Crusan with Susan

12-10-17 debarkation day--and off to Pompano Beach, Palm Aire, and Green Cay:

We didn't do the self debarkation today. So we waited around quite awhile for our number to be called. While waiting, I thought I was pretty clever registering us on the "mobile passport" app for getting through customs quicker. I had actually downloaded the app last year, but at that time they only had it set up for Iphones to use at Port Everglades. This time my Samsung was letting me put in the info. Unfortunately, when we got down to customs, we were told they no longer use mobile passport. Curses, foiled again! Fortunately, the line did move rather quickly, so we didn't have to wait long.

Soon we were in a taxi and heading to the airport to pick up our rental car. Usually we rent one from the Budget rental office at Quay Center where we returned the car to pre-cruise. They offer a free shuttle to/from Port Everglades. But I noticed it was about $100 this time to rent the car from the airport. So we took the taxi to the car rental garage at FLL for $20 and picked up our car there this time. And we were off to check out a couple of favorite places in South Florida for the next 2 days.

First stop---the beach.

I loved coming here when we lived in South Florida for a year a couple years ago.

lots of beautiful sandy beaches.

We parked at one of our Wyndham resorts in Pompano and wandered the beach a bit. This was one of the resorts that was hit hard by the hurricane. Most of the resort was closed. Fortunately our reservations for 2 nights at the Wyndham Palm Aire for tonight and tomorrow night weren't cancelled like the ones we had reserved for pre-cruise.

Looking towards the lighthouse just north of Wyndham Sea Gardens.

Didn't get in the water. It was actually quite chilly here---for S. Florida---with temps only in the 60s. Plus the waves were pretty rough.

We also drove by their Flagship resort here in S. Florida---Royal Vista. It was closed before the hurricane for a total reno. The hurricane managed to extend the closure. I did have reservations for here, but cancelled them and switched to Palm Aire farther inland well before our trip, but after the Hurricane---just in case. Glad I did!

Then it was off to one of our favorite restaurants in Coral Springs----Dyan's. We've always had great service, great food, and a great time here! Today was no exception. The waitresses and owner even still remembered us.

Ken got a salami sandwich----that's a lot of salami!!!

We also drove up to Loxahatchee where we use to go for sunset all the time. Lots of changes in that area! For starters, this subdivision was being built when we lived there--a 4 Seasons community for seniors. We drove around in it just for the heck of it. The sign said the houses were starting at $450,000.

Not too big, but one level and in a great location.

We still had a bit of time before sunset, so I suggested we head to Green Cay for sunset. Got there with plenty of time to walk the 1.4 miles boardwalk.
I was happy to see the water was up and there was quite a bit of wildlife there. Like this little Grebe.

looking across the water

Part of the boardwalk.

more of the boardwalk off in the distance.

it was a pleasant day for a walk---with temps about 65 and the sun shining.

looking back towards the entrance.

a couple glossy ibises

saw 3 or 4 green herons.

even a few cormorants

continuing along the boardwalk.

a kingfisher

pretty reflections.

also saw a couple night herons. Hadn't seen them here before.

another green heron.

pretty pickerelweed

a flock of ibises flying in.

a little yellow rump warler

halfway around the boardwalk.

a snowy egret

flock of ibises

some whistling ducks in flight

then a lone spoonbill flew in.

he joined the flock of ibises

another ibis

A sign explaining how this is the same water the dinosaurs had.

a little color in the skies off the the East.

more to the East.

A tri colored heron waiting for sunset, too.

I noticed the sun was setting too far to the South for us to see it, so we just enjoyed the clouds to the East, then headed back to the Wyndham Palm Aire.