Monday, April 9, 2018

FORT LAUDERDALE

We have been docked at The Swimming Hall of Fame Marina in Fort Lauderdale for three wonderful weeks!

Fort Lauderdale is an extremely popular tourist destination with lots of sunshine and continuous events. They host over 15 million visitors per year. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

It’s best known for its beaches and boating (we have thoroughly enjoyed both :) The city is also bike friendly and lined with upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques and luxury hotels. It also boasts a local International airport.

Fort Lauderdale is named after a series of Forts built in this area by the United States during the Second Seminole War. 

It has been a great time to reflect on our Great Loop Adventure, plan our future Great Loop Adventure, schedule some minor Thistle maintenance, visit family, swim everyday, enjoy some warm beach weather and best of all welcome our friends visiting Fort Lauderdale for a Fabulous time!

Looper Tip: The water taxi is a great way to explore Fort Lauderdale. If you plan to be here for more than a week or two it’s best to purchase a monthly pass :)  It’s also a great location to schedule any boat maintenance (everything imaginable is available in this boat friendly city!) And a perfect spot to have friends and/or family visit. Easy airport, sunshine, hotels, restaurants and entertainment. 

FYI: For the next couple of weeks we have an off Thistle trip planned :) 


Greetings from Fort Lauderdale:)

We took advantage of our monthly Water Taxi Pass!

Spectacular homes along the Harbor. 
Every home has a unique story/history.
The Water Taxi Hosts are Happy to tell these stories to taxi riders over and over all day long
 (Including embellishment...lots of laughs?).

Every morning we check the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) App... 
To check what Loopers are near us on Meets.
(This is what it looks like on our mobile device.) 

Fellow Loopers... Please check in :)  

This Pirate Ship crossed Thistle’s stern about 5 times a day ... very fun to watch and listen!

Coconuts Restaurant is right next door to Thistle.
Tuesday is paella and half priced wine night :) 
Yes, you can find us there enjoying!

A stunning Fort Lauderdale skyline.

Our other favorite restaurants:
Sun Surf Sand - Beautiful view porch with fire pit. 
Louie Bossi’s - Excellent pizza.
Blue Martini- Great Happy Hour.
Casablanca- Historic!

Blue Moon over the Atlantic Ocean. 

Easter aboard Thistle.
The beautiful yellow daffodils are from Reenie’s Mom’s garden in Northern California.

The 2018 Tortuga Music Festival. 
We could hear both stages from Thistle’s flydeck.  

The Festival is a giant concert right on the beach. 

Greg is swimming laps everyday.
Reenie is participating in Water Arobics class or swimming laps. 

Loving Fort Lauderdale Beach! 

We hired Tommy to do some bright work on Thistle. 
She is looking really good :) 

Between Spring Break and the Tortuga Music Festival, there is a huge Police presence.  
They patrol the beach on horseback. 

Interesting sights on the Harbor:
The Famous kayaking Dog.
Yachts remotely refueling.
Giant Lizzards on our dock. 

Our friends Jamie and Fran, with their daughter Dani visited us in Fort Lauderdale:) 

So much fun!!!!! 
Thank you for the special visit :) 

 Cheers to our friendship!

This morning there was a gorgeous Fort Lauderdale sunrise. 

Thistle is docked at the Swimming Hall of Fame Marina.
Greg and Reenie are traveling on our side adventure:) 

Please stay tuned XO