Boot Key/Marathon to Rodriguez Key to Fort Lauderdale (Las Olas Bridge Anchorage)

We departed Boot Key on April 7 along with Paul on Enough and Frank and Carol on Hakuna Matata bound for Rodriguez Key.  It was a beautiful day - sunny with temperatures in the mid-70s.  Unfortunately, we had to motor nearly the entire day since the wind (what little there was of it) was in our face. We made good time and anchored well before dark.  The anchorage was a bit rolly until shortly after mid-night by which time the winds had clocked around to the north and Rodriguez Key finally gave us good protection from the wind and waves.

Sea Turtle off Miami

The weather forecast for April 9 was not good as high wind and significant waves were expected.  As a result, we decided to make a 80 plus mile run for Fort Lauderdale rather than lay over for a night in No Name Harbor or Miami.  Once again, we were very fortunate in that the weather was perfect with the exception of the wind being in our face.  Still, we averaged over 6 knots under power the entire way.  Our top speed was 7.4 knots between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.  We reached the Port Everglades Channel entrance as the last of the cruise ships was heading out followed by one freighter. So, we only had to slow our approach briefly to let the channel clear for our entrance.  We got to both the 17th Street Bridge and Las Olas Bridge minutes before their scheduled opening.  The anchorage north of the Las Olas Bridge was completely empty. So, we had plenty of room for our three boats. The day could hardly have turned out better.  Tomorrow we will try to get on to the city moorings, get a rental car and drive to Marathon to get our cars and return to Fort Lauderdale for the evening.

Watermen in Hawk Channel