Idyllic March

Beware of the Ides of March...

                              -William Shakespeare

The Ides of March may be tomorrow, but the month of March in south Floida is quite Idyllic and nothing to be afraid of....

My winter routine is quite basic: run, swim, rest, repeat. The weather has been so nice this year, that my morning runs are usually without a shirt; just shorts and  my running shoes. Today's post run is spent fueling up on breakfast, and getting ready to swim with Hammerhead Aquatics with Coach John.

Today's noon swim workout was at Sunrise School:
Swim 400 yards

Kick 200 yards

Kick 25 yards, swim 25 yards x 8 at 1.10 minutes.

Swim pool mile with pool buoy:

11 lengths 275 yards 20 second rest

10 lengths 250 yards 20 second rest

09 lenghts 225 yards 20 second rest

08 lengths 200 yards 20 second rest

07 lengths 175 yards 20 second rest

06 lengths 150 yards 20 second rest

05 lenghts 125 yards 20 second rest

04 lengths 100 yards 15 second rest

03 lenghts 75   yards 10 second rest

02 lenghts 50 yards   10 second rest

1  length    25 yards -hit the showers!

-------------------------------------

Total: 1650 yards or one pool mile + 1000 yards grand total 2650 yards....

Equipment: Speedo bathing suit, goggles,  pool buoy, kick board, 15 sunblock!

Now, its time to rest.........

My time is winding down in this idyllic place, and soon we will be heading back to idyllic Maine for yet another season.

Blogger/Innkeeper/runner Gorio prepares for another run along  route A1A, and Fort Lauderdale Beach......

Swap Shop, Fort Lauderdale

Once a year I make a pilgrimage to the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. Its something I can do only once or twice a season. The reason? Its just to overwhelming. Its advertised on television as "Florida's second biggest tourist attraction".

Think farmers market, meets flea market, meets carnival, meets drive-in cinema. Part kitschy and circus like, the Swap Shop is an amalgamation of products and people from every corner of the globe.
The Swap Shop is 88 acres of vendors of every kind. Dealers from  New England selling priceless antiques next to newly arrived people from Haiti selling hubcaps and used Tupperware. There are approximately 2000 dealers. Some specialise in electronics, jewelry, clothing, produce and many other categories...

On approach to the Swap Shop from Sunrise Avenue, its hard to miss the over sized American flag juxtaposed the mid century kitschy drive-in cinema screens. Ferris wheels, amusement rides and an exotic car museum are some of the attractions. The drive-in was opened in November of 1963 and has been featured in some movies. The 14-screen drive-in theater doubles as the largest drive-in and largest daily flea market in the world....

The food court is a microcosm of Florida with flavors from all over Latin America and beyond. I noticed that many of the visitors of the Swap Shop today are middle aged/senior French-Canadians. As I walked through the miles of aisles, some vendors addressed me in French.

The range of products seems endless:  Impostor Designer Perfumes, hip hop gear, faux designer bags, first communion outfits and Muslim hijabs are crammed into small stalls, and kiosks.

Many business' in south Florida got their start selling rummage at the Swap Shop. This vendor "packs up" after a busy day....

The Swap Shop, always an adventure.....

The Details:

The Swap Shop (aka $wap Shop)

3291 W Sunrise Blvd

Fort Lauderdale ( Lauderhill), FL 33311

Open every day ( including holidays)

954-791-7927

Plenty of parking available on 88 acres. Price for parking varies with days and times.

http://www.floridaswapshop.com/

Drive-in, Flea Market, 2000 vendors and mini carnival...

International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum

Treat your body well, and it'll see you through for many years.

                                            -Johnny Weissmuller

Every day I run past the Swimming Hall of Fame. Located near the beach, this complex houses a museum, Olympic size pools and a library. Over the years, I have swam at the Hall of Fame and visited the museum. Today, I decided to re-visit this Smithsonian of swimming. The International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum showcases exhibits related to swimming, water-polo, diving and pool related activities.

Fort Lauderdale is internationally  recognized  as the World's capital of swimming, diving and water polo since the Hall of Fame opened in 1965. For generations, university and college swimmers would train in Fort Lauderdale in the wintertime. The omnipresent Gulf Stream keeps ocean waters warm in the winter, and the abundant sunlight creates ideal conditions for year round training.

The main building showcases, a kaleidoscope history of swimming. One such exhibit is Ben Franklin's Useful Hints for Learning to Swim from 1788. The "Black Splash" exhibit features the Civil Rights struggle in the Jim Crowe south during the 1960's with photos.

There is also an exhibit wing located above the Pro Shop that features the art of swimming. Paintings, prints and photographs related to swimming, diving and water polo throughout history are displayed. Bruce Weber's photos are showcased as well as other photographers like Guillaume Deutsch.

Bruce Weber's B&W swim photos on display.

Johnny "Tarzan" Weismuller is immortalized at this museum, with a life size figure.  Also included are Tarzan ephemera, and Weismuller's  swimming gear from different competitions and movie memorabilia. The museum also showcases swimming in the entertainment industry.

Greg Louganis' five Olympic medals, swimsuit and memorabilia are on display.

There are exhibits on Water Polo. Water Polo for years was dominated by the Hungarians, which is fascinating considering Hungary is a land locked country....

The Mark Spitz exhibit is interesting. A Life-size wax figure depicts Mark Spitz' 1972, 7 gold medal performance. The display includes the actual Munich pool starting block.

The swim suit exhibit features bathing suits throughout modern history. This is the pious hijab Islamic bathing suit, I don't think this would be good for doing laps...

The Details:
International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum

One Hall of Fame Drive ( one block south of Las Olas Blvd, East of A1A)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Telephone: 954.462.6536

http://www.ishof.org/

Admission is $8. Special pricing for students and seniors. Parking available on site. However, there is cheaper metered parking across the street starting at $.75 per hour.

Open Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm

Sat & Sun - 9am to 2pm

Also at the ISHOF are pools for public use, a 25 yard and a 50 meter pool. Swimming programs and swim camps are also held there.

The Pro Shop/Gift Shop has a great selection of swimwear, books and accessories.

Surf & Turf

While I am swimming I sing songs in mind.
 -Alexander Popov

Running has been my primary sport for almost a decade.  However, I do enjoy masters swimming with Hammerhead Aquatics while staying in Fort Lauderdale for the winter. Today I decided to run an easy 5.5 miles on  Route A1A sidewalk next to Lauderdale beach. Followed by noon swim practice at Pompano Aquatic Center with the Hammerhead's. Today's pool was set for the 50 meter long course!

Run: 5.56 miles 51 minutes,

Equipment: New Balance 920 running shoes, shorts, no shirt, IPOD, Garmin watch.

Morning Temperature 75 degrees, wind from the north east, sunny. Nice easy run.

Swim workout:

Pool temperature: 80 degrees

Air temperature: 79 degrees

400 meter, 200 meter kick- Warm-up

8 x 50 m kick/build @ 1.10 minute

6 x 50 m freestyle @ 1.10 minute
3 100 m easy @ 3 minutes, easy recovery
6 x 50 m freestyle @ 1.10 minute
3 x 100 m @ 3 minutes, easy recovery

Total: 2200 meters
Equipment: Speedo suit, fins, goggles and a great attitude!
Coach John Grzeszczak

March 1st - meteorological spring!

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.

                                  -Hal Borland

Happy Meteorological Spring, March 1st!!! According to some meteorologists, the start of spring is categorized by the start of the warmer weather, which is March 1st, or Meteorological Spring.

In the northern hemisphere, vernal spring starts on March 20th. This is determined by sunlight not heat, according to the Farmers Almanac.

Living in south Florida for part of the year, its hard to tell what season it is.  The month of February in south Florida feels like the end of August in Maine.  Bountiful sun, virtual no rain, and daily temperatures above 80 degrees ( +27c) creates and endless summer feeling.

However, back home in Maine, its been a different story. With snowdrifts, constant snow storms and icy roads, spring is a sure sign of better things to come.

According to wikipedia, "The Roman calendar began the year and the spring season on the first of March, with each season occupying three months. In 1780 the Societas Meteorologica Palatina, an early international organization for meteorology, defined seasons as groupings of three whole months. Ever since, professional meteorologists all over the world have used this definition".

March 1st in South Florida is also the start of sea turtle hatching season. Starting in March continuing to October, sea turtles hatch and are attracted to bright sunlight. the city of Fort Lauderdale covers street lights so the baby sea turtles will not wander inland and be run over or eaten by other animals.

The start of spring also signals that our time is limited in south Florida, and that like migrating birds, we too will be heading north by the end of the month!

Ogunquit Beach Inn innkeeper, blogger, running enthusiast Greg after a run on March 1st

Heart Rock Sushi Restaurant of Fort Lauderdale

Sushi is not really about flavor as much as texture. Everything is usually made bite-size you can eat it in one bite, which is more proper.

                                                                                         -Tim Hoffman

No matter where I go in the world (which is almost always near the ocean), I always try to find a sushi place. Over the past 8 years, I have been to "Heart Rock Sushi" in Fort Lauderdale a number of times, and have always been pleased.

Many of you may remember Ivan, who helped us out at Ogunquit Beach Inn from 2005, 06 & 07. Ivan now lives in Fort Lauderdale and attends Broward College as an architecture student. I haven't seen Ivan this winter yet, so I thought it would be great to spend some time on the Fort Lauderdale  beach and then grab some sushi nearby...

Heart Rock Sushi is located on East Sunrise Avenue at the Gateway Plaza, next to Victoria Park.  The plaza is a hip destination with a real  record store, Japanese market, mid-century furniture stores, gift stores and other restaurants. Its also close to the uber cool Gateway Theatre, which features first run alternative themed films. So its always a great place to start an evening with plenty to see and do.

We decided to get the Sushi Boat for two which featured 12 pieces of assorted sushi, 16 pieces of sashimi and two rolls with miso soup (price $46 for two). We were hungry!

Heart Rock also features Thai food and other Japanese favorites. The restaurant is popular with the local crowd and gets busy in the evening. There is a bar where sushi is made fresh or you can sit at a table or booth. The Sushi was fresh and plentiful with yellow fin tuna. The sashimi was delicious!!!

The Details:
Heart Rock Sushi
1970 E Sunrise Boulevard (Gateway Plaza)
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-779-2735 ‎
http://www.heartrocksushi.com/
Atmosphere is casual with a Tokyo Rock n Roll vibe. Service was excellent, Prices are modest  with few specials. Atmosphere is 1960's mid-century shopping plaza close to beaches and trendy Victoria Park. The restaurant features a full liquor license and has busy lunch crowd. The restaurant also has outside dining.

Swim Practice.....

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air… 
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

50 Yard Short course, Pompano Aquatics Center

Swim practice with the Hammerheads reminds me of summer camp in Maine when I was a kid: A bunch of guys in the pool with a coach giving us an exhausting workout. I ran just five miles today on the beach at a slow pace. I didn't want to wear myself out for the noon workout.

Coach John Grzeszczak started the workout with a warm-up of  75 yards x 9 at 1.30 minute intervals.

We then went to  50 yards x 12 at 1.20 minute with  pull buoy ( which gave us some needed rest).

The next set was 100 yards x 3 plus a 50 yard at 2.15 minute interval three times, all out!

We ended with a 100 yard cool down.

Just like summer camp, its time to have chow in the mess hall! ( Basically cookout at Jay's house!)

(Photos courtesy of Tim Luznar)

For more information about Hammerhead Aquatics visit: http://www.hammerheadaquatics.com/



Harp Seals in Ogunquit

We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.
                                              -Jacques Yves Cousteau

        (Photo courtesy of Sharma Damren)

While walking Ogunquit beach, you'll never know what you may see. Beachcombers, seagulls, and other marine life frequents this unique stretch of sand in the north Atlantic.
The weather is fickle in Maine during the winter, but today highs reached 50 degrees (10c), and a harp seal decided to sun herself on Ogunquit beach. Yes, I said "herself". Harp seals are native to the Arctic and Canada. During the latter winter months stretching into spring, some harp seals will migrate to Maine waters and sun themselves. According to Lynda Doughty of Maine Marine Patrol Hotline, this was uncommon 10 years ago.
Harp seals coats are thick with blubber, and are quite adaptable to cold weather. They are more solitary than harbor and gray seals. If you happen to see a seal on the beach, do not be alarmed. These large mammals will play dead, and are not in distress according to Maine Marine Patrol.

Map shows migration patterns of harp seals. Seals are now migrating further into Maine waters.

Vintage Fort Lauderdale, 100 years in the making

Fort Lauderdale celebrates its centennial birthday this year. Its hard to believe how much this city has evolved in 100 years. This birthday memorial stands proudly on the beach.

In 1892 Dade county authorized a rock road between Palm Beach and Lemon City (now North Miami). An overnight camp and ferry crossing was established at the New River ( downtown Fort Lauderdale). At the mouth of the New River a flourishing trading post was established with the local Indians and a few Anglo families that lived in the area. By 1896 The Florida East Coast Railway reached southward to Fort Lauderdale. This opened up more trade with people and allowed more goods and construction items to enter this part of Florida. By 1911 the little trading post increased in size and was incorporated as the City of Fort Lauderdale.

The scenery has changed and evolved. Agriculture, Army Corps of Engineers and developers have made and impact on this city. Here are some mid-centry photos of Fort Lauderdale beach.

This art deco hotel still stands, but has been redevloped.

 This mid-century view is of the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club from the Bahia Mar. During the 1950's this was the world's largest yacht basin. Fort Lauderdale is often called the Venice of America because of all the canals and waterways.

This is Fort Lauderdale beach looking north from Las Olas Blvd in the mid 1950's

This is a modern view of Fort Lauderdale beach looking north.

Quality Diner of Fort Lauderdale Review

Its a ritual that takes place all over the USA:  a big Sunday morning breakfast! My buddy, Jay was raving about the "Quality Diner" of Wilton Manors. So, Mike and I decided to meet Jay at the "Quality" for a hearty breakfast after our morning run on Fort Lauderdale beach!

Over the years, I never got a chance to try this place out. The generic marquee sign with the standard pizza-box-caricature-chef turned me off....But to my surprise, the inside of the diner was modern, clean and well lit. The diner is Greek owned, so there are faux Doric columns and wonderful pictures of Greek villages that adorn the walls.

I tried the "turkey" omelet. I was quite happy with the omelet. According to the menu, all omelets are made with four eggs, and fresh ingredients. The turkey was fresh chunks of white turkey meat! The meal was accompanied by a side of home fries, wheat toast. Coffee was bottomless!!

My buddy Jay tried the "country fried steak" with homemade biscuit and gravy on the side.,....

All in all, the quality diner is good. Its a good value. Prices are moderate and actually relatively cheap during the weekdays with various specials. Menu is extensive with lunch and dinner with many "Greek-American" favorites. There is a turkey dinner special that I would like to try for only $9.95.

The Details:

1417 Northeast 26th Street

Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Telephone 954-564-2858
Prices are cheap to moderate. Located next to Wilton Station near "Five Points" in Wilton Manors. Servers are friendly and chatty. Will go again, just to try the turkey dinner!