Chapter 613

link to Pompano 2022 picture folder

Pompano is just a beautiful place and a beautiful experience. 70's - 80's throughout the day and night. Slept with balcony door open. Only really got up to shoot the sunrise on one day. We can now walk on the new pier. Happened to be on the (restricted access) lifeguard station when a mom was photographing her son. My shotgun approach to photography captured his show off moment. Sky was rapidly changing colors and texture. Tourists came for their 5 minute  parade march out and back for their selfie sunrise shots. I spent an hour and a half, no selfies.

Why is it everytime we go, there is a world catastrophe. Covid, this time Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Met up with old college buddy George again. They sold their Colorado ranch this year and are closing on a house in Palm City 2 hours north of us. This was at his brothers home an hour north of us in Hypoloxo. Also have a place in Montawk, Long Island. They invited us to their annual Mardi Gras party with two couples. The couples have been friends since grade school in Oyster Bay, Long Island. A cousin and a fellow SU grad '67. Jo Ann went ALL out with the dinner party. Oysters, artichoke, wine, beer, canjun martinis, best gumbo I ever had, jambalaya, hush puppies, collard greens,  hot carmel apple homemade ice cream. Fantastic.

We also met with them for a dinner at the Biergarten in Boca Raton the next day.

George shared a photo of a recent pheasant hunt at the Quail Creek Sporting Ranch a few hours north, Okeechobee. Here with his Yellow Lab Jessie that we met in Colorado. He shot a portion of the take along with a bunch of others hunters. He just got a Beretta automatic shotgun so he can compete in the Florida state clay pigeon championships.

Dad would be proud having let George fire his first gun.

Had the opportunity to attend the Machu Picchu Exhibit at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. A fantastic display, so now we don't have to go to Peru. These ear pieces were beautifully crafted with gold and inlay a thousand years ago. The statues and artifacts were all in great shape telling the stories of how the citizens are spiritually connected to animals, how they sacrifice the conquered and enter the nether world and return in spirit animals.

Hit the Wakodahatchee Wetlands by Del Ray again. Such a nice respite from the beach tourist crowd. It was certainly the busiest tourist density we've seen in Florida. 

Our primary goal was to walk several miles on the beach each day which we did. I did a bunch of swimming again. Screen capture from Colleen's cell phone video. Sharks are minimal but can be out there. This day was a bit choppy. The morning is typically better more calm and flat water. Had some high winds and waves that were exhilirating and fun.

Visisted the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek. They would give  $200 back but you had to be there over a 7 day period, so no bets. Nearby was the Cooper's Hawk Winery so we HAD to try it. Eight tastes for $10. Good. Bought some Blanc de Blanc champagne for home. 

Got tasty Pina Coladas at the Beach House. No reservations but got the cozy cubicle booths for protection from the wind.

Colleen insisted we get into ole fav Briny Irish Pub. Met up with Marty and Rhonda agin. They seem to always be there. A very festive bar.

misc- Aruba Blackened Seafood Trio at Fort Lauderdale on the Beach, Chicken Cordon Bleu at Beach House, Heavenly Pizza (actually a church), La Crepes breakfast crepes, Chicken Parm Sub at South Florida's best V & S Deli in Boca Raton, Publix Markets are everywhere has great selection of all foods.

I flew home for $20 on a cheapo flight opportunity, Colleen free with points.