We're not in Kansas (or Michigan!) anymore...

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Today we explored South Beach, not to be confused with South Park.  To get there from our anchorage we followed one of the skinny little canals that are all over coastal Florida cities.  You can see them in the Google satellite view of our blog.  The canal goes almost to the ocean.  To get us in the right frame of mind for Miami sightseeing, as we were tying up our dinghy a guy says, "You're going to lock it up, right?  And be sure to take the key!"  With those words of encouragement we were off.  Pretty much right across the street from the canal is a board walk that goes along the ocean for a couple of miles.  I can't remember the last time I saw bikinis in Michigan in December, but I'm pretty sure it was never!

After Sue got tired of me looking at all the sand, we turned inland.  Lots of art deco buildings, clothing stores, restaurants, and people.

I told Sue maybe she should stock up so she wouldn't have to do laundry as often.

And for you busy ladies (or guys, I guess) think how much time you could save with permanent makeup.

Lincoln Street is pedestrian only, which is pretty neat.  Restaurants, clothing stores, you name it...  And up in many of the trees were hundreds of wild parrots.

And even though the street was posted for no skateboarding...  He's using the stick to push himself along, quite fast.

On our way back to the dinghy we ran across this knit project...

...so now Sue is thinking about knitting a cover for our outboard.  And yes, our dinghy was still locked up safe and sound when we returned.  What a hassle that would be if it got stolen!!

And for Doug and others who might be wondering, we are doing without hot water.  After checking various sources no exact replacement water heater is available.  For over $700 we could have a smaller capacity heater that would fit.  I called one of the more reasonably priced manufacturers, and have come up with a plan.  When we come up with another mailing address, or know we are going to be some place for a few days, I am going to order the smallest heater available (1 inch too tall).  Then I'll take the outside case off and install just the guts of the heater.  It's in an enclosed cabinet so it shouldn't really matter.