Our First Visit to Charleston, SC

For our 21st wedding anniversary, Scott and I decided to visit Charleston, SC for the first time. We took a 6am flight out of Fort Launderdale with a quick layover in Charlotte, NC. That got us into Charleston by 10:15am. Yes, there are direct flights, but both of us are American frequent flyers, so we flew American.

The weather was perfect the day we arrived with light winds and 73 degrees. From our hotel (Marriott Courtyard Historic District) we walked to the Gadsden’s Wharf which was about a 15 minute walk. One thing I loved about Charleston was the historical sites. The city shares the story of each site and has preserved so much of the past.

Scott and I grabbed lunch at a great deli called East Bay Deli and the food was amazing. I highly recommend stopping by here.

At Gadsden’s Wharf you will find the new African-American Historical Museum. Outside they have memorials on display and we had planned to visit the museum on Saturday, but the weather would change that.

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Fort Sumter & Harbor Cruise

We checked out the Fort Sumter visitor center, which actually had a lot of historical information. Scott and I had a harbor cruise booked for 1:30pm, and it was the perfect way to spend the afternoon. They serve drinks and snacks onboard and the weather was warm and sunny. The cruise is about 90 minutes and takes you by Fort Sumter, to the Arthur Ravenal Bridge.

We didn’t stop by Fort Sumter, but we will on our next visit.

Historic District

After our cruise, we walked around the historic district briefly as we had planned on exploring most of it the following day.

There are two main streets in Charleston, Meeting Street and King Street. We didn’t discover King Street until the following day. This is where all of restaurants, bars and retail shops are located.

Charleston is known for it’s churches and they have a city ordinance that no building can be taller than the steeples.

2nd Day in Charleston

Scott and I woke up to 25mph winds and cold temperatures. But we still walked about 10 blocks to breakfast which was outstanding! My eggs came with “tomato gravy and ham powder” and they were delicious. I never knew what tomato gravy was, but now I do.

Our first stop was the Charleston Historical Museum. There was so much history in here, but it also included much more. They had a dinosaur, Egyptian, and textile section too. We bought the $30 ticket which also got us into two historical homes.

This whale washed up on the wharf and they salvaged the skeleton for the museum.

Historical Homes

Our first home was that of John Manigault’s home, built in 1803. It was so cool to be in a house that was built so long ago.

Next we headed to the wharf where we planned to take the water taxi (a pontoon boat) across the bay to tour the USS Yorktown. Unfortunately the seas were 3-5′ and there was no water taxi. So we continued south to the Pineapple Fountain and the Pier. Let’s just say, this was a very cold walk!

From here we walked to the “row houses” which were incredible. People live in them today and then were toured the Heyward-Washington House. You’ll notice that many of these houses have the porches sideways. This was to allow a breeze in during the hot summer months.

The kitchens were typically not in the actual house, but were a separate building that also housed the slaves upstairs. The living conditions for the slaves was horrible.

We walked back to our hotel (about 10 blocks) from the historical district and just took in the sights.

We did walk thru the City Market which is fairly long. We thought it would resemble Pike Place Market, but it was mostly arts and crafts.

Muse Restaurant

Scott and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary at Muse and it was fantastic. Located in an old house, each room is a dining area. The food was out of this world!

Weather Warning

The following day we woke up to a number of weather warnings. Due to the amount of rain, all of the museums in DT Charleston were closed due to flooding. Our friends Randy and Molly took us out to Folly Beach which was quite the site to see.

When Scott and I returned to our hotel, we decided to walk down King Street to explore. Then we stopped by Husk for a cocktail – this is a really cool whiskey bar. We did get to spend time with our friends and finished the day with a fantastic dinner at Amen.

Great evening in Charleston

We did get to spend time with our friends Randy and Molly and finished the day with a fantastic dinner at Amen.

Charleston is definitely a city we want to return to and explore more. We also plan on visiting Savannah, GA which has a similar history. That’s another reason we love living in Florida as we are so close to so many great destinations.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (see link below). Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

St. Augustine During the Holidays

Scott and I wanted to enjoy the holidays in a bit cooler weather, so we headed up to St. Augustine, FL the weekend before Christmas. I had heard the the Nights of Lights were amazing, so we were excited to check it out. The drive was about 4.5 hours north including a couple of stops. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US, with a very rich history.

Hilton Historic Bayfront

We stayed at the Hilton Historic Bayfront hotel right across from the water and the location was perfect! The hotel was older, but they really decorated it well.

Our room was upgraded to the corner unit and we had two balconies. One overlooked the water and the other overlooked the alley way. In St. Augustine, the heart of the historic district is occupied by alleys that are lined with shops and restaurants.

Just below our balcony, a band (Running Threads) was playing folk – blue grass music and they were fantastic. We ended up buying them a couple rounds of beers to say thank you. The lead singer is actually from Bellingham, WA!

Out in the courtyard of the hotel, they have a monument sign noting that Martin Luther King was arrested at the Monson Motel (now where the Hilton now is) and the Hilton kept the steps he stood on in his honor.

Exploring St. Augustine

One thing I learned quickly is that most restaurants do not take reservations, so you have to wing it. Our first stop was the Trade Winds Tavern to grab a cocktail. The back bar was certainly interesting, but we loved it.

As you walk down the streets and alleys you will find many historical buildings and the city has done a fantastic job with placing informational placards on historical buildings.

Our first night, we headed into the art district to find a place for dinner. We ended up stumbling upon this horse, who came knocking at the store owner’s door looking for a treat.

Nights of Lights

Scott and I ended up having dinner at the A1A Alehouse. We sat downstairs in the bar and enjoyed a casual dinner. After that, we had scheduled a ghost tour and headed off to meet our guide. Along our way, we had to check out the Nights of Lights square. With the weather being jacket weather and the town playing holiday music, it finally felt like the holiday season we have been missing.

We met our tour guide in the center square, where he would take us on a 90 minute ghost tour of St. Augustine. You might remember that we did a similar tour in Key West that was fantastic.

Unfortunately, this tour and guide were awful. He walked us down five blocks and he used an IPad as his show and tell. On top of that, he forgot his “script” a few times, which flustered him. We didn’t expect to see any ghosts, but we had hoped to learn something about the city and the stories involving ghosts. The only thing somewhat spooky was the cemetery in the center of town.

After the failed ghost tour, Scott and I walked around enjoying the lights and found our way back to the Trade Winds Tavern for some live music.

Day Two in St. Augustine

The following morning, we had breakfast at the Nero Cafe’ right down from our hotel. The menu was a bit eclectic and honestly it wasn’t my favorite. That’s what happens when you eat at the tourist places and not where the locals eat.

We took a nice stroll along the waterfront towards the fort. I can imagine how cool it would be to be anchored in front of the city and enjoying the lights from your boat. Maybe next year!

St. Augustine Fort

Our first stop was the famous Castillo Fort which was built in the late 1600’s. I had visited the fort back in the 70’s when I was a child and this was Scott’s first visit. The entry fee is $15 per adult and you can also buy an annual National Parks pass for $80 per adult.

It’s amazing to think that this huge fort was built by hand using shells and rocks from the sea.

The self guided tour took us about 30 minutes. They do shoot off the cannons every hour starting at 10:30am.

What I found fascinating was that every cannon is elaborately decorated.

St. Augustine Pirate Museum

After our tour of the fort, we headed over to the Pirate Museum. The entry fee is $20 per adult and the self guided tour took about 20 minutes. There were some very interesting facts about pirates and what the navy did to them when they were caught.

There were artifacts that were recovered from treasure chests, including old log books dating back to the 1600’s.

In this gory depiction, a pirate is having is eye removed.

Though it was a short tour, it was very interesting and I am glad we visit it. Our next stop was the Medieval Torture Museum.

Walking the Historic District in St. Augustine

I don’t know what Scott and I thought we would see in this museum, but let’s just say it was horrific. In fact, we are not including any of the images or video we took for our episode, because it was just so gory and horrific. What people did to people back then is unimaginable.

Over half of the torture devices were designed for women – either because they gossiped, drank, suspected witches or were whores.

After experiencing the horrors of the museum, I needed to get outside and get some fresh air as I was feeling queasy. There are lots of outdoor venues where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat.

The historic district is really quaint and it reminded us a lot of Leavenworth and Annapolis.

Cocktails Anyone?

Right in the middle of St. Augustine’s historic district, is a distillery. The tasting was complimentary and we tasted eleven different spirits.

They were all incredibly delicious and we bought the salted caramel whiskey. Just across the way is the oldest school house in America. There is a nominal entry fee of $6 per adult.

There is a small courtyard behind the school house and inside they have depicted what a typical classroom would look like.

We learned that a dunce hat was not meant to punish bad behavior, but instead it identified students that were slow. Can you imagine?! Then if you were behaving badly, you were sent to the “dungeon” underneath the stairs. Again, can you imagine?!

Our last stop of the day, was the hot sauce store and Scott found a favorite!

Our Last Evening

One bit of advise I have, is be patient when it comes to dinner. We walked all around the historic district trying to get in to any restaurant and because it was the holidays, everything was full and a long wait. So we ended up back at our hotel, where I had a pretty good beef tenderloin steak.

We finished the evening back at Trade Winds for more live music to finish a great trip to St. Augustine.

Hands down, we will go back to St. Augustine! We would love to see it off season when there are not so many people. There are so many more attractions to see and we can’t wait to go back.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and channel and follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Happy New Year!

Cheers, Scott and Ally

Holidays in Key West 2023

Scott and I had so much fun last year in Key West, that we headed back down to enjoy the holidays with our good friends Ben and Maria earlier this month. There is so much to do in Key West and this was our fourth visit. Key West is about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive from Fort Lauderdale, depending on traffic.

On our way down, we stopped at the Lorelei Restaurant for lunch in Islamorada. We hadn’t been there in years, so it was fun to go back and enjoy some cold drinks and a great lunch! Lorelei also is home to many charter and activity companies, so it’s a great starting point.

Opal Key West Hotel

On this trip, we stayed at the Opal Key West again and they did not disappoint. The hotel upgraded us to a suite and took fantastic care of us. Upon arrival we were welcomed with milk and muffins with a welcome note from the team.

We love visiting Key West during the holidays because they go out of their way to deck the city out for the holidays. Scott and I are still getting used to living in flip flops and palm trees, when all of the songs and commercials are about bundling up for the holidays. The Opal Resort does a wonderful job decorating for the holidays!

On our second night, we received a bottle of wine, plus a variety of waters and a nice gift box of snacks.

On top of that, our view was fantastic!

Day One

On our first night, Ben made reservations at Blue Heaven and it was fantastic! We highly recommend dining here. The restaurant is situated in an outdoor courtyard and the grouper was the best I have ever had.

We wrapped up our first night at The Bull bar, listening to some great live music. You can say that Maria and I got pickled that night too!

Day Two

We started the next day with a tour of Harry Truman’s house. There is so much history here, that this blog doesn’t do it justice. Be sure to watch our YouTube episode to get the full story.

Our tour guide was fantastic and one thing he pointed out, was there were ash trays in every room and on every table. This is an actual copy of a Camels ad!

The tour was a bit surreal, thinking that we were standing in the house that one of our US Presidents dined and vacationed. In fact, the last US President to visit was Clinton and his wife. They don’t allow video, but they do allow photos.

Conch Tour

The tour guide at the Truman house encouraged us to take the Conch Train tour, which was $57 per person. The tour did take us all around Key West, including the beach, but the guide’s bad jokes were killing us. We hopped off at Duval Street and grabbed some lunch.

The four of us had lunch at The Two Friends Patio and it was fantastic! Great service and the potato chips were homemade. During our trip, we also made sure to place our sticker where stickers were allowed. If you find one of our stickers, take a photo, share on social and tag us. If you do, we’ll send you a Boating Journey hat!

Rum Tour

From lunch, we headed to the first legal rum distillery in Key West, Key West Rum Distillery. They give complimentary tours and our guide was fantastic! The rum and the vodka were outstanding and you can only buy their liquor from them directly.

Evening in Key West

Our hotel faces west and it offered some of the best sunset views. The four of us watched the sunset before heading to dinner.

We had heard about the Half Shell Raw House restaurant down at the marina and it had good reviews, so we headed there for dinner. The marina is also decorated to the hilt for Christmas.

Along our way, we remembered we had placed a sticker along a wall at the marina and we found it! See if you can find it when you are down there.

Famous Bike Parade

That evening Key West had their famous holiday bike parade and over 4000 bikers decorate their bikes and head down the heart of town. We watched it this year from the balcony of a bar.

Day 3

The following morning, we headed over to climb the 88 steps of the famous Key West Lighthouse. The climb wasn’t physically hard, but it is very steep and being scared of heights, I didn’t look down. Beware that the hand rail is very rusty, so have handwipes ready!

The views were pretty amazing, so it was worth it. Going back down was harder than going up and our legs sure felt it the following morning!

After our tour, we headed to Duval Street and checked out the shops.

Sunset Champagne Cruise

Since we didn’t go snorkeling this trip, we still wanted to get out on the water, so we booked a sunset cruise. We chose an intimate tour of just 14 people on a small catamaran named “Echo” and the crew was fantastic! The choices of wine and champagne were great and they had a nice spread of cheeses and crackers. I highly recommend this tour over a party booze cruise with tons of people.

The cruise ran from 4:30pm to 6:30p and the views were amazing!

Ben and Maria headed to a 5-star Michelin dinner and we chose to stay casual as I had been under the weather. Scott and I ate at the Boat House Restaurant for lighter fare and after that we headed to Irish Kevin’s for some live music. Who knew that Scott would end up on stage in a contest to get the crowd loud! LOL. Be sure to watch the video on YouTube!

Despite being under the weather, it was another great trip to Key West. There is so much to do and we look forward to our trip next year! Another big thank you to the Opal Resort for taking such good care of us (and no this is not paid sponsorship).

As always, thank you for following our blog and please be sure to subscribe to our channel on YouTube and on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

Exploring Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A Glimpse into Miami’s Gilded Age


When Scott and I moved to South Florida, we made a commitment to explore the area just as tourists would and earlier this month we visited the renown Vizcaya Museum. Miami, Florida is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cultural scene. Amidst this modernity lies a gem from a bygone era—the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Nestled in the lush Coconut Grove neighborhood, this historic mansion transports visitors to the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age. Unfortunately, it was pouring down rain the day we visited, so we didn’t get to enjoy the gardens like we had hoped to.

You will find the parking lot walking distance from the mansion. They have a paved trail that takes you to the main driveway.

Once you enter the grounds, it is apparent how opulent the mansion and grounds are.

A Glimpse into History

Commissioned by industrialist James Deering in the early 20th century, Vizcaya Mansion was built as a winter residence inspired by Italian Renaissance and Baroque architecture. James never married and used the mansion to entertain guests throughout the winter. Construction began in 1914 and was completed in 1922. The mansion was designed to resemble an Italian villa, with an exquisite attention to detail that remains unparalleled to this day. Unfortunately, James was not able to enjoy it very long, as he passed away in 1025.

Architectural Marvel

The mansion boasts a fusion of European opulence and American innovation. The exterior reflects the grandeur of Italian villas, featuring intricate stone carvings, majestic arches, and a red-tiled roof. Inside, visitors encounter a meticulously designed interior, adorned with awe-inspiring frescoes, ornate furnishings, and an impressive collection of European art and antiques.

Miami-Dade Museum

James Deering died in 1925 and gave the Vizcaya mansion to his nieces. However, they struggled to pay for the maintenance and donated the mansion to Miami-Dade County. It became a historic museum in 1953.

Visitors are guided through a journey through time as they explore the various rooms of the mansion. The opulent rooms, such as the grand hall, the dining room, and the music room, are masterpieces in their own right. Each room is a testament to the luxury and sophistication of the Gilded Age.

Below is a photo of just the pantry – not the kitchen!

The amount of detail that went into each room is stunning. Architect Paul Chalfin designed every room in the mansion.

The Music Room, with its gilded ceiling and grand piano, stands as a striking example of the mansion’s elegant design. The intricately designed ceilings, imported directly from Europe, are adorned with delicate craftsmanship and stunning murals, transporting visitors to a time of lavish gatherings and musical soirées.

The Design

Vizcaya Mansion originally was built as a square building with an open courtyard in the center and the guest rooms surrounding on the second floor. In 1985 the county enclosed the courtyard to preserve the structure and protect it from weather elements and hurricanes.

Every where you turn, you will find ornate items even in the hallways.

Nine Bedrooms

Vizcaya Museum has nine bathrooms and each have whimsical names. They are also decorated with ornate furnishings making each one unique from the others.

It’s interesting to see how the bathrooms were so different from each other.

The Staff

The staff stayed on the 2nd floor of the Vizcaya Museum and we didn’t have access to their quarters. There were a few sets of stairs to the 2nd floor, but the mansion also had an elevator. The kitchen was designed to be a full service catering kitchen to entertain many guests.

Enchanting Gardens


Beyond the mansion, the Vizcaya Gardens present an enchanting world of lush landscapes, elaborate fountains, and serene waterways. The gardens, designed by Paul Chalfin and Diego Suarez, incorporate Italian and French elements, creating a romantic and picturesque setting.

Visitors can stroll through the beautiful formal gardens, replete with sculpted hedges, marble statues, and reflecting pools. The charming Secret Garden, tucked away from the main area, offers a sense of tranquility and privacy, inviting contemplation amidst nature’s beauty.

In front of the mansion, is a breakwater called the “Vizcaya Barge” . It was intended to look like a boat, but over the years it has deteriorated due to high tides and hurricanes.

Can you imagine the parties they would have in the gardens? We were disappointed that it was raining so hard, as we really didn’t get a chance to enjoy them for very long.

The gardens had so many beautiful plants that I have never seen before. It’s fantastic that such a beautiful place is so well taken care of to preserve its history.

Preservation

In 1952, the estate was opened to the public as a museum, preserving its historical and architectural significance. Today, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens continue to serve as a cultural hub, hosting events, exhibitions, and educational programs that celebrate art, history, and horticulture.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens stand as a testament to the magnificence of a bygone era. Its beauty, artistry, and historical significance make it a must-visit attraction for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the opulence of the Gilded Age. Beyond its architectural marvel, the Vizcaya Mansion and Gardens offer a glimpse into a world of art, culture, and the timeless beauty of nature.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our vlog – see link below. The video gives you a much closer look at the mansion and Scott tells the full story of its history. Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers,

Scott and Ally

A visit to the Flamingo Gardens

Scott and I have lived in South Florida about a year and a half now and we finally visited the infamous Flamingo Gardens in Davie, FL. Flamingo Gardens, is a captivating botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that beckons visitors into a lush, tropical oasis. Nestled amidst 60 acres of natural beauty, it offers a mesmerizing blend of serene landscapes, vibrant gardens, and diverse wildlife. Of course the main attraction are the flamingos, but visitors can also encounter a variety of native and exotic animals, from alligators to birds of prey. The garden’s dedication to conservation and education shines through interactive exhibits, informative tours, and an enriching educational center, making it a delightful destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Botanical Gardens

The botanical garden is a verdant paradise that beckons nature enthusiasts and admirers of lush landscapes alike. Towering trees, vibrant flowers, and exotic foliage create a captivating tableau, offering a feast for the senses and a tranquil retreat from the bustling outside world. From the fragrant blossoms of tropical flora to the diverse array of native plants, the garden showcases the beauty of nature’s tapestry and educates visitors about the importance of plant conservation and sustainability. It’s a place where one can stroll amidst the greenery, appreciate the diversity of plant life, and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between plants and our environment.

Flamingo Gardens History

Flamingo Gardens, was founded by Floyd and Jane Wray in 1927. Floyd Wray was an aviator, horticulturalist, and photographer, and he purchased the land that would become Flamingo Gardens to cultivate citrus trees. Over the years, the gardens expanded and evolved into the botanical garden, wildlife sanctuary, and educational attraction that it is today, showcasing a diverse array of plant life and animal species.

The original house of the Wray’s sits in the center of the gardens and has been preserved to showcase what it looked like when they lived in it.

Aviary

Birds take center stage at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, FL, enriching the sanctuary with their vibrant presence and contributing to the garden’s multifaceted mission. These avian inhabitants, including the iconic flamingos, symbolize the essence of biodiversity, providing visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world. Their captivating behaviors, colors, and interactions serve as powerful educational tools, fostering an understanding of avian ecology and inspiring a sense of environmental stewardship. Additionally, Flamingo Gardens offers a safe haven for injured, rehabilitated, or rescued birds, providing a nurturing habitat for their well-being and enhancing the conservation efforts essential to safeguarding these majestic creatures for future generations to appreciate and cherish.

Endangered and Injured Animals

Flamingo Gardens is a sanctuary that not only showcases the beauty of wildlife but also takes an active role in the conservation of endangered animals. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for various endangered species, offering a chance for these remarkable creatures to thrive and potentially contribute to their species’ recovery. We were able to see a black bear, Florida panther, bobcat, two alligators, sea otters and a variety of turtles and tortoises.

Flamingo Gardens has a large sea otter habitat and it was fun watching the sea otters jump in their pool, wave to us and then take the slide back into the water.

Where are the Flamingos?

The grounds are covered with all kinds of birds ranging from peacocks, peahens, snowy egrets to name a few.

Finally, we found the flamingo pond and there were far more other birds than there were flamingos.

Lego Land

Throughout the gardens, you will find sculptures made completely out of Legos. This award-winning exhibit from Artist Sean Kenney featuring 44 sculptures made from more than 800,000 LEGO® bricks was only on display thru September 4th, so we got lucky.

All in all, we’re glad we took the time to visit this historical spot. It is just another reminder of why we moved to Florida – so we could enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Be sure to check out our YouTube episode (link below) for a full tour of the grounds.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our channel and blog. You can also follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

Weekend in the Exumas

For my birthday this year, Scott and I spent the weekend in the Exumas. We flew out on Wednesday afternoon and we got upgraded to first class on American. The funny thing was that we were the only people in first class!

The flight was about 45 minutes, one of the shortest flights we have been on!

Soon I started to see the beautiful turquoise waters of the Exumas! In just 90 minutes we had landed, gone thru customs and immigration and were in our hotel room!

Sandals Resort Emerald Bay Exumas

For this visit, we stayed at the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort in Georgetown.

The resort was beautiful and upon our arrival, they drove us to our room on a golf cart and gave us a quick tour.

We had a beautiful ocean view room and we had no complaints!

The grounds were well maintained and beautiful. Over the next few days our plan was to relax by the pool, use the Hobie Cats, and go snorkeling.

About the Exumas

The Exumas, a stunning archipelago consisting of over 365 cays and islands, possess a captivating history that mirrors the Caribbean’s rich tapestry. Originally inhabited by the Lucayan people, the islands encountered European explorers during the 15th century. The Exumas became a haven for pirates and privateers during the 17th and 18th centuries, with figures like Captain Kidd leaving their mark.

The islands played a pivotal role during the American Revolutionary War, acting as a base for loyalist troops. The Exumas’ historical significance also includes their role in the salt industry and plantation economy. Today, these islands have transitioned into a paradisiacal destination celebrated for their turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and luxurious retreats, inviting travelers to relish in their natural beauty and diverse past.

The Beach at Sandals Emerald Bay Exuma

Scott and I were disappointed that we were under a red flag every day, so we were not able to use the water toys. It is hurricane season, so perhaps if we return during normal weather it won’t be so windy. We were really looking forward to taking the Hobie Cat out and trying the paddle boards.

Swimming Pigs

The following day we headed up north to Rolleville to catch our excursion boat. For most of the trip we were on a pot hole filled dirt road! Talk about bumpy!

Check in was easy and within 15 minutes of arriving, we were on the boat and headed out. We were on a double decker power cat and it was extremely comfortable.

We booked a 4 hour (half day) excursion with Exuma Water Sports. Had we booked the full day, we would have headed towards Staniel Cay and the bigger sites. This tour would take us first to the smaller pig beach, then to a blue hole, then to mile sandbar and finally to the iguanas.

The Swimming Pigs

Last year I didn’t get the chance to see the swimming pigs, except for a quick 5 min stop at night. When we arrived the pigs were anxiously awaiting for us.

The excursion company brings fresh water and food to the pigs every day, so they are well cared for.

The origin of the famous swimming pigs of the Exumas, has a somewhat murky and debated history. One popular theory suggests that sailors or settlers may have introduced pigs to the island as a potential food source, leaving them there to breed and multiply. Another story points to shipwrecks, where pigs might have swum ashore after vessels were wrecked. Some locals claim that the pigs were left by sailors who intended to return and use them as a food source but never did.

Regardless of their initial arrival, the pigs have become a beloved attraction in the Exumas. Over time, they’ve become accustomed to visitors and even learned to swim out to boats approaching the beach, expecting food. The swimming pigs have gained worldwide attention through social media and tourism promotions, making them an iconic and endearing symbol of the Exumas’ unique charm.

There was also a very friendly sting ray and it kept swimming between people’s legs.

Blue Hole

Next we headed over to a blue hole. This was only about 30′ deep and we jumped in for a snorkel.

Since it was a bit choppy, the water was a bit murky. But there were plenty of fish, especially the Jack fish. One kept trying to bite me! Watch the video to see the footage.

Mile Sand Bar

After the Blue Hole, we headed to Mile Sand Bar to relax on the beach and enjoy some cocktails. The water was absolutely gorgeous!

Trust me, the photos don’t tell the entire story. You have to see this yourself!

The water was also the perfect temperature!

The beauty about the Exumas is the water and the way it makes you feel as you cruise through the islands. In many areas, we were only in 3 or 4 feet of water!

Time to Feed the Iguanas

We then headed up past Norman’s Pond Cay to Leaf Cay, to feed the iguanas. We were also trying to outrun a major squall that luckily never got us.

They gave us kale leaves to feed the iguanas and as soon as we were on the beach, they came running! Some were fighting with each other over the kale. Again, watch our YouTube video for the footage!

It was a great excursion! I think next time it would be fun to do the entire day or rent a day boat for ourselves. The catch is, we don’t know the waters and these guys were going past and through some sketchy spots. Best to have a local take you.

Wrapping Up Our Weekend in the Exumas

This was a great 4-day trip to the Exumas. It was easy to get to, there was plenty to do at the resort and the people were all incredibly friendly. Being that we are so close, we will definitely be back.

We got to the airport about 2 hours before our flight departed. Don’t expect much. This airport is smaller than the one in Belize! There’s no restaurant or bar, but you can buy wi-fi, snacks and beer from each of the two shops. The photo below is the terminal.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and vlog (link below) and on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney

Cheers, Scott and Ally

Pontoon Cruise Down the ICW

Last week Scott and I took a pontoon cruise down the ICW from Deerfield to Delray Beach. Overnight Boat Rentals gave us a deal on the boat for a few hours. Overnight boat rentals offer daily and weekly boat rentals, so it’s a great option for people who want to boat, but not own one. Scott had never driven a single screw or a pontoon boat, so this was a fun experience.

We picked the boat up at Sullivan Park in Deerfield Beach where they have a few public docks available. Brandon, the owner of Overnight Boat Rentals was waiting for us with the captain.

Godfrey Pontoon

Our pontoon was actually a “tri-toon” as it had three pontoons underneath it. It was 26′ in length and had plenty of room for entertaining. It had a side entrance door along with a stern and bow door for easy access.

The helm offered a very comfortable captain’s chair along with the control panel with all of the necessary electronics from Garmin. It also had a Bluetooth stereo by Fusion.

The pontoon was powered by a single Yamaha 150hp outboard. It also had a super sturdy swim ladder and a “Power-Pole” (see black pole to the right). When engaged it keeps the boat from rotating while on anchor.

There was plenty of storage throughout the boat, to help keep your accessories, like lines, fenders and the anchor tidy.

Heading up the ICW

Scott was back at the helm and happy as a clam as we headed up the ICW. Most of the route was a no wake zone, so we took our time enjoying the view. We had the boat for 3 hours, so we figured we’d head north for an hour and half and then turn around.

We did have to wait for a couple of bridges. The clearance on these was only about 7′ at high tide and with our bimini top, we knew we were too tall.

The sites along the ICW

As we arrived in Boca, we came across a large sandbar. At 12pm, it wasn’t that crowded but when we returned, it was packed!

The view never gets old, that is for sure!

Soon, we left the giant mansions and were surrounded by mangrove trees. We had hoped to see a manatee, but no luck. Perhaps the people below saw one?

I’m digging the names of these two yachts – I see a theme here! My style that’s for sure!

On our way back, it was much busier and far more crowded than when we left.

We had a great time spending the day on the water. Our only disappointment was the rude boaters who didn’t follow the “no wake zone” rules – below is a great example. It was a wash machine in the ICW!

A big thank you to Brandon at Overnight Boat Rentals! Just as the title says, they have overnight and weekly rentals available. I think Scott and I will definitely look at renting one over night and head north to explore more.

As always, thank you for following our blog and journey! Be sure to subscribe to our channel (see link below) and follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

Kayaking with the Manatees in Sarasota

Recently, Scott and I took a quick trip to Sarasota on the west coast of Florida. Scott’s uncle lives just north of Sarasota and we decided to make a weekend trip out of it since we have never been to Sarasota. The drive took us about 4 hours going straight across the state on I-75.

We stayed at the Westin, just overlooking the bay. I picked this hotel because it has a rooftop bar and we would finally be able to see a sunset! Looking at the image below (facing southeast) you can see how FLAT Florida actually is!

Finding a place for dinner

Sarasota has a few very well known areas with great restaurants. One very popular area is St. Armands Circle on Lido Key.

Unfortunately, the traffic to get to Lido Key was nuts, so we decided to walk down to the marina and grab a bit to eat there. Our first attempt was at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar. Sounded cool, however, there’s no table service. You actually stand in line for your food and drinks – no thanks. So we headed back to the other side of the marina and found Marina Jack’s. We had a great view, some live music and the food and service was just okay.

There’s a park along the marina walkway and they have constructed a giant statue of the VE Day moment when a sailor randomly kissed a nurse.

After dinner, we hurried back to the hotel to catch our first sunset since being in Key West last December. It did not disappoint!

Kayaking with the manatees in Sarasota

Since moving to Florida, I have rarely seen any wildlife. I saw one manatee in the Bahamas when we arrived at Atlantis, but that has been it. No dolphins, no whales, no sharks (guess that’s a good thing). We booked our kayak trip with Sea Life Kayak Adventures and they were fantastic! I would highly recommend them! Scott and I took an Uber to the park, because we knew parking was very limited.

Our instructor gave us a brief introduction and then we were off! We had about 15 people in our group.

We left Ted Sperling Park and began to circumnavigate Otter Key in search of manatees.

I am so glad I wore my lightweight water shoes for this trip. They work as tennis shoes and also are water shoes. You can buy them here!

During the trip, our instructor stopped and dove down to bring up sea urchins! He actually handed them to people to hold. What?! I thought they were spiny and dangerous?

The trip was nearly done and we were feeling defeated, but suddenly our guide spots a group of manatees. So we all paddled as fast as we could and before we knew it, about five of them were under our kayaks. It is important to remember that they are still endangered and you can’t touch them or come into contact with them. Watch our video for the footage of our encounter.

The mangroves

As we were heading back, I mentioned “look at those tunnels in the mangroves – I bet you can take a boat back there”. Next thing I know, we were in that tunnel!

I got tangled a few times and then at one point, Scott says, “Oh, wow, they are everywhere”. What are everywhere I wonder!? Then I see them – Mangrove tree crabs. YUCK. They are everywhere – get me out of here! Watch the footage – it’s pretty funny.

The entire trip took about three hours and I would definitely do it again.

When in Sarasota, go to the circus

Let’s be honest – I hate the circus. They treated animals horribly, but their story is pretty fascinating. Scott and I had to go to the Ringling Museum and mansion as that is what founded the city.

The Ringling is the former estate of John and Mable Ringling. It features a museum of art, circus museum, Ca D Zan (the home of john and Mable), the historic Asolo theater and the bayfront gardens.


I recommend spending time in the Tibbals Learning Center. As you enter through the front lobby you are greeted by a giant mural entitled “The Greatest Show on Earth” painted by William Woodward in 1990 which captures the excitement of the ringling Bros and Barnum & bailey experience.


You’ll be transported back in circus history as you stroll through the poster gallery. As you walk thru the museum, you will come upon the Howard Bros Circus Model. It consists of more than 42000 pieces and covers 3800 square feet. The model is a historically accurate rendition of an early twentieth-century circus. The logistical engineering required to move the circus’s entire “tented city” from town to town each day via the railway was nothing short of a miracle.

From there visit the historic circus galleries featuring John and Mable’s magnificent turn-of-the-century private Pullman railcar, the Wisconsin, historic circus wagons of all kinds, an artistic display of painted wagon wheels, and a sideshow bannerline.

The Ringling Mansion

From this museum, we walked through the gardens and toured the first level of the mansion. The photos don’t do it justice, so be sure to watch our video (see link below).

The estate is massive and the mansion was beautiful. Everything about it was designed to the finest detail.

The stained glass windows are the original glass and considering these face out onto the water, it’s amazing they are still in tact.

For a kitchen during the 1920’s, this would still be considered a gourmet kitchen today!

Overlooking the bay in Sarasota

The tour finished outside the mansion on the palatial patio overlooking the bay. I can only imagine the parties they hosted here.

There were so many Banyon trees and they were giant! I walked through one that reminded me of a fort. Unfortunately, I was not digging the weird black lizards!

Scott and I finished our tour of the Ringling by walking through the gardens. One museum we did miss was the Art Museum. We’ll have to check it out next time as we hear it’s amazing.

Our impression of Sarasota

We finished our final day in Sarasota enjoying a great dinner at Clasico Italian Chophouse and we wrapped up our weekend with one more amazing sunset.

This was a great trip and we are looking forward to returning to explore more. With it’s abundant things to do on the water, Sarasota is a great destination for boaters and land lovers. We’ll be back!

As always, thank you for following our journey! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel (link below) and our boating blog. Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

We Rented a Dinghy!

A few weeks ago, Scott and I rented a dinghy for a few hours to cruise along the New River. We rented the boat for $75/hour (two hours) from Salty Blue Fun Rentals. We found them online and we saw that we could walk to the boat to pick it up.

We walked about a mile and a half to a residential area. Now I was thinking, this is not a good idea. I mean, are we renting it from someone’s house?! Turns out there was a marina in the neighborhood and the owner of Salty Blue Fun actually lives on her boat and she rents her dinghy. She and her partner were very nice and got us set up right away.

Where can we go in two hours?

Scott and I hopped in, got a quick run down and off we went. We headed down the canal towards the New River. Remember, the New River is where we walk and also where we pick up the Water Taxi. I didn’t realize how far we traveled until I pulled this map!

Once you leave the canals and head towards the river, you have to watch for big yachts and lots of traffic.

It was really hot and we were so glad the dinghy came with a bimini top. I forgot to take a photo of the dinghy, so the image of the boat is actually from an old ad from when it was for sale. Looks like it cost around $4995 used.

Going Southwest on the River

We cruised through Downtown Fort Lauderdale, passing lots of traffic and bridges. The last time I did this cruise, I was on the Sunseeker 74′ Sport Yacht returning from the Bahamas.

Is there a current?

One thing you will notice while cruising in a dinghy, is the wind. Going Southwest, we had a very smooth ride, but on the return it was definitely wet and bumpy.

Time to turn around

After an hour, we made it to Safe Harbor Marina and we knew we had to turn around there to make it back in the next hour. Safe Harbor Marina is a large shipyard specializing in mega yacht haul outs.

Look closely at the image above. That mural is on the garage door for their yacht boat house. We also stumbled upon a variety of odd sites along the way.

There must have been a duck event this day?

The ride certainly did not disappoint. It was a great way to explore the river and spend time on the water without breaking the bank. Scott and I were so glad we rented the dinghy to spend a fun day on the river. We will definitely rent the dinghy from Salty Blue Fun again and if you are looking for a great boat rental, check them out.

As always, thank you for following our blog and our journey. Be sure to subscribe to our channel (see video below) and follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Tune in next week as we head to Sarasota and kayak with the manatees.

Our First Time to Barbados

Back in March, Scott and I headed down to Barbados for a much needed vacation and this was our first time visiting this Caribbean island. This was a very last minute trip, as I had just given notice at OneWater Yacht Group and I wanted to take a break before starting my new job (CMO at 26 North).

We have traveled to many Caribbean Islands, including Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua, USVI, British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saints, Dominican Republic and Belize, but never to Barbados.

Sandals Resorts

If you recall, Scott and I spent our honeymoon in Antigua at Sandals Resort and have since stayed at numerous Sandals location. Since this was a last minute booking, we decided to once again stay at Sandals since we know the resorts well.

One of the great things about living in Florida, is that we can easily travel to the Caribbean without having to fly 12-14 hours from Washington State. We arrived in Barbados around 1pm after a two hour flight. The resort is located about 15 minutes from the airport and is at the southwest end of the island.

When we arrived to our room, we were pleasantly surprised by our welcome gift. We had a great room that overlooked the pool and the ocean.

There are two Sandals resorts in Barbados, each located next door to each other. We stayed at the Sandals Barbados resort. You can easily walk throughout the entire property to access the restaurants and pools for each resort.

The Beach

The winds stayed consistent at about 25mph during our entire stay. The resort’s beach is located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. There is a reef just off-shore from the beach, but honestly the seas were way too rough to do any kind of water sports during our stay. In addition, Barbados was also dealing with the dreaded seaweed called Sargassum. Unfortunately, the Sargassum is killing fish and other marine life as it is suffocating everything. The resort did a great job cleaning up the seaweed every day to make the beach pristine.

Dining & Amenties

The resort had a couple of cute gift shops and between the two resorts they have 21 restaurants to choose from. It’s a great option, if you want to stay at your resort and not worry about having to walk or take a taxi to dinner.

From our room, we had a great view of the moon overlooking the beach each night. Too bad I didn’t bring our professional camera, as the shot would have been epic.

Snorkeling a Shipwreck in Barbados

We couldn’t go to Barbados without taking a sailing & snorkeling excursion. We picked up our catamaran at the city dock in Bridgetown. The snorkeling company actually runs two identical cats that hold about thirty people each.

We left the dock and headed south to Carlisle Bay to snorkel with the turtles.

Unfortunately, we only saw one turtle and it was a bit murky as the wind was really kicking up. After 15 minutes (yes 15!), the captain called us all in as we were heading to our next location. I assumed we were sailing for a bit to our next spot, but instead he simply moved the boat about 150′ to the shipwreck. By this time, I had dried off and reapplied my sunscreen so I didn’t bother to jump back in. Scott decided he would jump in and check out the shipwreck. Berwyn (a tugboat) was sunk by its crew in 1919. In late 1918, the crew of this 60-foot vessel didn’t want to leave the island when the war ended. A French military ship came into the harbor during World War I. The captain allegedly replied, “over my dead body and a sunken ship.” Consequently, his rebellious crew sank the ship, and – as our tour guide said – “they sunk the ship and went back to the island for more rum!”.” Be sure to check out our YouTube video for the footage of the shipwreck.

After snorkeling for about twenty minutes, we left Carlisle Bay and sailed to another beach where we spent the morning swimming and enjoying the Caribbean sun.

Our excursion ended after four hours and soon it was time to head back to the dock.

One thing Scott and I miss about living in Fort Lauderdale are the sunsets. Sandals Barbados had a cool rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean and the sunset.

Land base tour of Barbados

The following morning we hired a taxi driver to drive us around the island to explore. We’ve done this on many of our past trips including Antigua and St John. For $175 he drove us around for three hours. Scott and I told him what we wanted to see and do, and he got some of it right. In any case, it was really cool to see the island for the first time.

The residents of Barbados love horse racing and in the middle of the track, you will find a giant Barbados flag. This is where the people of Barbados celebrated their independence from Britain in this very spot.

The national flag of Barbados is comprised of three equal vertical panels – the center panel of gold and the outer panels of ultramarine. A broken trident in black is located in the center of the flag. Blue represents the sea and sky of Barbados, while gold represents the sand of the island’s beaches. The symbol at the center of the flag represents the Trident of the mythical sea god, Neptune – the shaft of the trident is broken symbolizing Barbados’ break from Britain.

As you drive through Bridgetown, you will come across many government buildings. Some of these are now museums and some are vacant. We had the chance to see the house that George Washington stayed in for a number of months while trying to bring his brother back to health. Unfortunately, he had TB and never recovered.

Downtown Bridgetown

The Parliament buildings are located in downtown Bridgetown and were built between 1870 and 1874. They are located across the street from the Constitution River where we picked up our snorkeling catamaran.

From the Parliament buildings, we drove about 5 minutes to Rhianna’s home where she grew up in. We also drove by her coastal mansion (see video for that).

Beautiful Coastline

As Scott and I traveled north along the Caribbean side, our driver made it a point to stop so we could enjoy the amazing waters and beaches. Since our resort is at the southern tip of the island where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean sea, we did not have these gorgeous waters.

Barbados symbolizes the Caribbean lifestyle in so many ways, including the vibrant colored homes.

Just up the beach, we made another stop at the Cubana Monument. This memorial was designed by Virgil Broodhagen who was the son of Barbados’ well-known sculptor, Karl Broodhagen. This monument is a memorial commemorates the victims of the Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 bombing that occurred in 1976 in route from Barbados to Cuba.

St James Cathedral

Our next stop was St. James Cathedral, the oldest church on Barbados. What amazes us every time we visit these island churches is not only their age, but the fact that they have survived hurricanes. This church was absolutely beautiful. Another interesting fact is that many famous people have visited the church, including President Ronal Reagan and his wife Nancy.

Orange Fort

Further north is a quaint town called Speightstown. The town was named after William Speight, a wealthy and influential merchant who owned the land on which the town grew. In 1639, William Speight became a member of Barbados’ very first parliament under Governor Henry Hawley. Speightstown became a bustling port town during the early years of British colonization in Barbados. It played a crucial role in the island’s sugar industry, serving as a shipping point for sugar, molasses, and other goods produced on the island’s plantations.

Unfortunately, like other parts of Barbados, Speightstown played a role in the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans were brought to the island and sold in Speightstown before being transported to plantations to work on sugar and tobacco fields. Speightstown was protected by numerous forts, including Orange Fort. Today, Speightstown remains an important part of Barbados’ heritage. Its historic charm, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage attract visitors who appreciate the town’s historical significance.

The coastline of this quaint town is absolutely stunning and we were impressed by the brand new dock they installed for boaters.

The water here is vibrant turquois color and completely clear.

In search of the Abbey

We told our driver that we wanted to stop by St. Nicholas Abbey, which is a historic plantation house located in St. Peter Parish, Barbados. It is one of the island’s most well-known and cherished landmarks. It is believed to have been built between 1650 and 1660. Unfortunately, he took us towards the Abbey, but not to it. Instead we landed at a popular viewpoint for tourists (oh, and saw a monkey!).

Overall, it was still a great tour and we highly recommend hiring a driver to take you on a personal tour when you are visiting a new island. Check with your concierge or front desk, as they have drivers on hand to show you around.

St. Lawrence Gap

St. Lawrence Gap is where the resort is located and home to lots of restaurants and bars. Scott and I took a quick stroll on our last day to check things out. Unfortunately, most were not open yet as it was too early. There are some quaint shops along the way and definitely worth the stop.

Overall Impression of Barbados

Like most of the Caribbean Islands we have visited, we loved all of the people we met in Barbados. This is a vibrant town with friendly residents and there is so much to do. We will definitely be back to visit again. Next time, we will look at staying on the west side of the island where the water is calmer and crystal clear.

As always, thank you for following our blog and our journey. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel (link below) and follow us on social @boatingjourney #boatingjourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally