2023 South: Vero Beach to Pompano Beach FL

 25 November 2023

Depart: Lake Worth anchorage 8:20

Arrive: Pompano Beach Private dock 1:30

Distance: ~ 43 nm

When we went to bed last night, the forecast predicted 30% chance of rain all day with expected periods of higher percentage probability.  Clark said it rained before we got up this morning, but we saw no rain on our travels. We did see lots of clouds though.

I took some pictures from the anchorage before we left . . . 

as well as some as we exited the anchorage and headed out to the ocean.

Last look, from the ocean, at Palm Beach for this trip ... 

Later, I took more cloud pictures out on the ocean.

We had dark, dark clouds to our east and the sun shining brightly on the shoreline.

As we listened to NPR stories on the radio, I got a surprise phone call from an old friend named Yasmine whom we know from Faro Blanco in Marathon, Florida. She told to me to look off our port side where I would see a Tiara passing by with her and her husband Roy aboard. People always say the boating community is a small one, but it never ceases to amaze me when we randomly meet up with fellow boaters in surprise locations. Her boat had sped by before I could get a picture.

Approaching Hillsboro Inlet, Clark saw some fishing boats out on the ocean.

Note the kayak in the front of the picture -
one gutsy guy!

I took a bunch of pictures as we entered the inlet. 

Lighthouse at Hillsboro Inlet

Paddleboarder pulling his board out of the
water onto the jetty

Beach at the inlet

Passing trough Hillsboro Inlet Bridge

Clark took the picture below on the ICW as we made our way to our destination for tonight. He said that this area is usually overly congested with boats. Where is everyone today? Out shopping I guess.

We arrived at our friend's dock just before 1:30. Normally when we dock here, we tie up next to our friends' boat. They are away this time. After securing our boat, I grabbed a broom and moved dead palm leaves out of the way. Covering the dock, they were a nuisance as we tried to tie up. 

Our friends' house is on the ICW, so lots of interesting and noisy boats pass by. 

Large boat passing by on the ICW in front of 
our friends' house.

After sweeping the dock and walkway, I was drenched in perspiration and ran for the shower to cool down.  Clark pulled out his guitar and played some tunes as I hung out in the salon listening to him play.

I tried to get a sunset picture, but the sky did not cooperate. 

After eating  a casserole consisting of all the leftovers in the fridge, we watched the movie "Past Lives" that was recommended to us.