.  Unfortunately, one of the construction workers was killed in the accident but the people in the two cars survived.  

See the blue crane piece on the bridge.....

Cheers in the pic on the news

We left the Riverwalk the next morning after work and found an open mooring ball at the Las Olas Mooring field.  This place was really nice except we were close to another bridge.....but it all becomes background noise and there is plenty of boat and people watching! There is hardly any current here and there is a dingy dock and park right here!  Roxie loved it!

We also just happened to be visiting Ft. Lauderdale beach during the Tortuga Music Fest.  A 3 day event held on the beach with Jason Aldean, Hardy and Laney Wilson.  We walked over to the beach Friday for an early dinner at LuLu's Bait Shack and to check out the concert set-up.  Bracelets cost $335 for the entire weekend and on the street guys were trying to sell them for $250.  

From the beach and sidewalk you could clearly hear the music and see the big screens next to the stage.  Who needs to go in?  Not our old butts!  We walked back to the boat and found we could see the top of the stage and screens and hear the music from our boat!  It was perfect!  We fell asleep listening to the Laney Wilsons concert!  

View from Lulu's Bait Shack.

Saturday we decided to have a good old beach day....packed up the chairs, blanket, towels, cooler and snacks and headed back across the bridge for the afternoon.  It was great....and not to mention free music from the festival just down the beach a ways!

A beautiful night with Hardy singing in the background!

On Sunday we decided to stay one more day.  The weather has been perfect and the river has been busy with weekend traffic.  We took this opportunity for a nice lunch at the Raw Bar and provisioning at Winn-Dixie.  The restaurant charges $10 to tie up or if you eat at the restaurant, there is no charge. 

Another sandbar party!

Dingy dock at the Raw Bar

Sunday night we made a T-bone steak on the grill and listened to the concert.  

Neighbors in the mooring field enjoying the free concert too!

It was a great and unexpectantly long stay in Ft. Lauderdale.  We will definitely be back!