Sunday, 14 February 1999
As of 0800, the Empire State was moored starboard side to pier 6/7, Dodge Island in the Passenger Ship Terminal, Port of Miami. She is secured with 4 head lines, 8 spring lines, and 3 stern lines. The weather continues to be partly cloudy. The air temperature has fallen to a cool, 51 degrees F, with a forecast high today of 69 degrees. The wind is northerly at 13 knots. The water temperature is 76 degrees. Barometric pressure is 1020 millibars and falling.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:
Miami is clearly the best liberty port on the Sea Term schedule this year, and that fact is not lost on the cadets. But, despite the attractions, the 51 degree weather definitely places Miami a distant second to Aruba this time around. I understand that snow is falling at the Academy this morning, so I am sure that sympathy will be hard to find.
Empire State and USS Shreveport were hosted by the Navy League and the Chamber of Commerce, last evening. The cadets enjoyed swapping yarns with regular Navy and I think that each group was surprised by how much they had in common. Several of them left together and I can only imagine the sea stories as the evening progressed.
Greater Miami, Northern Biscayne Bay, and the Beaches are the destinations of choice. There is something for all. The Chamber of Commerce briefed us about the best places to see concerts and plays but the cadets were obviously more interested in the data concerning excellent night life. However, the best advice related to the places to avoid; counsel worth it's weight in gold, and I feel certain that they took heed. The favorite places; clearly South Beach and Bayside, on Biscayne Bay. Nearly everyone returning says that these spots are partygoer paradises.
Biscayne Bay is a tropical lagoon, approximately 35 miles long and 8 miles wide at its widest point. It is divided into three parts: North, Central and South Bay. The North Bay, closest to us, is the most urbanized, and includes Miami Beach, and the business district. The Cutler and Turkey Point power plants are located in the South Bay, adjacent to Biscayne National Park. Some will undoubtedly go sightseeing there only to find that the vast majority of this National Park is submerged.
The Bayside Marketplace has an international flavor with more than 150 shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes, such as Hard Rock, Las Tapas, Los Ranchos, and for the more technical among us, Radio Shack and Hooters. Plenty to choose from and not a bad choice among them.
South Beach is the place to go. I heard one cadet talking about the Club Deep. Apparently, the place combines a killer sound system, playing music at 10 decibels above pain, a blinding laser light show, and the dance floor is a 2000 gallon aquarium. One of the hottest places around and to think, I missed it!
After the reception, I ventured out to the Coconut Grove. It was founded in the early 1800's as a haven for seamen in search of salvaged treasure, and from my perspective, one would have to locate treasure in order to visit there very often. It is a charming place with brick streets, unusual stores and shops and nice cafes. The Coco Walk, at the center of Coconut Grove, it is quite a shopping mall. It appears to be very old but in fact, it was built only ten years ago. It is a multi level structure with outdoor shops, restaurants, and entertainment on each. Needless to say, I did not hear Coconut Grove mentioned by a single cadet. The weather must have been too cold for them.
Well, this is it. Later today, we will round them up and make preps to get out of Dodge (Island that is), and head for home. Miami is nice but give me Ole' Cape Cod. See you tomorrow; North bound in the Atlantic with six days and a wake up.