Well we have been blessed with another great day here in Ft. Lauderdale, with mostly sunny skies, temps in the low 80's, and a strong breeze. Perfect walking weather. Some dark clouds were passing over, so by tomorrow, we may have some showers.
On our way to breakfast this morning, we ran into friends Rich and Peg, also frequent world cruisers. Several years ago, they directed us to the best pizza places along the way, and we have crossed paths to those cafes many times. It sure is fun running into people we know. Like we said before, this is like "summer camp".
Breakfast was perfect at Joe's Café once again. Today we did notice that coffee is free with every entrée. A good deal. We needed a few items we forgot yesterday at Publix, so we did that first. On the way back to the hotel, we also stopped at the Dollar Store, where we found some funny birthday cards, four boxes of flower seeds to plant, and more odds and ends. Hard to resist the $1 deal. Jobs done, we headed back.
Taking the side door, we ran right into our travel agency group, where they already had their tables set up for our crowd. Perfect timing, we were greeted by our super travel agent, the owner, and four more of the staff we already knew. They gift every one of their clients with convenient handbags, neat sweatshirts, and a diary book for the cruise. More clients were beginning to show up, so we took our purchases and gifts back to the room.
Around noontime, we knew the cleaning crew were outside and ready to come inside, so we left for a walk to the water. This time we kept to the left sidewalk, which led to the Hilton Marina, right on the Intercoastal Waterway. We have eaten lunch here before, but never noticed that the water taxi had a stop directly under the bridge. Now we know how at access the several stops they make with picking up their brochure. We had intended to go halfway back up the bridge to see the ships in port, but time was limited. Today, the Caribbean Princess, Zuiderdam, and two Celebrity ships were in port.
Since dinner this evening would be earlier than we usually dine, we had to have a light lunch by 1pm. That's about how long it took to walk back up the street to Duffy's once again. Today we both ordered their Caesar salad with blackened chicken. Again, it was delicious. We shouldn't have, but we also shared a slice of Key lime pie. Never know when we will see it again.
Back at the hotel, we got our suitcase re-packed, but noticed it was really stuffed full this time. The extra little things we bought, along with the gifts we received probably added 20 pounds to it. By 5:30pm, we met in the lobby, and loaded into vans for the short ride to dinner at the 15th Street Fisheries. The description of this venue was spelled out well by saying dining here was an unforgettable experience. Located in historical Lauderdale Marina, the Fisheries had two levels of dining with the best views of the waterway. They advertised feeding tarpon from the marina dock, but we only saw a pond full of huge koi carp instead. And yes, the restaurant was selling fish pellets to feed the koi.
Escorted to the upper floor, we were seated in a private room, and served a cocktail of our choice. Luckily, our group stuck together, and secured a table that included two of our favorite agents. To say we had a rip-roaring time has to be an understatement. The food was a bit slow in arriving, but when it did, we enjoyed starters of coconut shrimp and crab cakes, as well as a choice of salads. Mains were mahi-mahi, steak, or chicken. The steaks were excellent served with asparagus and mashed potatoes. A piece of Key lime pie finished the meal, making this a double pie day for us. Wine was served as well as a few after dinner drinks if we wished. By 9pm, we re-joined the ride back to the hotel, and hopefully will spend a good night of sleep.
Tomorrow will start early with the bags ready to be gathered from our rooms by 7:30am. Guess we have to be up early….so it is time to say good night.
Bill & Mary Ann
