Happy New Year from Fort Lauderdale!

Hello all!   We were talking last night and figured we probably should send a little update to everyone.  Overall, things are going quite well. The new boat has got a few little quirks and things it needs some help with.  But (so far), we have had many more pleasant surprises, than bad things.  

We are currently moored in Fort Lauderdale on the Intercoastal Waterway.   This is the same Marina that we stayed out two years ago when we were here - kinda fun.

Last night we went down to the waterfront/beach area and celebrated the New Year with many many people.  We both commented that we've never done that before.   kinda crazy. 

Either later today, or perhaps first thing tomorrow, we are headed offshore and then to the South (past Miami and into the Keys).  I'm a little nervous about the sailing part.  this is a MUCH bigger boat than New Girl.  I mean that's good and all, but quite a different thing.  Handling it when docking and maneuvering is a bit nerve-wracking, but so  far, haven't hit any other boats!  lol   The mast is much taller too, we have to be pretty careful requesting openings for all the drawbridges.   Our air draft is 48 feet.    

On board, the creature comforts are incredible - - much much different than New Girl.  I mean we loved that boat, but this is much more livable:  a freezer and fridge, headroom so I can actually stand up in the cabin, double sink in galley two burner propane stove and oven,  a head (bathroom) with a door and space to move around (in other words, you don't have to back in to do your business!!!) and an aft cabin with a queen size bed!

Overall, extremely pleased and pleasantly surprised. 

More later!

~mark

We had Tuna Tataki at Da Big Kahuna. Delicious!

There were so many people! Big fancy cars. There was a girl standing right next to me named Shanai.

We went and walked on the beach after midnight hit. Then we walked 2 blocks back to the marina and had drinks with a neighboring boat.