MIAMI

OH, MIAMI! HOW CRAZY YOU ARE!

The weather kept us in Miami for five days and we had a blast! We were excited to experience the culture and visit with some friends who also happened to be in town. The lengthy stay also allowed for picking up more supplies and ordering a few last minute items online!

We had inflated the dinghy upon anchoring so we were all set for the commute to shore. A friend of the family, Rachel (who is an amazing photographer), welcomed us at the dinghy landing.

Photo by @rachelzierke

She showed us around the Coconut Grove area and took us into Panther Coffee for some legit croissants and caffeinated drinks. We were already Panther fans as she had brought us a growler of cold brew while at the boatyard—so obviously that was our first stop!

Photo by @rachelzierke

Noah captured by @rachelzierke

Rachel & Zion

We spent the entire day with Rachel and her puppy, Jax! She landed some adorable photos of the kids with Jax:

Orli & Jax

Noah being cheesy.

Jax with Noah & Orli

Peek-a-boo!

TOO cute!!

Jax didn't mind the love.

We also did some serious art-ing—Orli invented the term.

Art-ing a hand-sewn flannel banana. Photo by @rachelzierke

Heirloom Purple Carrot stuffed-buddy. Photo by @rachelzierke

It was AWESOME being on land! We hadn't been off the boat since the boatyard so Miami provided for some great running, playing and climbing!

Out of the blue, I got a message from one of my best friends from college. He found out we were in Miami via social media and since he happened to be in Miami for work we made plans to meet near his hotel in South Beach. South Beach was only a few miles from our location, but the maps indicated an hour drive (spring break and St. Patty's Day were fueling the traffic). Once we landed in South Beach we quickly located a parking garage. It was brimming with people who were preparing for the weekend's festivities. They ALL seemed to be BYOB-ing it INSIDE the garage. Outside of the garage, we saw an incredible display of fashion.

​Kevin suggested this neat little café!

Photo by @rachelzierke

We totally enjoyed spending some time with Kevin. Rachel was our paparazzi.

Uncle Kevin!

Noah stealing the photo. ;)

These kids never miss an opportunity to get wet!

The street performers were super entertaining, but after the show, Noah was on her guard.

The two in the masks are the street performers, lol. Photo by @rachelzierke

After South Beach we went for tacos and straight to the boat for bed! We had all been a little overstimulated!

​Rachel spent a couple nights with us on the boat. It was good having company while at anchor and working out the logistics of a sixth person! The last night she stayed with us we awoke, and once ashore, discovered her car had been towed! We were en route to Panther to meet up with Kevin for coffee before his flight out. We made the short walk to the coffee shop then sorted out the towing issue from there. The car had been towed to a crazy part of town, but Rachel was already familiar. After picking up the car there was a side-trip to a nearby doughnut shop! A sweet reward for a sticky situation!

We tried an assortment.. everything from Glazed to Guava & Cheese!

Our weather window opened up again. The last day in Miami was dedicated to boat preparation, laundry and organization.

Photo by @rachelzierke

Then we all loaded up (Rachel included) and headed to Key Biscayne to anchor in preparation for the crossing. We put Rachel behind the wheel so she could get some hands-on navigation experience, and she did great! Once anchored, we had dinner together then said our goodbyes to Rachel (and Miami).

Grilled Chicken Salad on the deck. Photo by @rachelzierke