For all you Northerners, you may think that Miami has no winter, but I want to explain to you that although it is not cold, locals, for the most part, do not swim here during Winter. If you go to the beach during winter and see people swimming or water skiing, most of those will be tourists enjoying the non-freezing waters of South Florida.
Today we decided to go boating to take a visitor friend of ours around the tourist attractions inside Biscayne Bay. The temperature started in the 50's and went up to the high 60's, the day was beautiful, but the breeze was pretty chilly and we kept our coats on.
To own a boat in Miami you don't need to live on the water. The options are endless, you can keep your boat at a marina or you can trailor your boat to one of the many boat ramps around Miami-Dade.
We keep our boat on the side of our house and trailer it to Pelican Harbor Marina and pay an annual pass to be able to come and go as we please.
Today we visited Monument island first - we let the kids play around in the sand and walk around the island, had lunch, and then continued our ride. Here you can see the island when it was first built (courtesy of: Flagler Memorial Island monument. Florida Photographic Collection, 1922.), versus today.
Our next visit was Star Island, home to many Miami celebrities, and although I can share some photos I took today on the boat, I cannot tell you who the homes belong to, it would be invasion of privacy and I am not a Paparazzi. But look closely at some of the art work/sculptures and you will be able to at least make out one of them.
Some other pictures are of the Port of Miami - the cranes are truly sculptural, and part of our daily backdrop.
Well known South Pointe is beyond the I-395 bridge (you can see Philippe Stark's Icon, Murano Grande, The Yacht Club and other great South Beach High-rise condos).
And lastly, I had to take some pictures of animals. Look at that beautiful dog barking from the comfort of his own waterfront lounge chair! How about the sea gulls and the Pelicans!
One thing to remember if you are winter boating in South Florida is to look out for ever changing Manatee zones - it is idle speed from November to April. The boat patrols are everywhere enforcing speed to protect our Manatees which are an endangered species.
If you would like more information on Miami's waterfront properties, Feel free to contact Rick & Ines and visit our website athttp://www.yourpropertypros.com/ www.miamism.com
Ines ~ it certainly looks warm and wonderful to me! I love the manatees, aren't they called "sea cows?" I remember swimming with them a long time ago when I was scuba diving. Great pics!
kk
Ines....nice job, but I told you not to show my house with my boat. I might have to report you now.
Anyhow... I love the area.... I was in the Miami Beach area one year and a friend of mine has a friend that lives in the area.... who has a spot at one of the restaurant/bars/clubs.... and I saw Harrison Ford there... it was pretty cool.
The reason the Northerners don't mind swimming in your water when it's in the high 60's is because the water up here might reach the low 70's.....
As KK said... looks warm and I will add comfotable.
Mariana - thanks, it was such a beautifull day, so do think of me during the snowfall - the building with the giant skateboard ramp is Murano Grande, it has incredible views (and my son also thinks it looks like a ramp)....must be a skater thing.
Kristal - I think of you when I am take pictures like this because your shots are the best. Here are some "people shots I took today"
PS>.. I love and miss driving from Miami down to the Keys... I love the waterways... I love A-1 that goes from Island to Island.... through the keys. I have been through the keys 3 different times and I have driven up and or down 6 times, during 6 different hours of the day. Once... approaching the main area of the keys at 5 am..... pretty when the sun comes up on the water and the bridges.. I have been through there around 6 pm.... 8 pm... and one time, around 1 am in the morning. ... So peaceful at that time....
Again, nice post and some good memories.
yes, please don't ruin my memories..... ;o( and yes, you are spoiled...... lol Besides.... many of my trips were in the middle of January and the beginning of March.... I would bet most of your traffic is from the end of February to the beginning of April because of the spring breaks.. ????
The gold star....keep it....
Ines...what is your water temperature this time of year? I'd love to down there swimming ..better yet kayaking!
Love your photos.
LOL Jeff. I lived in that house about 5 years ago and upsized.
Ines, great photos
Jeff Stare - thanks for the advice - I would have never known - it will take him a while to tan that head!
Laurie - it was really great - we had a great time, thanks for stopping by.
Scott - how did you know? That's exactly what we usually do! My mom had made Spanish Tortillas de Patatas (which is Potato omelettes) - and that's why we didn't go to Monty's.
Linda- where in Florida are you going golfing - Miami has some great courses.
Rich - 29 degrees, BBrrrrr!!! NO THANKS!
Monika - the water temperature is about 75 degrees - not bad when you're inside - bad when you come out. I'm a wuss when it comes to cold water. (In the Summer it goes up to the high 80's)
Chris - you were one of the celebrities I was talking about, but did not want to discuss it without your permission, thanks for coming out!
DID YOU GUYS FIND THE SCULPTURE OF THE FAMOUS PERSON?
You can visit any time Chris and would take you out on the boat whenever you want.
I've never been to Amelia Island Linda, but that whole area is beautiful - I'm sure you will have a great time, so enjoy!
Just seeing the pictures made me miss the ocean. Since I can't be there I am very happy that here in New York we are still having 50-65 degree weather and no snow.
Thank you Dena - The Manatees here are a big deal and we have to do everything to protect them. You would be proud of our water patrols and what close watch they keep on boaters.
It's a DEAL! I'll wiggle my toes in the sand for you and you go throw a snowball for me.
Have a great NEW YEAR!
Happy New To You...Sorry we think it sounds better without the Year. SVW.
Last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. "T.S. Eliot"
From Broker Bryant and The Lovely Wife...Wishing You a Good New. ROAR!
Thanks TLW and Bryant - I love T.S. Eliot and thanks for your good wishes. May 2007 be prosperous and bring you lots of health!
Rick and Ines
Happy New Year Rick and Ines
One of these days I would love to come down and look for a get away home in Florida. Maybe you can give me some advice as to where the good deals are.
Happy New Year to you Rob. Come down and we will let you know. There are no 'GREAT DEALS' yet on homes, but plenty of condos being sold under market value.
Ines
Sue - thanks so much for visiting - we were actually out there today and you are right! Living near the water is the absolute best!
Ines