13-14 February, 2020. State parks, downtown Ft Lauderdale

 13 Feb.  We remain anchored in the nice little cove adjacent to Oleta River State park.

Urban wilderness with 21st Century skyline

30 minutes from downtown Miami, this gorgeous park is bisected by its namesake waterway that breathes life into this spectacular natural oasis of hardwood hammocks and mangroves.

While biking the 15 miles of off-road bicycling trails or paddling along lush mangrove forests on the Oleta River, it is difficult to believe Oleta River State Park exists in the shadow of downtown Miami. 

At just over a thousand acres, this natural oasis—Florida’s largest urban park—is a haven for mountain bikers, paddlers, anglers, swimmers and for families out to enjoy a picnic along scenic Biscayne Bay. Feel free to release yourself from the stress of the city at one of the picnic areas or unwind at the end of a fishing pole.

We took KAOS ashore and walked the trails, visited the outdoor center and sat at the beach 2/3 of the day.

Excellent mountain bike trails through out this park.  We hiked a few miles.  The rental prices were a bit steep in our opinion.  I guess this close to Miami, prices reflect the population/tourist density. We wanted to rent, but did not due to $$.  Hiking was fine.  Park also had kayaks, canoes and paddle boards to rent.  We have kayaks and used to guide in canoes so did not rent these.

Rental Yaks

While we were walking we came across a familiar vine that grows near estuaries.  Nickernuts

I harvested a few of the hard seeds out of the spiny pods

Nickernuts are also used as marbles by native islanders of the Caribbean and have been exported to Europe for buttons. In fact, "nicker" is an old English name for marble and a slang word for one pound sterling. The curious name "burning bean" comes from the fact that when the seed is rubbed vigorously on clothing it becomes quite hot. The heat from friction is apparently accentuated by the numerous concentric fracture lines on the seed coat. Touching a hot seed to the skin of an unsuspecting victim is a favorite game of children. Another bizarre use for nickernuts in the Virgin Islands involves the eviction of undesirable land crabs from their burrows in urbanized areas. A single nickernut placed in the crab burrow reportedly distresses the crab as it tries unsuccessfully to grab the smooth seed with its claws. (see web page above)

Returning to Serenity, we washed the mud and sand from KAOS and secured back on the boat.  Grilled a few brats, while the last of the daylight faded.

Crowded anchorage

Zero miles traveled today; zero engine hours.



14 Feb.

21 SM, 3.9 engine hours

Time to move on.  We pulled anchor at 0850 and eased out of our little cove back into the AICW.  Not far this morning, we are repositioning just across the waterway to the Bill Bird marina.  We need ICE.  We secured along side a day dock at 0915.  We bought two bags of ice for the coolers, left trash in a receptacle and I bought POC a hat for valentine.

Temporary berth to buy Ice

Untying the lines at 1000, we once again headed north toward Ft Lauderdale.  Mega yachts, mansions and three cruise ships in Port Everglades shipping channel.  Waterway very crowded.  We wanted to take a short detour up the New river to downtown Ft Lauderdale.  New River  Narrow, twisty waterway with several 90 degree bends.  Mega yachts travel this route as do water taxis and pleasure craft.  Everyone monitors channel 9 on VHF and called their location for deconfliction.  We waited several times for mega yachts to come around corners.

North river

We made a deposit on our new Loop boat; I need to renew my medical and currency to fly the helicopter

Exiting New River we continue north on the AICW with intended stop at the Hugh Taylor State Park  There is a floating face dock where first come boats can tie up and visit the park.  Day use only. At arrival there was plenty of room but the wakes from passing boats were so bad we elected not to tie up and visit.  This was in a no-wake zone.   The blatant disregard for the speed zones around here is frustrating.  Our planned anchorage was on the west side of the waterway across from the park.  So we eased over to the anchorage; two mega catamarans and two sailboats anchored but there was plenty of room for Serenity.  We dropped the anchor in 10 feet of water at 1330.  (map) SST 79 degrees!  SE winds of 10-15 are to decrease as cold front passes then shift to NW later tonight.  Rain showers around.  Splashed KAOS for an early morning paddle tomorrow and I went for a swim in the warm water.  Anchorage surrounded by mansions, condos and a yacht club.  We are being waked nearly constant, hopefully, after the sun goes down boat traffic will decrease with a smoother night.  Spicy V8 juice on the bow watching the sun disappear behind a thunderstorm.  Not bad, not bad at all.

End of the day.

1396.4 hobbs; 1951 SM elapsed