What a wild fun week it has been. We arrived in Fort Lauderdale around 11:30 on Tuesday January 21st. to spend time with some Canadian friends. We stayed in a lovely little Inn that had only 5 rooms, each with private entrances. It was lovely and quiet and had fabulous pool right outside our door. The pool temperature was 88 F.. Perfect!!! Our friends rented a 7 seat van to drive everyone around which was a great idea . Our plan was to go to a brewery tour and eat supper there but when we arrived they did not have a tour that day so we opted to go somewhere else. After a tour around the area we settled on a Greek restaurant recommended by the owners of the Inn. It was a unique place with doors that opened all the way to a outside patio which gave you the feel of eating outside even if you were inside. The food did not disappoint! The Greek salmon I had was very delicious and everyone else said they enjoyed their meal immensely, so I guess the restaurant lived up to its reputation. Besides the bottles of wine were on special for only $10.00.
Day 2 we visited the Bonnet house and learned some interesting history of the area. This was followed up by lunch by the ocean at Casa Blanca. A great mahi sandwich did not disappoint, although the others said their burgers were delicious. Another great recommendation by the inn owners. Although the day was chilly we did manage to wander out on the beach and walk the shops along ocean drive. We returned to our rooms for cocktails followed by a late evening supper. We were all ready for bed early after a day in the fresh air.
Day 3 was an early start to the river front to start our water taxi cruise. We boarded at the back of the Hilton hotel and began our day. The water taxis run through the canals of Lauderdale and have a hop on hop off feature much like the buses do in other cities. There is a guide that points out the special yachts and homes of the rich and famous along the route. It is unbelievable that someone would have that much money. It is almost sinful when you look at the poverty around the world.
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| Los Olas Blvd |
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| American social Pub |
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| Wet Duckies |
We chose to hop off at the Las Olas stop which is a famous blvd. filled with shops,galleries , and restaurants. First on the agenda was lunch at a pub that was fashioned after the Cheers pub. Both the food and the atmosphere were great. How can you go wrong with Mahi tacos. Yes, more fish for me! lol. Our time was tight but we managed to sneak in a few shops and the National Geographic gallery before heading to catch the water taxi home. Just after we boarded the boat it started to rain,completely out of nowhere and not predicted. I will include a lovely picture of our bright yellow rain attire.
It was a quick trip back to our rooms to get ready to leave for the evening river cruise. The jungle queen was a large river boat that took us up through some canals showing us the lights and home along the way. We arrived at a private island that was set up for dining and evening entertainment.
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| The boat we went on for our evening boat cruise |
It was an all you can eat BBQ ribs chicken and
shrimp plus coleslaw ,beans, fries and buns. No one left hungry. Following the dinner was a live variety show that provided some good entertaining acts.
The trip back to the dock along the canal was pretty with all the lights but the rain picked up and the plastic window coverings needed to be lowered distorting the view somewhat. It was a a great evening and we were all tired so all was good. I think everyone was get to get back to our rooms and get to bed before our big adventure to the everglades the next day.
The trip out to the everglades Billie Swamp compound was about an hour and a half drive . The everglade tours were run by the Seminole nation. We arrived just after noon and booked our swamp buggy for 3 pm. this gave us time to have lunch, explore the trail around the area and take a look at the animals and birds and reptiles the had set up much like a small zoo. There was 2 bus loads of kids from a school that day as well who seemed to be really enjoying themselves. We heard lots of squeals as they took off on an air boat or swamp buggy. Our trip out in the swamp buggy was just the 6 of us so it was like our own personal tour. It was very bumpy but we saw lots of wildlife and different tress, grasses and swampy areas. We received info on how the Seminole Indians lived and used all of the surrounding nature to survive. It was all very interesting and fun. Our return home was quiet as I think we were all tired. Supper was sandwiches and then a swim in the pool followed by a couple of cocktails and then we all said goodnight and it was off to bed.
Roger and I had a lazy morning on Saturday. Breakfast was delivered to our room and then I had one last swim in the warm and silky pool. It was time to pack up and head for home. We said goodbye to our friends, wished them well on their cruise and headed back to home to Harbour isle. We had a very fun few days and it was great to see people from home. To Gary, Ronna, Clint and Betty ...Bon Voyage!
We now await our next adventure with our two oldest grand kids, Gavin and Greysen, that arrive January 28th. We are so looking forward to their visit and have some fun times planned. Stay tuned....who knows what we will have to post.!!!!
Take care everyone.
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| Beautiful orchids at the Bonnet House |
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| Fort Lauderdale beach |
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Loving the pool day or night
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What a wild fun week it has been. We arrived in Fort Lauderdale around 11:30 on Tuesday January 21st. to spend time with some Canadian friends. We stayed in a lovely little Inn that had only 5 rooms, each with private entrances. It was lovely and quiet and had fabulous pool right outside our door. The pool temperature was 88 F.. Perfect!!! Our friends rented a 7 seat van to drive everyone around which was a great idea . Our plan was to go to a brewery tour and eat supper there but when we arrived they did not have a tour that day so we opted to go somewhere else. After a tour around the area we settled on a Greek restaurant recommended by the owners of the Inn. It was a unique place with doors that opened all the way to a outside patio which gave you the feel of eating outside even if you were inside. The food did not disappoint! The Greek salmon I had was very delicious and everyone else said they enjoyed their meal immensely, so I guess the restaurant lived up to its reputation. Besides the bottles of wine were on special for only $10.00.
Day 3 was an early start to the river front to start our water taxi cruise. We boarded at the back of the Hilton hotel and began our day. The water taxis run through the canals of Lauderdale and have a hop on hop off feature much like the buses do in other cities. There is a guide that points out the special yachts and homes of the rich and famous along the route. It is unbelievable that someone would have that much money. It is almost sinful when you look at the poverty around the world.
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