April 17, 2009: Lake Sylvia, Fl

We are now moving the boat closer to the Atlantic to be ready for our crossing to the Bahamas; still waiting for great weather. We moved the boat to where we could refuel from a tanker truck that Tom had arranged. It was just across the river from the Stranahan museum which is the oldest house in Fort Lauderdale. Built as a trading post for settlers and the Seminole Indians in 1901, it quickly evolved into the post office, community center and town hall as Frank Stanahan became Fort Lauderdale's first postmaster, a banker and businessman. He married another pioneer, Ivy Julia Cromartie, the area's first school teacher and the house has been preserved as a museum.

We cruised down the beautiful water streets along the villas and pools and palm trees. Fort Lauderdale is home to some amazing yatchs - long sleek multistory cruisers everywhere you look.

We decided to anchor out until we are ready to leave for the Bahamas in a lake Tom had found – Lake Sylvia. It was an experience in and of itself. There were lots of boats anchored out, and in the afternoon, there were boats touring through and some pulling kids on rubber floats. We watched the sun set behind the palm trees in the green yards on the shore.