We were underway from Lauderdale Marine Center at 8:30 am (New River bridges are closed 7:30-9:00 am) with Captains Steve and Chip.  Soon after we are underway we get hit by a downpour causing limited visibility.  Thankfully it clears before we encounter any traffic or the first bridge.  The weather cooperates and thanks to Steve’s planning the rest of the trip is relatively stress-free… and fun!  After the 8:45 squall, we had good weather and moved up to the fly bridge for the rest of the trip.  This was a real treat for me, we met off-an-on rain on our trip up the New River on the 18th so we stayed in the pilothouse, the trip is exciting and there’s lots to see on the New River!

The strong tidal current is always a factor to be considered when transiting the New River and there is always congestion, especially at the bridges.  Its also congested along the Las Olas Riverfront dinning and entertainment area.  Many cruisers enjoy  the riverside dockage in the heart of downtown but water traffic is heavy, especially on weekends. Steve and I prefer to enjoy the endless variety of watercraft and the excitement of the sights and sounds of this traffic from one of the excellent restaurants along the riverfront as apposed to docking in the area.  But I thoroughly enjoy transiting the New River, provided I’m not the captain!  And its not all congestion and excitement, parts of the river meander lazily through beautiful and lush areas of older and grander homes.

At the end of the New River we join the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and head south.  More grand old homes, the impressive 17th Street Bridge (at a clearance of 55′ it is very impressive when open), the cruise ship port with many huge ships at dock, and the massive Port Everglades Terminal (freight terminal).  During our 3 hour tour from LMC to Le Tub Saloon I took 84 photos and 6 videos!  Lots to see!

Thanks to the courage of our fearless crew, Captains Steve and Chip and First-mate Debbie, our 3 hour tour ends safely at Le Tub Saloon at 11:30. 😉  Time for lunch!  Steve and I split their awesome burger and yummy peel and eat shrimp.  After lunch Chip heads out, we’ll see him and Heather tomorrow for dinner, and Steve and I go out to explore Hollywood Beach.

Leaving Lauderdale Marine Center at 8:30 am

Squall at 8:45, “I know our first bridge is up there somewhere”

There it is, the Davie Blvd. Bridge.

Parts of the New River meander lazily through beautiful and lush areas of older and grander homes.

Downtown Ft. Lauderdale down river.

Bridge number 2, William H Marshal (7th Avenue) Memorial Bridge

Bridge number 3, FEC Railroad Bridge (open).

Bridge number 4, Andrews Avenue Bridge

We had a slight delay, with other boats, at the Andrews Avenue Bridge.

Andrews Avenue Bridge opening!

Bridge number 5 and last, 3rd Avenue Bridge.

More shopping and entertainment on the New River.

The view of downtown Ft. Lauderdale from the ICW

The 17th Street Bridge.  Its 55′ clearance give perspective to those docked mega yachts.

Port Everglade Freight Terminal

Our dockage on the ICW for the next two night, Saloon Le Tub!  Thank you Steve and Robin!

My wonderful captains, Steve and Chip