Mon. March 24     1010-1250

13 miles     Marine Stadium Basin, Miami to Oleta State Park, North Miami, FL

Our ride today took us right along side the towering buildings of Miami and through several bridges. 2 of them were to low so we had to wait for them to be opened. Most bridges have a set time to open like on the half hour so timing them just right can be a challenge. Just before we reached the turn off for our anchorage for the night we came upon a dredger right in the middle of the channel. Trying to go around him we had to leave the channel and the boat came to a complete stop. We were grounded!!! We looked at each other and said thank goodness we have Tow Boat Insurance. But Randy saved the day and after about 5 min. of maneuvering got us loose and we were on our way. Thankfully it was a sandy bottom so there wasn’t any damage. We anchored for the night at Oleta State Park in North Miami. It’s a very nice spot between the park and FIU (Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management)

Leaving our anchorage.

 

 One of the "little" yachts we start seeing.

Cruise ships.

 

 Had to wait for this barge before going through the bridge.

 

 Miami Beach skyline.

 

 Priorities leaving downtown Miami.

 

 Our anchorage at Oleta State Park.

 

 FIU campus.

 

 Happy hour with Dennis, Carol, Randy, Martha, Sherri, & Bob.