Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Bridge Triumphs


Bridge Triumphs   ...   Tuesday 1 Jan 2013

No, I’m not talking about card games.  Today we departed from Peck Lake at 8:30 am with the prospect of seven bascule (opening) bridges to negotiate. All was going swimmingly for the first few bridges that would “open on request”.  Then we were approaching the first of the “ restricted bridges”.  At this point we were following two boats that didn’t seem to want to maintain a constant speed.  We were concerned that we wouldn’t reach the bridge for the opening at 11 am.  We overtook the boats and arrived at the bridge in time.  Then we needed to travel 3.2 statute miles in about 28 minutes to make the opening of the next bridge.  It was a very tense time as we had both opposing current and wind.  A call to the bridge got us a message ‘to get a move on’.  We squeeked through at the last moment.  Although we were happy to get through, we then had less time to get to the next bridge.  Another frantic sprint seemed doomed to failure.  By revving the engine up we were able to catch up with the boat ahead and got through again.  According to our guidebook the next bridge was about 1.5 miles away and opened only at 12:45.  Happily our guide was wrong and the bridge opened at 12:15.  We were on our way to Lake Worth and very relieved to be done with bridges! We anchored without too much fuss.  Then we deflated the dinghy and secured it to the foredeck. Mike and Paul put up the inner forestay and hanked on the staysail and did a few other preparatory tasks. Now we have just finished a fine meal of risotto and steak.  We are all hoping to get an early night in preparation for the 3 am wake up call.  Tomorrow will be the crossing day, all being well.

Gloria

26 46 02.6 N, 80 02 40.3 W




Paul concentrating at the helm


congestion at one of the bridges


One of the many fancy houses we passed north of Palm Beach


I guess manatees are immune from damage by sheriff's boats


High rise condos west of Lake Worth




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