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Heading for Ft Lauderdale
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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas
ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area
Heading for Ft Lauderdale
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| Author | Topic: Heading for Ft Lauderdale |
| elaelap |
posted 12-11-2009 12:02 PM ET (US)  
Last minute deposition set in Ft Lauderdale means my wife and I are heading down there tomorrow (Sat Dec 12) and will be staying at the Westin Beach Resort through Dec 20. First time in Florida for both of us, and we'll have a lot of free time. Any advice re getting out on the water while we're there will be greatly appreciated. Tony |
| Tohsgib |
posted 12-11-2009 12:28 PM ET (US)
Yeah yeah yeah...heard this before. We even set up a rendezvous for your no-show arse. Give LHG a buzz. |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-11-2009 12:37 PM ET (US)
It is a shame that Nick has to be so rude. Does not surprise me. I hope you have a good time down there Tony. Wish we could help. Hope you get out on the water. |
| outragesteve |
posted 12-11-2009 01:31 PM ET (US)
You MUST check out the Fort Lauderdale Boat Parade! It is Saturday night: Unbelievable. Just north of your hotel is Hugh Taylor park (2-3 blocks) which has bleacher seating. Ask the Hotel concierge and if you can make it to the parade, you will not be disappointed. My wife is @ our condo on the intracostal just north of the park and can't wait! (I'm stuck here @ our home in Hawaii for medical reasons and could not make the trip...disappointed!) Anyway, here's a link to the parade for info: winterfestparade.com Have fun and post your thoughts! |
| outragesteve |
posted 12-11-2009 01:38 PM ET (US)
A great way to see the waterways of Fort Lauderdale is the water taxi. Fun cheap! I suggest taking the WT from Shooter's Waterfront Grill (5 minutes from your hotel) south to downtown. Very scenic and you will pass 100's of homes, boats, etc. Multi-million dollar homes all along the route. You can take a cooler with benerages and food and just ride the taxi! Shooter's on a Sunday afternoon is the best spot for boats, people watching, and relaxing! Wish I was there! http://www.watertaxi.com/ |
| Jeff |
posted 12-11-2009 01:38 PM ET (US)
Tony look up the Blue Moon Fish Company while you are. My wife and I really enjoy the place. Great food all around and they have some of the best steamed mussels I have had. We love sitting out on the back deck area and watching all the boats on the river go by. http://www.bluemoonfishco.com/menu.html |
| Tohsgib |
posted 12-11-2009 01:38 PM ET (US)
You are right Fourdy...what was I think telling him to call Larry. Geez..sorry Tony. My friend Smitty lives down there and has a nice Katama, not sure if he is gonna be around but I'll give him a buzz...not that your lame-ass is going to show up anyway. |
| elaelap |
posted 12-11-2009 02:19 PM ET (US)
Nope, this time we've gotta make it or we've got serious problems with a client. We're deposing a key witness in a major lawsuit, and for a while it looked like the depo would be taken in--God help me--Tallahassee...many miles from the water. Like I said, I've never been down there, so we're adding a week and making it a working vacation and Christmas present to ourselves. Thanks for the lead on that boat parade, Steve, but we're going to miss it since our plane leaves S.F. tomorrow at 1 p.m. and doesn't arrive 'til whenever. We'll do the water taxi thing for sure, and thanks. Too bad we can't make it over to Tampa Bay and hook up with you after all these years, Nick. We will have a rental car, and will probably head down to Key Largo for a day or two and listen to some Jimmy Buffet sounds down there while re-reading 'The Old Man and the Sea.' Thanks for the info, all. And think Florida sun! It's been in the low 20's with snow and now icy rain out here north of San Francisco...unusually cold for us this early in most winters. Tony |
| contender |
posted 12-11-2009 03:30 PM ET (US)
The weather is crappy right now and will be for the next 2-3 days. If you rent (You should) a car you need to shoot down to the keys, They are killing the sailfish right now and the cobia are starting to come in.(you can do a 1/2-full day charter out of Holiday Isle or Bud and Mary's) Stop by robbies at mm 77.5 ( This is worth the trip, about middle keys key west is zero) on the bay side and hand feed some tarpon that are up to 200 lbs. Steve is correct about the boat parade this thing gets bigger every year. The taxi ride is nice also, you can purchase a ticket for the day and get on and off whenever, plenty of nice places to eat right on the water. Pick up a local paper will tell you about the things happing around you. On Sunday the travel section will have things around the state also. You need to take a ride down to Miami Beach (30 miles south) and Try Joe's Stone Crab's (Go Early or you will not get in, I think dinner starts at five) This place is an Icon and has been there since 1911 and in the same family also... Have fun and keep you car doors lock while travling. |
| elaelap |
posted 12-11-2009 03:39 PM ET (US)
Great stuff and thanks, contender. Yeah, tarpon! I've read about those bad boys all my life but never had the chance. Or a sailfish! I've never caught a billfish of any kind, though I was hooked into a huge marlin for about 30 seconds fishing out of Manzanillo, Mexico, a decade ago. Nothin' beats information from locals. Yum, I can taste some of that seafood from the classic restaurants right now. Do they have pale ale down there to go with it? Tony |
| contender |
posted 12-11-2009 03:59 PM ET (US)
There are places here that have their own brewery inside the resturant, They make about 6 different types of beer. If you are down here for any amount of time you have to go to the keys, If you do not have the time to fish at least hit robbies and bring a camera. Plenty of nice places to eat and see in the Keys... Take care |
| Jeff |
posted 12-11-2009 04:26 PM ET (US)
Tony, If you make it to the Keys and need a place to crash the Coconut Palm Inn is a great place. My Wife and I have stayed there for a wedding and really enjoyed the place. Not that spendy either. It is between Key Largo and Islamorada. http://coconutpalminn.com/ |
| TRAFFICLAWYER |
posted 12-11-2009 04:54 PM ET (US)
Stop at the docks at 15th street Lauderdale Marina right on the ditch, was Whalers largest dealer, now selling Pursuits. But a very nice view across the ditch. |
| contender |
posted 12-11-2009 05:28 PM ET (US)
Type in Robbies Marina they have a live cam (Need day time) on the dock of the tarpon feeding |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-11-2009 06:16 PM ET (US)
Tony--contender is right on! If you stop at Islamorada and want to charter a fishing boat, the best is Capt Brian Cone of the boat the "Contagious". The boat is docked at Robbies. He is one of the best. A good restaurant on the water is Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar. Another good one on the water is Lazy Days. |
| elaelap |
posted 12-11-2009 06:35 PM ET (US)
More great stuff...keep it coming, please. I just showed my wife the Coconut Palm Inn website and it looks like we'll be spending at least one night down there. Continued thanks, you S. Florida locos! Whoops, I meant locals ;-) Tony |
| L H G |
posted 12-11-2009 06:57 PM ET (US)
Tony, ol' buddy - I'd be more than happy to show you the marine sights in Greater Ft Lauderale aboard "Whale Lure", but I am stuck up here in Chicago for another two weeks of winter. Here's a shot of us heading out of the Hillsboro Inlet, turning toward Ft Lauderdale down the "outside", 12 miles to the South. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v429/lgoltz/Outrage%2025/?action=view& current=MVI_0147.flv If you make it to Islamorada, be sure to stop at the very fancy Cheeca Lodge. The Bush family has vacationed there for years, with lots of photos on the walls. You'd absolutely Don't miss the Water Taxi, including the run up the New River to Las Olas Blvd. You'll enjoy seeing all the Mega Yachts around the Lauderdale ICW waterfront. Last week I noticed Tiger Wood's 225' yacht at Bahia Mar, and also saw Johnny Depp's classic, but much smaller, yacht up close. You can rent a 170 Montauk at the Lauderdale Marina for a few hours. Have fun. You'll want to return. This photo was taken at the Lauderdale Marina dock. Good restaurant on the ground level also. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v429/lgoltz/Outrage%2025/?action=view& current=Scan0050.jpg For a week, you'll be wishing you had your own boat with you to enjoy the local boating! |
| TRAFFICLAWYER |
posted 12-11-2009 07:37 PM ET (US)
Hi larry! Nice video blowin out the inlet! How did you photoshop out all the smoke from those mosquito killers???
Merry Xmas
|
| MarthaB |
posted 12-11-2009 07:51 PM ET (US)
Nick Don't be jabbing at Tony for not showing up. You didn't answer your phone or return my call last March when we were on Anna Maria Island. Tony --- Enjoy Florida. Wish I were in the warm sunshine...today we had a high temp of 12 with lake effect snow and West winds(windchill was hasty) |
| dnh |
posted 12-11-2009 08:10 PM ET (US)
Bahia Cabana Resort grouper sandwich. By boat. Stayed there 5 different years been eating the grouper sandwiches for 15. |
| contender |
posted 12-11-2009 08:26 PM ET (US)
Driving down the keys on the bay side mm 95-93 (Forget correct number) Harriet's small single story yellow building best place for breakfast. Like I said there are to many good places to eat in the keys especially if you go all the way to Key West, Key West is full of great places to eat, See the Mel's Fisher museum of the ship wrecks, Go to the docks at sundown its a show every night by the locals. One of the big places to see in Key West is the grave yard, only other grave yard in the keys is on the property of I think of the Cheeca Lodge... |
| jimh |
posted 12-11-2009 08:29 PM ET (US)
Larry's 200-HP two-cycle Mercury motors look great in the video (linked above). Mercury used that same-size cowling on their 75-HP four-cycle. It just reminds you how compact two-cycle power can be. |
| R T M |
posted 12-11-2009 08:49 PM ET (US)
Funny that the part time residents know all the good places to stay, eat, and boat. With the exception of contender, all the participants on this thread are part timers or snow birds. I guess if you are really a local, everything gets to be ho-hum. Like eating ice cream at every meal. Actually the locals know all the good fishing spots though, but might not want to tip others off. rich/Binkie |
| elaelap |
posted 12-11-2009 09:11 PM ET (US)
Well, that was sure helpful, Binks. Anyway, I thought you were a retired New Jersey Mafioso rather than a true local, hiding from the feds down there amidst the alligators and displaced Cubanos. At least tell me another good place to eat, preferably Italian. Tony I will be bringing my laptop, so if anything else occurs to anyone I'll be checking this website regularly. And if those in the witness protection program want to contact me privately, my email address is: wildelaw@comcast.net |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-11-2009 09:19 PM ET (US)
MarthaB-- I was on Anna Maria Island last March for several weeks. It was when those football players capsized on the water and 3 didn't make it. Great place Anna Maria! Rich--The snow birds are always looking for new sites to see! |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-11-2009 09:22 PM ET (US)
Tony--It is unfortunate that you are not able to stay longer. Would love to meet and sip a few but we also won't be back there until after Christmas. |
| R T M |
posted 12-11-2009 09:42 PM ET (US)
Unfortunately not born here, just a 40 year resident, so I guess I'm sort of local. I guess what I was trying to say is that the part timers, get around more. I haven't been down to S. florida in 10 years, sounds like a great place. But will I go, probably not anytime soon at least. I`m used to the Tampa area. Lucky your not coming here, cold and rainy. rich/Binkie |
| 17 bodega |
posted 12-12-2009 02:50 AM ET (US)
I went to Bud and Mary's. I was gonna do one of those combos on the Miss Islamorada, a real line tangler, for some reef fish. We did the Joe's crab joint in Miami and the, yes, alligator boat ride with the crazy dude right outside the Everglades; it was a real riot! Probably too long a car trip for Tony, but, if you guys get bored, I'd go for it! The Everglades and the Keys were my favorite part of Florida. I haven't been to northern Florida so I can't comment on the attractions there. Can't wait to hear your trip report Tony! Steve |
| R T M |
posted 12-12-2009 08:16 AM ET (US)
Florida is a diverse state, four completely different areas. South Florida, Southwest Florida, Central Florida, and North Florida. There is also a climate change north of I-4 which splits the state just south of Orlando. Palm trees that grow in Tampa, St. Pete won`t grow where I live 45 miles to the north. The best boating action is in South Florida, no doubt. As far as living, I like Central Florida the best. North Florida is just like Georgia. rich/Binkie |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-12-2009 12:37 PM ET (US)
Also the area between Rich and Gainsville (Ocala, The Villages, Crystal River and Inverness) is a very large horse and cattle industry. Some great pine forests much like the north woods of WI. Manatees in Crystal River and Homossasa. Not nearly as crowded as South FL and one of the highest safest spots in FL. |
| elaelap |
posted 12-12-2009 04:48 PM ET (US)
Pretty cool: we're flying Virgin America from SF to Ft Lauderdale, and I'm sending this to the CW website from ~30,000 ft over Arizona. Free WiFi on this flight, which is a first for me. Doesn't nearly make up for the smell of the two cat boxes in the seats directly in front of ours, or the baby who has been screaming since we took off an hour ago in the next row forward, but whaddya want, anyway? We're not getting in until about 9:30 tonight Florida time, so I guess we'll miss the boat parade...too bad. Next report tomorrow, hopefully with a couple of photos of Lauderdale Whalers. Tony |
| R T M |
posted 12-12-2009 05:36 PM ET (US)
the smell of the two cat boxes in the seats directly in front of ours, or the baby who has been screaming since we took off an hour ago in the next row forward, but whaddya want, anyway? I assume you fly first class. Whats it like in the back of the plane where the poor people sit. Any barnyard animals? rich/Binkie |
| number9 |
posted 12-12-2009 08:19 PM ET (US)
Always thought there were five areas of Florida, LA being a different area and separate from N. FL. |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-12-2009 10:26 PM ET (US)
LA--FL OMG, That is a stretch! |
| R T M |
posted 12-12-2009 11:05 PM ET (US)
niner I think the Ga. border should extend as far south as Gainesville. That way visitors won`t be disappointed when they venture north of Gainesville. You can also have UF also, and Timmy Teabagger . While your at it take FS too. All we need it UM. Go Hurricanes. rich/Binkie |
| myakka |
posted 12-13-2009 08:41 AM ET (US)
Tony You and you wife will have a great time down here with everything but the traffic. Have fun Mike |
| lakeman |
posted 12-13-2009 02:51 PM ET (US)
For some real, real, old, local stuff, you can try Ernie's Bar-b-que & Lounge, Fort Lauderdale, just find 17th street and US 1 intersection, or 1843 South Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-2939 (954) 523-8636 and go south just a short distance and Ernies in on the right, old building, little parking. Great Conch salad, Conch chowder and fritters, and some very good other stuff and Bimini bread. Ernie's has been there for at least 50 years, stopped there a couple of years ago and it was still basically the same. Also Carlos and Pepe's on 17th street for Mex. is always good. |
| PeteB88 |
posted 12-13-2009 03:07 PM ET (US)
If you're going to Ft Lauderdale I'd be thinking South Beach for several reasons including rental car range. The Art Deco stuff is too cool to miss and when you think that the Historic Dist people and one person determined to save it all is the reason it's still there. I'm not sure how far you and time will allow but further S on Keys the better. Marathon was great and Bahia Honda was very cool. Nick is just bummed because he and Len won't have a chance to show you how to Parrr-tay!! There just aren't enough opportunities for Whaler Time with all the crew - like the Vintage Airstream Club.... http://vintageairstreamclub.com/what-is-a-rally-anyway.html
|
| SpongeBob |
posted 12-13-2009 03:24 PM ET (US)
LA-FL = Lower Alabama Jeff |
| contender |
posted 12-13-2009 07:05 PM ET (US)
Tony; Trust me on this one,If you want a good place to eat and you are still in the Ft Lauderdale area Here is a great place to go, small and need a resv. Called: By Word of Mouth, on Oakland and Dixie Highway by the train tracks, Phone: 954 564 3663 Trust me... |
| PeteB88 |
posted 12-13-2009 07:44 PM ET (US)
Food - we found the best food at the end of sketchy roads next to the water. The rest were overrated and spendy. |
| Tohsgib |
posted 12-13-2009 08:57 PM ET (US)
Martha...if you left me a voice mail I would have returned your call. No message=not important=spam. Sorry! MANY CW people have hooke dup with me or Len or both, we are diligent about hanging with the homies! Tony...call me...we'll do lunch! |
| MarthaB |
posted 12-13-2009 10:24 PM ET (US)
Nick - called the phone number you gave me and left a voice mail. If you or anyother CW member are planning a trip to northern Michigan (May thru October), let us know, we'll be happy to take you out on Grand Traverse Bay. |
| Tohsgib |
posted 12-14-2009 01:25 PM ET (US)
Could have been home phone which was turned into a fax line...sorry. |
| elaelap |
posted 12-14-2009 02:47 PM ET (US)
Wow! Out of the ice and into Florida winter paradise. Plane from S.F. was delayed for a couple of hours because of freezing rain and runway flooding there. Arrived in Ft Lauderdale a couple of nights ago and grabbed a cab to our hotel. Here's a shot from our room looking toward the ICW: http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/LauderdaleWhalers001.jpg And here's what sunrise looked like this morning before I headed out fishing: Most importantly for this website, you almost can't turn around without seeing Whalers. We took y'all's great advice and took several trips yesterday via water taxi, and there were BWs of all sizes, ages, and shapes everywhere we looked. Here are some of them, beginning with a Florida State cop cruising by one of the many huge (ugly IMO) cruise ships: More BWs, in no particular order: And here's the beach right across the street from our hotel. We jumped into that warm salty water yesterday morning, and we're heading back there right now. Catch y'all later. Tony Oh yeah--fishing great today in a classic 1968 30-ft Hatteras 6-Pak: loads of dorado/mahi-mahi, king fish and scrappy bonito. Wednesday we head down to the Keys for more fishing, maybe even a billfish. |
| elaelap |
posted 12-14-2009 03:13 PM ET (US)
Yikes! Is that cop in the first Whaler photo actually in a Whaler? I'm travelling with my tiny portable laptop and reviewing my last post I suddenly got a horrible feeling that that boat was some sort of off-brand rather than a BW. How humiliating thatwould be after all these years. Shows how little I know about the post-classics. Reassure me, someone. I need a magnifying glass and some new eyeballs. |
| Contender25 |
posted 12-14-2009 03:46 PM ET (US)
The Florida Marine Patrol Boat your photographed is a Contender 23T not a Whaler. Nice boat none the less :-) |
| WT |
posted 12-14-2009 05:01 PM ET (US)
Hey Tony, I hope you have a great time in the Florida sunshine. What's with this ugly rainy Northern California gray winter skies? I just got back from sunny Hawaii myself. :-) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/DSC_0492.jpg I hope you can get out on the water. Warren |
| elaelap |
posted 12-14-2009 05:07 PM ET (US)
I knew it, contender. Talk about public humiliation. Musta been the Florida sunshine. Tony |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-14-2009 07:02 PM ET (US)
Hey Tony, Looks like you are getting the most out of your trip. Isn't it great! Hope you stop in Islamorada and Robbies when you go down to the Keys. Check out the Charter I told you about if you are going fishing again. Have Fun! |
| contender |
posted 12-14-2009 07:40 PM ET (US)
What's wrong with a contender? Tony try the resturant I told you, By Word of Mouth, you are not far. I think they are close on Monday call for a reso... |
| 17 bodega |
posted 12-15-2009 03:44 AM ET (US)
Dude... you gotta hit the Cuban food in Key Largo... the little hole in the wall joint where they cook it all from scratch... closest thing in Florida we found to the Mission District in SF! |
| gnr |
posted 12-15-2009 08:59 AM ET (US)
So CW has become Tony's twitter alternative? lol |
| R T M |
posted 12-15-2009 03:06 PM ET (US)
gnr, that's very funny. He`s got more things to do, places to go and people to meet, than I could do in a year. I can`t handle those crowds in South Florida. In my opinion the only thing South Florida has to offer that you can`t get anywhere else in the state is close Gulf Stream fishing. The keys are not what they were 25 years ago. rich/Binkie |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-15-2009 04:32 PM ET (US)
gnr--Is that jealousy I detect? Rich- My opinion is that South Florida is great to visit but have stayed there for an extended time and did not want to live there. A lot of good reasons. |
| R T M |
posted 12-15-2009 09:33 PM ET (US)
The reason the coast of S. Florida is so crowded, and has been for 50 years is, let face it, its the climate, and its due to the closeness of the Gulf Stream. The 'Stream' keeps the temperature cool in the summer, and warmer in the winter, and the onshore sea breezes keep the bugs away. Too bad too many people live there. I loved visiting my daughter in Pompano Beach for the 5 years she lived there. The temps were alot hotter and muggier in Ft. Myers, where I lived directly, across the state. rich/Binkie |
| WT |
posted 12-15-2009 09:59 PM ET (US)
Travel time is about 6 hours for me to get to Fort Lauderdale. About 5 hours to Honolulu. Flight is actually to get to Honolulu for me. So my question is, for the same cost and time of travel would you rather be in Hawaii or South Florida? I am thinking of buying a condo at Waikiki but I know South Florida has a TON of condo foreclosures. Thanks, Warren |
| hauptjm |
posted 12-15-2009 10:38 PM ET (US)
WT, you're right about split between the two on travel time, but the cost of living, buying and having fun is much more expensive in Hawaii than Florida. Either way, both are pretty nice to spend your time! |
| BlueMax |
posted 12-15-2009 11:26 PM ET (US)
I lived in Hawaii for 3 1/2 years - one common theme I heard time and again from Florida visitors to the Island of Oahu - It's just like Ft Lauderdale with mountains. Many folks that visited from Florida openly wondered why they spent so much money and travel time to get there only to find the same basic weather and beauty that could be found right outside their own front door every day of the week. PLUS, you can get OUT of S. Florida and into another "state" (even go further South for that matter) at any time, even if just for a day or weekend; where-as in Hawaii there are No real "road" trips, you can only go around in the same circles to the same places on the same roads (and how many times do you want to do that) on the Island you are on. To do anything else takes a bit of planning, time, money and travel effort - As absolutely stunningly beautiful as Hawaii is, "Island Fever" is a very common ailment after a time. Just my two cents, |
| LuckyLady |
posted 12-16-2009 01:56 AM ET (US)
Max is right about Hawaii. Once in a while I walk around mumbling, 'Got to get off this rock'! Been here forty years, still miss not being able to jump in the car and start driving straight, not just in a circles. |
| WT |
posted 12-16-2009 02:56 AM ET (US)
I agree about the problem of being trapped on the island but I would only be living there 3-4 months out of the year. I have 2-3 other partners that would split the costs. One of my partners loves West Palm Beach but not in the summer. Thanks for the input and I'll snoop around for condos in South Florida just to get a feel for some of the deals to be had. Here are about 40 pictures of my trip last week to Honolulu. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Banzai%20Pipeline%202009/ ?albumview=slideshow Enjoy and stay warm. Warren |
| R T M |
posted 12-16-2009 06:02 AM ET (US)
some people don`t like Hawaii at all. http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/08/sarah-palin-and-hawaii-dont-mix-comfort-zones-vs-going-rogue |
| elaelap |
posted 12-16-2009 07:15 AM ET (US)
My wife's family lives in Kaua'i so we get over there almost every year, and I assure you it's nothing at all like Ft Lauderdale, thank God. We've had a great time down here and it's truly beautiful, but a little too developed and crowded for my liking. Kaua'i has miles and miles of deserted beaches and scores of hidden coves, and only a couple of clusters of high rise hotels and condos. Down here the entire 70-mile 'Gold Coast' beach is lined with hotels, much like Honolulu. Depends what you're looking for, I guess. Heading down to Islamorada and Marathon on the Keys for the next three days--think sailfish! Tony |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-16-2009 08:07 AM ET (US)
Tony--Last time I was there we got nine of them one morning! Best trip ever! |
| Menemsha69 |
posted 12-16-2009 08:31 AM ET (US)
Tony- You are right on! Nice place to visit, but overdeveloped. The Keys are beautiful, great fishing, used to be great diving, and great atmosphere, but again, crowded, touristy, and tacky. You, along with others, knocked Tallahassee, and some went so far as to say anything "North of Gainesville". There were suggestions of sucession to Georgia for areas from Gainesville north. Couldn't agree more! Georgia would love to incorporate areas like Tallahassee, the Big Bend area, as well as the "Forgotten Coast", and dump the overdeveloped, less desirable areas from the Orlando/Tampa area south. Hopefully the ill-mannered, angry Northern transpants would stay in South Florida where they could commiserate about how much better things are in New York, or "New-New York" (also known as "South Florida"). The big Bend area, the Florida Panhandle, Central Florida (Ocala, Gainesville,etc...) all have some beautiful and peaceful undeveloped areas. From rolling horse farms to quiet fishing villages you can't beat the true Old Florida. There are some spots that ain't so grand, Panama City Beach (aka: redneck riviera, or LA) could use some zoning laws, but all in all you're missing out on the Old Florida down there in South Florida! Next time stay off the freeways and make a point of seeing Ocala, Crystal River, Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, Alligator Point, St.George Island, Apalachicola, Tallahassee and areas in between! Lots of good people and pretty, peaceful scenery to be had! (Just don't tell the miserable, angry, brash transplants in South Florida about it!)-k |
| elaelap |
posted 12-16-2009 08:36 AM ET (US)
Keep that thought, fourdy. I've never caught a billfish of any kind, though I was hooked onto a huge black marlin for about 30 seconds or so a decade ago down in Manzanillo. More 'twitter', gnr (twitter's just an obnoxious new age word for 'gam', BTW, lol-ly boy): Everglades airboat tour yesterday was conducted by a expatriated NYC cab driver--no lie. Great commentary out there in the bugs and critters: "Now dese gators wit' da big teet', ya gottah watch out or deh'll getcha." Ah, the gallant South ;-) Tony |
| gnr |
posted 12-16-2009 09:38 AM ET (US)
quote:
But you have made it clear over the years that the intellectually enlightened such as yourself don't have to abide by the same rules that the rest of us Neanderthals do. But this is certainly nothing new for you. Yet more reinforcement of the validity of the many stereotypes developed over the years relating to your kind. LOL |
| Tom C |
posted 12-16-2009 10:14 AM ET (US)
Have enjoyed all the posts about Ft. Lauderdale and Florida in general. My wife and I are heading to Lauderdale early next month to pick up a 2007 130 Sport to replace a 2004 that was totaled in a wreck in August. To break up the trip we are taking a cruise to the islands sailing Jan. 10 to 17. On the drive back will attend our niece's wedding in Orlando and visit her parents. Hope my old body and the 1998 Pathfinder are up to this road trip. |
| R T M |
posted 12-16-2009 10:26 AM ET (US)
Ceder Key, I love that place. It looks just like the keys but the NY tourists don`t know about it. I bet most have never heard about it and don`t know where it is. After spending 31 years in SW Florida, I discovered the West Central Coast 9 years ago. I don`t like to go south of I-4. gnr, I think the Gam Forum, covers about all discussions, except discussions criticising jimh`s website, which will quickly be deleted. Sometimes its interesting to see how close to the edge you can get without going over. rich/Binkie |
| gnr |
posted 12-16-2009 11:03 AM ET (US)
Well I did quote the heading for the forum which states exactly what it is for. I really don't care what is talked about here. If anyone else started the same thread I wouldn't have intruded. I do love to turn Tony's, holier then thou, speak out for the cause no matter how inappropriate, tactics back on him though. He is the only one I can think of that would have the audacity to start a thread like this. Most would have more respect for the host's guidelines. |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-16-2009 01:29 PM ET (US)
gnr-It is Christmas, Give it a break! This thread lets people live vicariously thru Tonys trip. It does not hurt anyone. Go take some medication and find some peace and goodwill. Happy Holidays to you! |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-16-2009 01:32 PM ET (US)
BTW Rich, We found Cedar Key to be very different. Not what we expected. Was a neat trip. gnr- I think you could use a month in Florida this winter. |
| gnr |
posted 12-16-2009 01:52 PM ET (US)
I love you man. Not many could invoke the "it's Christmas so be nice" mantra and tell them to go get some meds in the same post. You do see what you did there don't you? lol You may want to go back and read the words though. You will clearly see that I really don't care and am just taking the opportunity to reflect Tony back to himself. But don't let reality get in the way of the particular opinion that you wish to have. ;-) And furthermore.... Are you nicer at Christmas time then other times of the year? If so then why? Do you get double bonus points for being nice at Christmas which make it ok to be a Richard at other times of the year? Kind of like double coupon day at the grocery store? Since the thread is completely unrelated to the purpose of the website is it ok to take it even further out to sea? Can we talk politics? Maybe discuss how Tony's boy is doing so far? I'd really like to talk about the recent news on man made global warming. Heck, that is actually more on topic then Tony's travels since the rising sea levels will impact the boating we do in our Whalers. See there? It's OK to disregard the rules and bend the truth to whichever degree is necessary to push your agenda if you are of superior intellect and understanding. Honor and character are so 1950's... lol |
| gnr |
posted 12-16-2009 01:54 PM ET (US)
Bill, We will be in the Ft Meyer's area early March for two weeks. I'll start a thread a few days before. ;-) |
| R T M |
posted 12-16-2009 02:23 PM ET (US)
gnr, your comment (make it OK to be a Richard at) is very insulting to me when used in that context. Richard is a cool name. I can think of no cool names that start with G. BTW, We don`t even know your name, could it be Graig, Gunther? give me a break. I won`t lose no sleep over it though. Let me give you some advice. As a 31 year former resident of Ft. Myers, Fl., what we hate the most is some Yankee that can`t spell the name of our town. Its Ft. Myers, not Ft. Myers. When we see someone misspelling Ft. Myers, we figure that person must be a real "Dick". If your lucky I might just show up and give you a cruise around the Ft. Myers, Sanibel, and Cape Coral area in my extraordinary 13 footer. Can you swim?, I don`t carry life preservers. Not enough room, I can swim real good. rich/Binkie |
| R T M |
posted 12-16-2009 02:26 PM ET (US)
gnr, your comment (make it OK to be a Richard at) is very insulting to me when used in that context. Richard is a cool name. I can think of no cool names that start with G. BTW, We don`t even know your name, could it be Graig, Gunther? give me a break. I won`t lose no sleep over it though. Let me give you some advice. As a 31 year former resident of Ft. Myers, Fl., what we hate the most is some Yankee that can`t spell the name of our town. Its Ft. Myers, not Ft. Meyers. When we see someone misspelling Ft. Myers, we figure that person must be a real "Dick". If your lucky I might just show up and give you a cruise around the Ft. Myers, Sanibel, and Cape Coral area in my extraordinary 13 footer. Can you swim?, I don`t carry life preservers. Not enough room, I can swim real good. rich/Binkie |
| gnr |
posted 12-16-2009 02:44 PM ET (US)
LOL You know Rich... I actually changed it from my original "Rich" to "Richard" just because I didn't want insult you. I swear to Obama! You don't seem like a Richard (literally at least) to me and since you always refer to yourself as Rich I thought I could get away with it. Any similarities to real life Rich's or Richards is just coincidence and was not the intention of the producers. I've got an uncle Rich in Tampa. He's a brain surgeon. He's not a Richard either. Just a Rich. Sorry about the spelling too. I used to know a girl who's last name was Meyer's. She was quite a girl. Left me for a guy name Rich. I swear again to Obama that I am not making this up. That Rich was a good guy and also went by Rich and not Richard. I got out of it with just some hurt pride and couple big bar tabs. She ended up taking Rich for pretty much everything he had. I tried to warn him but... she was quite a girl. |
| dnh |
posted 12-16-2009 02:46 PM ET (US)
I went to Ft. Lauderdale and simply posted my trip and pics in one post, without constant updates or domination of the board. http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/013886.html In fact, while Tony has had time to post 100 follow ups on here, I emailed him privately about suggestions on good places to eat, as well as posted in here, with no response, no "thank you" no anything. So, one questions the motives. |
| conch |
posted 12-16-2009 02:52 PM ET (US)
Cheeca Lodge reopened yesterday 12/15/09, they are at Mile Marker 82 oceanside Overseas Hwy Islamorada 305-664-4651 Chuck |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-16-2009 03:12 PM ET (US)
gnr--For your info your post got some laughs. You should start a thread for your trip. I will be looking forward to it! And yes, hope you have a good time. |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-16-2009 03:14 PM ET (US)
Hey conch, Do you know Capt Brian Cone of the "Contagious" |
| R T M |
posted 12-16-2009 06:24 PM ET (US)
Hey Bill, fourdy, You an I have got to get togrther in March, and run down to Ft. Myers and meet gnr. How about it gnr. I think the three of us will have alot of laughs. We can be part of his thread too. Its kind of a long round trip, maybe he can put us up. gnr, will you be bringing your Whaler? I can tow down my exrodinary 13 footer. I always wanted to meet a guy who fishes from trees with a high powered bolt action rifle. He must be a former sniper. How bout it guys. Richard/Binkie |
| gnr |
posted 12-16-2009 06:57 PM ET (US)
LOL Not a former sniper Richard. Just a woodchuck who growed up doing what us woodchucks have been doing for generations. I do have my AR set up for 500 yard shoots though but I'll never be as good as a real sniper, former or not. But anyways.... Love to have you come down and take me for a ride in your sweet and torquey little 13. (It is sweet and torquey isn't it?) I'm not bringing mine as we're flying and they're charging for luggage now and all. I'll make room for you. I'll even take the floor so you and Fourdy can spoon in the bed. Any thoughts on the current political situation. If you read the papers with all the surges and buildups and deficit increases and unemployment you might think that CHANGE hasn't come yet. Do you know what's up with that? |
| frontier |
posted 12-16-2009 07:13 PM ET (US)
Tiger fooled most of us. Obama fooled some of us. Best thing I've seen written lately: Please Mr. Obama, do what's best for America: resign. |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-16-2009 07:28 PM ET (US)
Talk about people trashing a thread! Real good guys! |
| MarthaB |
posted 12-16-2009 07:56 PM ET (US)
I thought this thread topic started out as "heading for ft lauderdale"? Wow. |
| conch |
posted 12-16-2009 08:15 PM ET (US)
High fourdfish,I have not met Brian yet, but he is a respected local Capt.with a strong following. Chuck |
| R T M |
posted 12-16-2009 08:22 PM ET (US)
Frontier seems to be taking his misfortune out on the goverment, while others are on vacation. This was an informative thread. rich/Binkie |
| elaelap |
posted 12-16-2009 08:50 PM ET (US)
Nathan/dnh: Sorry I didn't immediately reply to your one line email a couple of days ago mentioning the name of a seafood restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale. Sorry also that this thread has apparently annoyed you so much. You know, I didn't post those "100 replies"...others did. Maybe you're sorta bent out of shape that your thread--with the very nice photos of Ft. Lauderdale--was ignored. gnr: What can I say but that I'm so very, very sorry... Tony ...for you. Life is good. Lose some of that anger and find out for yourself. Merry Christmas to you; sailfish tomorrow for me. |
| fno |
posted 12-16-2009 08:55 PM ET (US)
JimH, indulge me for a post. What a bunch of Assholes you guys are, and most of you know who I mean. Tony's having a good time in Florida with his wife and wants to share. His only crime is not posting in the Rendezvous section. North Florida-South Florida what the hell!!! Rich, you spent a week bashing Gainesville and the Gators and Tebow. Was any of that on topic??? No, not at all, but Jim put up with it. Bottom line, stop being Assholes alone or together and let Tony have his(yet another) 15 minutes of fame. Then we can all get back to important Whaler topics. WTF!!! |
| R T M |
posted 12-17-2009 08:35 AM ET (US)
fno, excuse me but I was not bashing my state, but was commenting on the diversity of Florida, from north to south both in climate, which regulates what grows in different regions, and the people that live there. Personally I wouldn`t live anywhere else. If you are a UF fan please don`t be insulted if I don`t care for your team. that's the way it is in sports. Don`t take it personally. rich/Binkie |
| gnr |
posted 12-17-2009 09:15 AM ET (US)
FNO, That's a pretty cool selective judgement thing you got going on there. Tony has dragged more threads into the gutter for the sake of flaunting his self righteous agenda here then anyone else. It's not even close. |
| gnr |
posted 12-17-2009 09:23 AM ET (US)
LOL Trust me Tony, I would only get angry over something I care about. Typical effort at assigning feelings and emotions to your adversary based on absolutely nothing and designed to discredit them. Keep on reinforcing those stereotypes bud. Do to the weird weather we've had this early winter (real ice and snow)this weekend I might take the opportunity to do some trolling for awhile then pull the boat up right next to the forming ice and drill a couple holes for some tip-ups. Good luck with the sailfish. |
| BlueMax |
posted 12-17-2009 10:01 AM ET (US)
Geez - I can't wait for Tony to leave the State and I live in NC!! LOL Tony - I hope you and the wife are having an absolutely fabulous time and are thoroughly enjoying the whirl and banter your real life adventures and posted musings stir on this site. I look forward to your post-trip wrap up and synopsis of your time spent there and hope you will include your usual array of fantastic photos. Maybe for fun you can make an initial "final" post before you depart for the airport and see the buzz it generates by the time you land on the other side - which you are probably doing when you leave your hotel for a lovely evening out with the lovely significant other anyway. Tony: Hang on honey, watch this ....type-type-type... "going to dinner" w/in 6 minutes in CW world: "Argrgrhh"- "Blarrghety Arghh!!" - "Arghh you!!" - "Arggh you Troll!" - "Arrrgh you too!" 6 hours later - after a lovely evening out with the wife - Mrs. Tuco Elaelap "Oh, Tony....[honest laughter]!!!" And the 6 year old inside the 60 something year old flashes that impish knowing smile... and then enjoys the rest of his night and life laughing with the Mrs. Wait - dang it - I am envious!! But I am well on my way to following suit - and looking forward to it (all except that still posting my every move and tweaking folks on CW thing, hopefully I'll have more of a life than that in 20 years - Lol). Just teasing man, |
| R T M |
posted 12-17-2009 01:36 PM ET (US)
Gov. Charlie Crist ignored President Obama when he paid a visit to our state last month, He said he didn`t even know about it. I hope he doesn`t do the same to Tony too. I e-mailed him last week and mentioned when Tony would be here and for how long, but I hadn`t heard back from him. Since he`s quickly moving from the center to the right to satisfy his party's rightwingnuts, he`s trying to distance himself from us regular people.(former Republicans-turned middle of the road- Democrats.) rich/Binkie |
| dnh |
posted 12-17-2009 02:03 PM ET (US)
"elaelap" whatever that means. The email was: If you are not too fancy, you seriously should hit Bahia Cabana for a grouper sandwich. It’s a bit run down but its just great atmosphere. Old school Florida. Its funny you say there for a depo. I was there for a settlement conference 12 days ago. Was 85. Too cold for me here. So, it was more than one line. If you have time to log in with a UserName and Password you probably could hit "reply" and say "Thanks" in less time. So, not only did I suggest a restaurant, I added in some attempt to befriend you, which failed. You inject things such as: "Nope, this time we've gotta make it or we've got serious problems with a client. We're deposing a key witness in a major lawsuit, and for a while it looked like the depo would be taken in--God help me--Tallahassee...many miles from the water. Like I said, I've never been down there, so we're adding a week and making it a working vacation and Christmas present to ourselves." "I will be bringing my laptop, so if anything else occurs to anyone I'll be checking this website regularly. And if those in the witness protection program want to contact me privately, my email address is: wildelaw@comcast.net" etc.
|
| WT |
posted 12-17-2009 02:05 PM ET (US)
Bummer, my link above doesn't open. Sorry, here it is again. (Slideshow is broken). http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Banzai%20Pipeline%202009/ I guess Riviera Beach is a little less desireable than Singer Island? Huge difference in condo values. I hope the pictures alleviate the cabin fever some of us might have. I need to get out on my boat.... Tony, I want to see some sail fish pictures. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Costa%20Rica%202006/ DSC_0389.jpg
|
| fourdfish |
posted 12-17-2009 02:30 PM ET (US)
dnh--"elaelap"---"pale ale" |
| TransAm |
posted 12-17-2009 02:30 PM ET (US)
Warren--By the looks of some of those pictures, Tiger was probably lurking somewhere close. Did you see him too? |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-17-2009 02:33 PM ET (US)
WT--In florida keys, sailfish are catch and release. That one looks like he has had it! |
| WT |
posted 12-17-2009 03:27 PM ET (US)
There was plenty of wildlife for Tiger to stalk on the beaches. :-) It was catch and release in Costa Rica too. That sail fish is probably a slow learner. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Costa%20Rica%202006/ ?action=view¤t=DSC_0295.jpg http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Costa%20Rica%202006/ ?action=view¤t=DSC_0317.jpg Tony's gotta catch a few today..... Warren |
| R T M |
posted 12-17-2009 06:44 PM ET (US)
WT, looking for a cheap waterfront condo? Check out Cape Coral (town across the Caloosahatchee River from Ft. Myers.) Repos at give away prices, best boating and fishing in Florida, especially tarpon in the spring. The East Coast is way overcrowded, even though Ft. Myers is a city the size of Ft.Lauderdale, rich/Binkie |
| contender |
posted 12-17-2009 06:58 PM ET (US)
RTM: I'm sure Ft. Myers is good for tarpon, however where else can you hand feed a 200 lbs tarpon, (Hint) The Keys (fishing for them year round), Goverment Cut is not far behind. I live on a fresh water lake in Ft. Lauderdale and I even have tarpon in my backyard... You are correct on the condo's Cape Coarl is the place to go, dime a dozen...Take care |
| R T M |
posted 12-17-2009 08:40 PM ET (US)
Contender says, LOL, (where else can you hand feed a 200 lbs tarpon, (Hint) The Keys (fishing for them year round), Government Cut is not far behind) Real tarpon don`t submit to hand feeding, they make you hunt for them. Two clubs in town, the Ft.Myers Tarpon Hunters Club, and the Cape Coral Tarpon hunters Club. We held a National Tournament every year that drew entries from all over the South East, and fishermen from all over the country participating with local guides. These were release only, and if your boat with 3 anglers couldn`t release from 15 to 25 or more fish in the two day tournament, you went home empty handed. usually the top prize was about 10k. We had alot of local and national sponsors. Each boat with 3 anglers usually fishes 6-7 rods all at one time, all stuck in gunwale mounted rod holders with the reels locked up with a fairly tight drag. We freelined live green back shiners, an #5 or#7 extra strong circle hooks. It was not unusual for the three anglers to be fighting 4-5 fish at one time. Talk about a Chinese fire drill. The boats were all center consoles, 21' Sea Crafts were the most popular, with the interior basically stripped, and a small center console with a console mounted tower. There is 7-8 Gunwale mounted rod holders mounted on each gunwale mounted 90 degrees out from the gunwale. For seats you used the huge Chum(frozen bunker or Menhaden)box and deck mounted live bait well, filled with shiners the previous evening or at sunrise. At daybreak you will be idling along in the area where fish were caught the day before, with one person in the tower looking for the fish moving in huge schools, Tarpon roll, and their huge silver scales flash in the early morning sunlight. When you figure out which way the school is moving, You position the boat ahead of the school, anchor down, and start chumming like crazy. The man in the tower casts out all the rods, locks them down and hands them down to the other anglers who stick them in the rod holders. Then you wait hopefully not long, then suddenly the rods take a huge bend and the clickers go off and hooked tarpon are flying out of the water everywhere around your boat. The reason that one fisherman can fight two or more fish at one time, actually you are playing one fish at a time, and after you gain some line back, you slightly loosen the drag, so the fish can pull off a little line, then stick the rod back in the rodholder, pick up another rod and fight another fish. Funny thing about tarpon is that if they feel they are gaining headway, they will not jump, and continue moving away in the direction they are going. they won`t slack a line or turn 90 degrees. Becuase of this there are few crossed lines, and generally you will get both fish or 2 out of three. Tarpon in the keys and lower east coast are smaller, and I heard the tale of hand feeding the 200 lb. tarpon 25 years ago, they must be 300 lbs by now. rich/Binkie |
| contender |
posted 12-17-2009 09:25 PM ET (US)
RTM: Like I said its year round fishing for Tarpon down here, Not just a few months like in Ft Myers. Were do you think all of the Tarpon go when it gets to cold in Ft. Myers? They go/move south for the winter (just like the ducks). As far as the hand feeding them its just because there are so many of them everywhere, any dock, sea wall pier, down south you can catch Tarpon (The Tarpon here will suck up pretty much everything Mullet, Large Shrimp, Pinfish and Finger mullet). I agree with the fire drill but its the same when you hit a school of king fish, dolphin, and/or mackerel. As far as fighting the fish it depends on the size of the fish and the equipment you are using. I'm leaving for the keys Sunday night I have a custom built rod using only 17 lbs test line that I will be using for the sailfish. After the sailfish day we are going to the back country to try and get a slam (Redfish Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit) all in one day. The first three will be easy the Permit will be the problem. The divorces (I'm sure) were cause by other problems but the fishing did not help (I went through it too) but I'm still fishing and still I have my boats...PS State Record Tarpon Key West Fla. 243lbs, World Record Rubane Africa 286lbs. some fly records were set in Homosassa Fla. |
| R T M |
posted 12-17-2009 10:21 PM ET (US)
Contender, congrads on the Key West tarpon record. I never caught one over 140 myself, but a club member took a relative from Mi out and she caught a 225 lber the first try. He had it mounted. A friend fishing from my boat had one that was well over 200lbs but even though he got it to the boat several times I was afraid to lip gaff it,(we used a gaff head with a short line attached and wrapped around your wrist) several times as fish was too green and would pull out 20 feet or so of line with a swish of its tail. Finally, the 120lb. leader wore out from rubbing the fishes mouth and he was gone, and I was relieved. As we fished for releases, we were more into quantity than size. although they usually went from 80 to over 200lbs. I never knew of any caught under 80lbs. Less than 50lbs, didn`t count as a release. A grand slam on the West Coast is a snook, redfish, and tarpon on the same day. I could only catch tarpon. rich/Binkie |
| Menemsha69 |
posted 12-18-2009 06:14 AM ET (US)
Some pics of my wife "noodling" for Tarpon at Robbies a few years back: http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/ktswhaler15/good%20shots/ gotabigone.jpg -k |
| conch |
posted 12-18-2009 10:28 AM ET (US)
RTM-"Real tarpon don`t submit to hand feeding," My wife,kids and I have been hand feeding the Tarpon,Manatee, Sharks and Dolphin in our backyard for over 60 years. Along with pelicans,egrets,and osprey.Hell we even feed the Iguanas and the neighborhood kids. Chuck |
| R T M |
posted 12-18-2009 11:48 AM ET (US)
conch, Please don`t feed the gators, its illegal, or the coyotes, whoops, I see your in the keys. The coyotes haven`t gotten that far south yet, but they have recently been reported in Bradenton. rich/Binkie |
| gnr |
posted 12-18-2009 12:39 PM ET (US)
Damn coyotes woke me up this morning. Well, they woke the dogs up first then the dogs woke me up. These are northern coyotes though, not them little wimpy southern coyotes. Just read a report a few weeks ago about how the yotes in Northern New England are different then most others because the forebearers of these yotes went north around the Great Lakes as they migrated east. The result of this is that they interbred with wolves. I did notice while camping out at the Grand Canyon this summer that them western yotes sound much different then the yotes singing to me most nights. I had a big yote walk within 20 ft of me on consecutive mornings this past deer season. I was sitting at the base of the same tree and he came up the same trail at the same time both mornings. He never saw me and never knew the crosshairs were on him for a couple hundred yards of his morning walk. |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-18-2009 01:36 PM ET (US)
contender-- From your profile, I see you live in Davie,FL but your posts make it sound like you live in Islamorada. Actually, as you know a bit of a crappy drive! I have also been up and down the state. I don't think it is really productive debating the merits of where you live in Florida. Many South Florida people are moving up to northern FL near us for a lot of obvious reasons. Citrus County is growing. The tarpon at Robbies remind me of all the carp being fed under the dock on Table Rock Lake in Branson, MO. We will continue to visit down there but sold all our property down there several years ago. |
| contender |
posted 12-19-2009 02:30 PM ET (US)
Menemsha69: Great pictures something you will never forget. Fourdfish/Conch I built one of my homes in Lower Matecumbe (Port Antigua) kept it as a second home but I was there more than at my regular home in Ft. Lauderdale. Lost it in the Divorce (had to sell it). You are correct all of the fishing, diving, and more people now, just not the same as the old Keys. I have been going there since the late 50's (father took me fishing). I still remember being allowed to spear lobester right off the dock (could not even give them away), now you can't even find them. Fourdfish sorry you had to sell your property, I still have a small water front lot in Big Pine but its to far south, I think I'm going to look for something around Matecumbe/ Islamorda. I still like it down there even with all the down sides, its my escape so I got to go. You guys take care |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-24-2009 10:38 PM ET (US)
Tony-- I hope you and the Mrs had a great time in Florida I'm on my way back down there for the winter Sunday! |
| elaelap |
posted 12-24-2009 11:36 PM ET (US)
We had a great time, but no sailfish (lots of "dolphin"--dorado or mahi-mahi where I come from--also king fish and one big barracuda). Great seafood every day, and a bitchin' South Carolina-style pulled pork barbecue sandwich. Sorry this thread got out of hand. Thanks to all who offered good suggestions. The Keys are super! (but Lauderdale's a little rich for my blood...and my wallet). Tony |
| dnh |
posted 12-25-2009 09:06 PM ET (US)
Because this thread has commanded so much of this forum, and because this forum is actually picked up and cataloged by Google, I need to respond. Tony went on a trip to Ft. Lauderdale. He asked for suggestions. He then updated all of us on his every move. At the end, he concluded Ft. L was too expensive and headed back to Cali. I have been to Ft. L 6 times and it is absolutely not too expensive. In fact, I think that for someone who has a Whaler and enjoys the water and South Florida, Ft. L is definitely the absolute best value for your money you can have. My average all guy trip with no females costs about an average of $375.00 per person including car and boat gas from SC as well as hotel, all parking, beer, liqour food, etc. This is from a Wednesday to Sunday trip. We drive to 15th Street Ramp and leave the car and then stay on the water at Bahia Cabana. We take the boat to Miami by water, either ocean or ICW, avoid killing manatees, and have a blast. If anyone has read Tony's thread and decided Ft. L is somehow expensive, I am happy to counter that for you. Frankly, compared to California, Ft. L is dirt cheap. Me thinks the guy spent too much time blogging and not enoough figuring out how to enjoy Florida. But, bottom line, I know Ft. L a lot better than he does, and it is NOT expensive in any way compared to the rest of South Florida if done right. Certainly not compared to the other coast.. |
| elaelap |
posted 12-26-2009 09:25 AM ET (US)
Nathan/dnh says: "My average all guy trip [to Ft Lauderdale] with no females costs about an average of $375.00 per person including car and boat gas from SC as well as hotel, all parking, beer, liqour food, etc. This is from a Wednesday to Sunday trip." Let's see: Wednesday to Sunday is five days. If my grade school math is right, that's less than eighty bucks per day for car and boat gas [from S. Carolina] plus parking, beer, liqour [sic], food and whatever. Truly amazing! I'm sure you mean $375.00 per day, Nate; otherwise, tell us about the RV park you camp in and how much fun it is living on Seven/Eleven snack food for the best part of a week. Lauderdale IS pricey. In fact, if one dines at nice places like Coconuts and Shula's, it's almost impossible to get out without blowing Nate's entire eighty buck daily budget at one sitting. We stayed at the Westin Beach Resort, and while it was an okay middle-class hotel right across the street from a nice swimming beach, it sure wasn't inexpensive. Christmas was coming and we were out of town, so my good wife insisted on doing some shopping, and Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive has nothing on Lauderdale's Las Olas Blvd when it comes to expensive stores (and the best toasted ice cream I've ever had in my misspent life at Kilwins--$5.50 per scoop). Why wouldn't Ft Lauderdale be expensive? It's the home of literally hundreds of 75-200 ft yachts, most paying--according to our water taxi driver--$3.00 per foot per day to tie up along the city's beautiful 180 miles of canals. It's the home of many mega-gazillionaires, and the locals all seem to delight in pointing out their homes and yachts and gossiping about how they made their fortunes. Sorry, Nathan, but it's tough for me to believe that you survived Lauderdale on eighty bucks per day. Maybe all that "beer and liqour" went to your head and you ended up staying instead in one of those tough-but-inexpensive Miami neighborhoods, eh? ;-) Tony And what's with this "all guy trip...with no females"? Spare us the redundancy; we get the point. |
| elaelap |
posted 12-26-2009 09:35 AM ET (US)
Make that 'toasted coconut ice cream', and man oh man was it yummy! Let's let this pitiful thread die a peaceful death. Sorry (I guess) that I annoyed some of you with this topic, and my sincere thanks to those many CW members who offered helpful suggestions. We loved our trip down there, and now I understand personally why Florida is such a very attractive place to live and boat. Turns out that we will probably have to return in early spring for another round of depositions, but I'll make sure to say absolutely NOTHING about our next trip for fear of disturbing the sensitivities of some at this website. Tony |
| R T M |
posted 12-26-2009 09:01 PM ET (US)
Tony, I thought this thread was very informative, amusing and interesting, being able to look through the eyes of a first time visitor, and also through the eyes and sensibilities of the many snowbirds who commented on the many great restaurants and wonderful things to do here. As a looong time resident, but unfortunately not a native, we get used to all the wonderfulness, and it seems to become routine with us. Thanks everyone for waking us up. rich/Binkie |
| MarthaB |
posted 12-26-2009 10:20 PM ET (US)
Tony There is a Kilwin's in Ft Lauderdale...the original store and company HQ's is in Petoskey Michigan. Their candy is very pricey too. |
| gnr |
posted 12-27-2009 10:18 AM ET (US)
quote:
Nobody falls for this 7th grade tactic of implying you are speaking for the masses. Speak for yourself, eh.
A man who's adjectives outnumber his nouns 10 to 1 complains of redundancy. LOL |
| elaelap |
posted 12-27-2009 10:35 AM ET (US)
Here's some redundancy for you, LOL-ly boy: "Let's let this pitiful thread die a peaceful death." Tony |
| dnh |
posted 12-27-2009 06:48 PM ET (US)
Tony: Lauderdale can be done for $80.00 a day when you are talking about drinking beer in a boat (or liquor), idling around and looking at the mansions and yachts (or running the boat to Miami and back), coming back and eating a grouper sandwich for less than $10.00 and going to bed in a cheap hotel room. I go there and spend the whole time in my Whaler. I do not bring the girls on that trip, which probably helps keep the cost down. I do agree that when I have been there with my wife its been more expensive. But, one can stay there and have a good time and its not, overall, "pricey" unless you make it as such. You can even bring your own paleale or if people in California spell it backwards, elaelap, to help keep the prices down. Taking a boat up the New River and tying up lets you get out and walk around and eat a cheap dinner as well. I don't care to debate but Lauderdale does not have to be pricey. Peace. |
| elaelap |
posted 12-28-2009 12:17 AM ET (US)
I guess we're both right about Lauderdale, Nathan, and I suspect you, your pals and your Boston Whaler had a better time than I, much as I enjoyed my first trip to Florida. Peace to you as well, and best wishes for the New Year. Tony |
| 2manyboats |
posted 12-28-2009 06:43 PM ET (US)
2 lawyers debating the cost of vacationing in FT Lauderdale, how interesting. not |
| fourdfish |
posted 12-28-2009 08:00 PM ET (US)
OMG-- Cost of anything is relative. Getting upset that someone said it was expensive is just priceless. Both dnh & gnr have nothing better to do than attack Tony. I'm sure he stayed in a very nice place and enjoyed some really good food. My kid dropped a bundle there last year also. Both you guys need to find something better to do with your time. Meanwhile I'm back in Florida enjoying the good life! |
| dnh |
posted 12-28-2009 09:11 PM ET (US)
"Retired Physics & Chemistry Educator" Can I power my boat off of ETOH or siphon the 10% of ethanol out of my gas to save at the local pub, Professor! |
| dnh |
posted 12-28-2009 09:15 PM ET (US)
I also object to the characterization as a lawyer. I'm a boater. I'm a captain. I happen to have a wife and children I can't support running a boat, so I practice law to support them. Unfortunately, not in Ft. Lauderdale. One day, I shall spend my time running boats to those destinations sought out by the continuouswave crew and personally report on them. As for now, I have to report on past experiences, admittedly at times soundingly like an old, grumpy, retired New Englander. ;) May be why I like this place. |
| gnr |
posted 12-29-2009 11:59 AM ET (US)
LOL And you don't have "anything better to do" then to attack me and DNH.
LOL |
| The Panther |
posted 12-29-2009 12:19 PM ET (US)
Die - Die damn thread, die!!! lol |
| R T M |
posted 12-29-2009 02:17 PM ET (US)
There are so many lawyers in Ft. lauderdale, that they have to lease neighborhoods from the county from which they can draw their clients from. rich/Binkie |
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