Our second day in Ft. Lauderdale began with chilly temperatures, not expected often this time of year. But we do recall that back in 2010, when we arrived here prior to the Grand South America Voyage, the thermometer had plummeted to 32 degrees or freezing…literally. Naturally, we had planned on spending pool and beach time during our three day stay, but it never happened. So 45 degrees was not so bad. In fact, as the day progressed, so did the weather, for the better.
Instead of the buffet breakfast, we ordered from the ala carte menu, which had several better choices. Sure, it was a bit more, but we got our eggs the way we like them. Little by little, many friends wandered in looking for that morning coffee.
Our travel agency had tables set up in the lobby and would greet everyone during the day. The group was wheeling in their supplies as we were leaving the hotel for the day. We would catch up with them later.
Checking with the concierge, we asked about going towards the beach area from here. He suggested that a shuttle would work better, since it may be too far to walk. Well, that’s all we need to hear, and we are more determined to take our time, and walk. He said the beach was 2 miles away, and the Las Olas area was 2 more miles beyond that. As it turned out, it took us 20 minutes to the Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park, a really nice and clean beach. Too bad it was so cool to enjoy it, but it probably saved us from that first sunburn.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, there were many rental bikes and scooters along the way. Most of the younger group were already in motion, swerving around the walkers. We also have these bikes where we live, and they are catching on slowly.
By the time we got to the boardwalk, we spotted a Bubba Gumps Restaurant. That would be our destination for lunch. Continuing on, we made it all the way to the Westin Hotel, touring their lobby. Many high rise hotels are on this strip, including the elegant Ritz-Carlton. We made a sweep through their lobby as well, and agreed it was most impressive. No wonder it has 5 stars in the AAA booklet.
We decided to stroll up Las Olas Blvd. and go over the drawbridge there. It is a smaller version of the one on 17th where the Pier 66 is located. Once across it, the time had arrived for the bridge to lift. Always fun to watch, as the walkway and road are blocked for traffic. It appears the bridges are timed every ½ hour, whether there are boats or not. The Bridge Control House in the middle dated back to the 1930’s, and was obviously manned.
We do recall that Las Olas has numerous restaurants and shops, but from what we could see, they were a few miles inland, and too far to walk. You always have to keep in mind that we still had a long way to get back to Pier 66. So we headed back across the bridge. That’s when we spotted some pelicans and one lone extra-large iguana. He happily posed for pictures. At least we got to see one of them, compared to the dozens we usually see on the canal.
Bubba Gumps was not too crowded, considering that today was a holiday. We were seated quickly, and served just as fast. Again those sodas sure hit the spot. Sharing a burger, we opted to also split an order of key lime pie. Mostly because we remember it to be so tasty in Honolulu, we wanted to try it again. Funny thing, that was to be on the dinner menu tonight at the travel agency’s gathering. But it was not to happen. Anyway, our waiter said that all the pies are made on site, and totally from scratch. Yep, every bit as good as we recalled.
Time to head back, since the meeting time for dinner would be 5:30pm, and one of us wanted to rest up for a bit. Well, that was not going to happen, because we were greeted by all three top agents, including our favorite, Debra. Barb had arrived, so we were here to stay, visiting with all. Many fellow cruisers came into the hotel to check in, even the sisters, Cathy and Ann, even though they are not sailing on the world cruise this year. They were simply here visiting friends and taking last minute short cruises in the Caribbean…better than being in below zero weather in Canada.
We were all gifted with special logo handbags, really nice sweatshirts, and diaries and calendars. Off to go a great start.
There was about an hour before we had to meet in the lobby again, and a little time to begin re-packing again. All of our luggage would have to be brought to the lobby (or picked up) by 10am tomorrow. Since we had everything scattered, it did take some re-arranging.
Some folks were already fueling up with drinks at the bar before we loaded into a comfortable coach to the restaurant. We knew most everyone, except for about 10 people. The total amount of the group was around 60. It was a short drive to the Bistro Mezzaluna, an Italian restaurant a mile or two up the road. Originally, we were supposed to take over an outdoor patio, but due to the cooler temps and possibility of rain, we had to dine upstairs in a small banquet room. Not a big deal, but outside would have been nice.
The meal began with cocktails in an adjacent room…..anything we wanted. No waiting in a long line, since our group was small. We all liked that. Our tablemates were Barb, Bob, Martha, Mike, Pauline, and Aldona. All friends from previous grand voyages and more. The meal began with bruschetta, shrimp spring rolls, followed by a pear and gorgonzola salad with rolls. Choices for the entrée was filet mignon (mine), a pork chop (Bill’s), or salmon. All were equally excellent, although the servers recommended the pork, bragging that they had marinated it all day before grilling.
Dessert was supposed to include key lime pie, but it was missing, with flourless chocolate cake or cheesecake as the options. The best was the cheesecake. Wine was not served with the meal, although people still had the option to get a fill-up at the bar. Many did just that.
By 8:30pm, we were bussed back in a drizzling rain, to the hotel. With a little more packing, we were ready to crash for the night by 10pm. Tomorrow should be a busy day checking out and boarding the ship. Hope all goes smoothly.
Bill & Mary Ann
