Miami-Version 2.0-Parkin' n Divin'

South Pointe Park Promenade

I found myself with a little bit of time this evening and since it was an excellent day, I decided I had to share.  Today was a balanced diet of relaxation, design inspiration, and underwater exploration.  We met up with a friend for dinner last night from the days when we lived in Miami.  It was a nice evening of catching up and good food.  He highly recommended visiting South Pointe Park at the very southern end of Miami Beach.  We were able to leave a little early this morning and check this place out prior to our dives.  I believe this place just jumped up on my list of favorite places in South Beach.  It-is-gorgeous.  I did a bit of research and found out that it is product of Hargreaves and Associates, and their expertise is evident in the all of the details throughout the park.  There are unique views to the port and the city in the distance, the waterfront promenade is gorgeous and complete with handicap accessible ramps to enable closer access to the water for all users.  Although most of Florida is quite flat there is significant berming within the park to allow activity at different elevations in the park, and the berms themselves serve to separate different use areas.  The park is even outfitted with a playground, sprayground, wood pier and sundeck accessible by a long winding walk, or concrete and earthen stairs.  The park is really something to see.  If I lived in South Beach, I would run here on a daily basis.  Check out the few pics I have posted below of the park.  I have also included a few of our underwater pics from our 2 dives today.  It was great to be underwater and test out all of our new gear prior to the Galapagos...NEXT WEEK!

ADA Accesible Walk
The berm separates another walk and the playground.

A flippin' Sundeck.

View to the Ocean from the Berm

Open Green Space

Promenade-Miami in the Distance

Now for a few dive pics!

Fan Coral on the Sunken Barge

I'm On My Level

Leo-Guardian of the Memorial Garden

Wifey at Neptune Memorial Reef
www.neptunesociety.com/memorial-reef
We will probably be back...

                                   

                                     

Miami- I Like the Nightlife Baby...

Collins Ave (The Clevelander- my first SoBe experience in 2004)

Miami, what a city!  It seems so alive and as 'the night man cometh' the activity grows exponentially!  We landed yesterday and took the Express bus to our accommodation (courtesy of airbnb.com).  This was the first time we walked any bit of distance with our full pack on.  It went well, for both of us!  We spent the day getting settled and relaxing on the beach.  After nightfall we decided to explore a place that we enjoyed when we lived in Miami 'back in the day,'  Lincoln Road (www.lincolnroad.org/).  A hot spot for activity, Lincoln Road has it all: restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, art galleries, and of course the local 7 Eleven.  This is a dedicated pedestrian thoroughfare and people use this space 24-7.  The restaurants face the pedestrian promenade and present interesting opportunities to the waiters trying to dodge oncoming traffic to reach their tables (located in the center of the 'road').  People flock to this place for all of its eateries and shops, and as the night falls the place come to life, literally.  You can even see several 'living statue' performances here.  There are several water features and even a central lawn area of artificial turf that parents and children alike find themselves enjoying!  Although I would be hard pressed to live here again, I do enjoy the occasional visit.  South Beach and its surroundings have a lot to offer for everyone.

Lincoln Road Sculptural Element

Lincoln Road Water Feature 

'Playtime' -Artificial Turf Common Space (...it can be done)

Ghost Elvis, 'Cause Why Not?