GL: Miss Happ Checked-In at Mangrove Marina

[Wade Ehlen]

Jan. 1, 2008

Ahoy All:

   Christmas Eve we anchored in Maule Lake, in North
Miami Beach.   We had called ahead and made plans to
dock in Ft. Lauderdale at Las Olas Municipal Marina,
but as we approached they didnt answer either the
telephone or the marine radio.  When we got there the
floating docks that were supposed to be available were
filled, so we continued south towards Miami. 
    Our resevations at Mangrove Marina in the Keys
didnt begin until Jan. 1, so we had plenty of time to
anchor out, look for new places, relax, etc.
   December 26th we cruised through Miami and into
Biscayne Bay.  We docked at Boca Chita Key, part of
the Biscayne National Park.  Its south of Key
Biscayne and is one of the small keys between the
Atlantic and the Bay.  At one time it was a private
island owned by one of the founders of Honeywell, and
through the years eventually ended up as part of the
national park system.   A small protected harbor, camp
grounds, and no water, electric or place to put your
garbage (take your garbage away with you).  The park
rangers come by a couple of times a day by boat and
collect $20/night for docking.  A great stop for
boaters.
   Anyway, the harbor was mostly empty when we
arrived.  Shortly after we tied-up, more boats started
coming in; Ed and Peg from Miami on their Marine
Trader, various Miami-Dade firemen on center consoles
with their families and friends who camped out, and as
time went on increasing numbers of Cuban-Americans on
mostly large yachts (40-48) who were setting up for a
gala New Years Eve party.  A tent city was set up, a
pig roaster was erected, a shower tent with numerous 5
gallon containers of water, and then more tents in
what looked like a suburb.  By Saturday  morning the
harbor was filled and we were the only non-Cubans
there.  We were asked if we were going to leave, and
Susie said no, probably not for another day or so.  
   Then a 45 boat came in but there wasnt any room
for him to join his amigos.  Susie said, Ill bet
water-front prices have really gone up around here. 
We could probably get $100 for giving up our spot. 
Ever one to seize an opportunity, I told the people on
the idling boat that they could have our spot for
$100, which would pay for us going to a marina.  Out
came 5 Andrew Jacksons, the deal was made, and we
untied our lines and left.  As we were leaving the
dock the people there began clapping!  Maybe because
we were leaving, but most likely because their friends
could now join them.
   We cruised 36 miles to the end of Biscayne Bay,
under Card Sound Bridge, through the Jewfish Creek
drawbridge opening (new high fixed bridge is being
built) and finally into the Keys.  We anchored in
Tarpon Basin on the Bay side of Key Largo, where we
stayed for two nights.
   While there I put the dinghy in the water and we
motored to shore, looking around.  Of course, I ran
out of fuel and had to row back.  Needed the exercise
anyway.  Did I mention that when I tried to restart
the outboard, the pull cord broke?
   Twelve miles yesterday and we reached Mangrove
Marina late morning and got all settled in for a wild
New Years Eve Party.  Met Ralph, Brian, Carol, Velma
and some others staying at the dock.  We got aquainted
over a couple of drinks.  I was asleep by 10:30pm. 
Happy New Year!
January 2:  A cold front came in last night with
strong winds.  Ralph on his 42 Grand Banks recorded
wind gusts up to 45mph.  NOAA is forcasting gale force
winds today; seas in the ocean are 9-12 feet and
higher in the Gulf Stream.  Its good to be tied
securely to the dock!
   Some of our friends have requested some pix now and
then, so Ive attached a few to this email.  Ignore
them if you want.

Wade Ehlen
Albin 36 Miss Happ
New Bern NC



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