the Lauderdale economy...a small turkey on Monday, & cast off for an island thanksgiving

Stationed at Las Olas Marina in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

This marina is 2 blocks from the beach, which in this area is a long, publicly accessible beach with Rt A1A running right alongside. There is a bike lane and a wide, winding sidewalk along the beach heavily used by joggers, strollers, tourists, and occasional skaters all zigzagging through the scattered palm trees. A low, wide, undulating wall separates these pedestrians from the fine white, sandy shore. At most beach entrances, showers flank the steps, and lifeguards keep a vigilant watch on all water-access. Down at the south end of the stretch, kayaks, hobie-cats, and kite-boards can be rented, and there is often a brisk business renting lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Across the street, there are sidewalk restaurants offering oversize glasses of Margeritas and live music. Shops filled with tourist mementos, sell bikinis and T-shirts with off-color messages. Tucked in side streets there are ample choices of tattoo parlors, and bars.

At the north end of the strip, recent high-rises have sprouted, throwing afternoon shade on the beaches across the street, and desperately trying to rent or sell to high-end market in this economy.

In the week that we have been here, we have done our very best to stimulate and support the Lauderdale economy. There have been numerous trips to marine supply stores, Home Depot, supermarkets, K-mart, hardware stores, and restaurants. Each time we return to the boat we unload the car, unpack purchases, remove and recycle wrappings and then find yet another corner on Independence to tuck things away.

Every evening we have had the pleasure of having dinner with friends who live here, or are passing through.
This orgy of shopping and dining will end abruptly as soon as we get our weather window to cross over to the Bahamas. For the next 5 or so months, we will be lucky to access a market with fresh milk and eggs, and will grab what we can when we see it. I am confident that we could live for close to a year on the contents of Independence right now!

The weather window we have our eye on right now is possibly opening up for Tuesday. If this stays as is forecast, we will buy a small turkey on Monday, & cast off for an island thanksgiving. Of course, these weather situations change by the hour, so we could possibly be here w/friends for turkey day, & still be watching the horizon for our next calm Gulf Stream opportunity.

Finally, let’s remember to say Thank you. As Cicero said: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”

Happy Thanksgiving!