Marathon to Rodriguez Key, FL

Today:    57 miles, 8 hours, ICW St. M 1447.2

Total:     1447.4 miles, 239.85 hours

     It was a beautiful sunrise.  Bailey has been taken to the City Dock and the dinghy was secured. We were underway by 8 am.

Happy snuggle puppy

     Winds were SSW 15-18, a little too closed hauled, so we once again motor sailed.  As we were passing Islamorada, the winds were coming over the transom, but we continued motor sailing because of the storms that were due around 3:30-4 pm. 

     Once again, we got lucky to see some dolphins, Man-o-War, flying fish and a sea turtle.

Unfriendly skies!

Unhappy neighbor

     As we were entering the Rodriguez Key anchorage, we were joined by Steve, SV TABLE FOR TWO.  Following the Navionics Sonar charts, we were able to get much closer to shore than in the past. We want to be closer to shore for the winds due later tonight. However, it is still a 10+ minute ride to the ramp by the restaurant. Unfortunately, as we started to let the dinghy down, a storm was approaching from the SW.  Bailey wouldn’t wait, so she and Pete set out in the downpour, heading to shore.  Once they left, our neighbor to the north, who was about 100 yards away, came over to let us know that he is not happy with us so close to him.  He survived the hurricane, has 6 anchors and 2000 pounds of tackle maintaining his home.  I explained that we have anchored near hear before, let out plenty of chain with the Manson Anchor, and then used 3000 RPM to back down on the anchor.  We also checked the winds, which will be out of the WSW later tonight, so we will not come any closer or be in a position to approach his boat. He said he still wasn’t pleased, but for one night it should be OK.  Then he surprised me when he asked if I needed a ride for provisions. He has a car and could drive me to the stores.

     My drenched crew returned just as the rains were subsiding.  They stopped by to speak with Steve.  He really enjoyed Boca Grande Key and The Dry Tortugas, even though he is single handling the 42’ Moody. Pete also said that the restaurant on shore was wiped out, another victim of Hurricane Irma. 

     We spoke with Heather, Carolyn and Chris.  A second Nor’easter will be hitting the NE tomorrow.  Both Chris and Heather’s works have already been closed.  A State of Emergency has been called for Eastern PA, New Jersey, New York and other states of the north east. Snow amounts are predicted to be anywhere from 6-12-18 inches or more if the storm moves north or stalls. Some areas are still without power due to the last storm.  The good news is that the snow will not hang around for long.  Temperatures in the 50’s are due in 2 days.

~ ~ ~/) ~ ~ K & P