Thunderstorms and high winds have kept us here in Lake Sylvia, a five acre lake in Ft. Lauderdale for the last two days.  Yesterday we ventured out in the intermittent showers sporting our bright yellow fowlies (our not so chic rain gear) we explored a small bit of the city.  Each time we motored out of lake we passed under a 7 foot bridge, and depending on the tides, most times had to duck in order to pass under it safely.  Many mega yachts, a hundred feet or more, line the side canals and main channel of the ICW, some from as far away as South Africa and England.  Besides the mega yachts, they also sport a mega West Marine store.  It actually is the largest in the world, and within walking distance of the dinghy docks.  The first mate was glad to get the captain out of there with minimal damage, only a dinghy pump.  

Although not a sleepless night, last night was definitely a restless one with howling twenty-five knot winds and pelting rain.  Aurora is very stable, but with a hundred feet of anchor rode out she does swing some, so we were up often to check our position and the other 14 in the anchorage.  Then about 5:00a.m., in the middle of a downpour “Drag Queen” sounded her alarm, but Captain determined that even though we had swung 180 degrees our delta was still holding.  Don’t know why, but things always seem so much worse in the dark than in the daylight.  Even though it was not sunny, and winds were predicted to be 30 to 40 knots, we rejoiced to see the morning.

When the storms finally passed today some young adults were demonstrating the latest water toy, a water-propelled ride here on the lake.  Cost?  Only $100,000 for the young adult that has everything.  The inventor is said to have taken the idea from the James Bond’s jet pack.  Not sure if you want one? You can try it out for a mere $200.  

Late this afternoon several cruise ships sounded their festive departure into the Atlantic as they moved through the Port Everglades about half mile away.  Glad they will not be an issue early tomorrow morning as we head through the Port and north to Lake Worth, Palm Beach.  As winds are predicted to be 15-20 and 3-4ft seas, we might have to reef, but should be able to sail to our port and spend our first night in a marina slip.  Yes!