Key Largo to Marathon

After walking Bailey, Pete returned to the dinghy and captured this magnificent sunrise!

Pulling up anchor

     There were 4 sailboats and a large power cruiser anchored in the lea of Rodriguez Key. We had a beautiful breeze through the boat last night that made for great sleeping.   Those folks probably had very little breeze and plenty of bugs from the island. We were up early, dog walked and anchor as the skies lightened.  Another beautiful start of our day on the water. 

The dreaded Man-O-War

. . . and the equally dreaded crab floats!

      Yesterday, we commented on the sporadic crab floats.  We seem to remember lots more last time we traveled the Florida Straits. Well, we were just off by a day.  Being closed hauled, every time we had to dodge a crab float, we lost some of speed. There were more Man-o-wars today. During our crossing to the Bahamas in 2011, we must have seen a couple of hundred large sails on the Man-O-Wars.  Today, their sail size ranged from 2-3 inches up to a few 6-8 inch, but most on the smaller end.

Backed up against
the bulkhead & close
to parking & the road

      We picked up fuel as we entered Marathon. The marinas in this area are pretty open from the south-east to the west. I hope the forecasted winds won’t cause trouble for them. The mooring field is always impressive.  Including the anchored boats, there are probably 300+ boats. We had to pass the mooring field to get to Sombrero Marina. We came in just before 4, never realizing Dave, the dock had only works until 4. After securing lines and plugging in, he told us to settle up with Roy, the dock master, on Monday.  He gave us some suggestions for restaurants, which will have to check out.

     This is a great little marina, with all 57 slips backing up to the bulkhead, and parking1 0 feet away on street. There are 3 washers and driers onsite.  The restaurant is closed at present. It is about a ¾ mile walk to the Publix, Win-Dixie, Home Depot, and Bank of America.  West Marine is about 2 miles south of the Publix. Across the street, there is a nice-looking golf course with warnings posted to be aware of alligators! 

North end of the mooring field

     We are so fortunate to be here for this weekend.  The latest forecast for Sunday night has changed with winds increasing to 35 mph by about 2 am Monday and remaining that intense for most of the day. 

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

Miami to Key Largo

Such a beautiful sunrise!

      Slept a little later, and was underway by 7:30. Weather is essentially the same as yesterday. Mid 70’s with light winds from the SSE. (I’m not complaining!)

Stiltsville

     Stiltsville still has the 7 remaining homes like the last time we passed.  This time I decided to check the internet.  The first structure was built in the 1920 or 30’s by “Crawfish Eddie” Walker who sold beer, bait and chowder from his fishing shack.  Others joined him, from boating and fishing clubs to bars and gentlemen’s clubs, which had gambling and liquor beyond the mile enforcement limit. “Well-connected Miamians and celebrities came to drink, relax and kick back.” By the early 1960, there were 27 structures dotting Biscayne Bay. Miami extended its jurisdiction to include these structures. Hurricanes destroyed many of the structures and the lease for the land under the structures at present cannot be renewed. Stiltsville is located in Biscayne Bay National Park. A trust has been set up to hopefully restore some of the structures for access within the park. At present, nothing has been done, but it has possible potential.

     Pete had a very busy day, work wise, but before we exited Key Biscayne Bay, he was able to confirm Dock space Friday through Tuesday with Sombrero Marina, YEA! Unfortunately, shortly there after he found that the area east and south of Biscayne Bay has no cell service.  He had to miss a phone conference and made numerous calls to his partner that were dropped or unable to connect. I guess when we traveled this way before, he didn’t use the phone in this area.  Thankfully, everything worked out. He continued to work off line and by 11, had full service and continued with another series of projects and conference calls.

Not all pleasure crafts,
 watermen work on the water

Water Hazard (even posted on the charts!):
in the middle of Hawk Channel sits a metal piling!

YANKEE heading north

     We passed a couple of dolphins, a few Man-O-War jelly fish, and a number of crab floats. We used the sail to add another 2/10 of a mile to our speed. By 2:30 we were working our way towards land, between Rodriguez Key and Key Largo. We dropped anchor about a mile and a half from Monterrey's Grill, which had an area to land the dinghy and walk Bailey. There are quite a few anchored boats, in sorry need of some TLC, dotting the water between us and the mainland. As we read up in the cockpit, Pete spotted a gentleman on a paddle board, who was completely naked and totally unaffected by curious eyes.

Clothing must have been optional!

     Pete spoke with his brother agreed that we will meet the family in Key West the first weekend in February. We have a safe harbor for the coming storm, plans for a great weekend with family, along with a beautiful sunset, we enjoyed the clear, star-studded sky.  Things don’t get much better!

View to the east at Sunset

Sunset to the west

 ~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~   K & P

Boca to Miami: The Goddess of Bridges Smiled Upon Us!!!

Sunrise on Boca Raton Lake 

     Pete had Bailey in to shore before the sky lightened.  As we pulled anchor, the skies brightened and the sun began its assent. We only waited 5 minutes for our first bridge of the day.

Decorative boat onshore

Length: 300+ ft, Height: 75+ ft, side loading skiff,
10 steps up the aft sugar spoon,  Not for our pay grade!

     Not only have the size of the home increased substantially in size, but so too have the mega yachts and their numbers!  It is a bit intimidating to see these 300+ foot yachts, with 4 levels above the water line and the knowledge that their runabouts are larger than my boat and they are taller than our mast!

Owner has appreciation for art & function!

Futuristic home

Side canal off the ICW

    We made all 7 bridges without long waits and two bridge tenders delayed closing so we could squeak though!   The only bridge that closed before we were able to clear was SE 17^th Street Bridge, just north of the Port Everglades Inlet. This is 55 high without opening.  We slid under with a bit to spare. This time Pete was more confident while I was the one with butterflies in my belly!

One person with so many toys!!!

     As we approached, a tanker ship was in the cut. It was interesting to see a tow line extending from its aft to the aft of a tug.  Apparently, this is the most efficient way for the ship to turn into the southern canal, where the Cruise Terminal is also located.

Deep and busy inlet.
Tug is really in forward, assisting in
turning the ship.

Marked anchorage south of
Port Everglades Inlet

     Breezes were light and once again on the nose.  Who could complain when the shore is 2-3 miles to our west and the seas are a magnificent shade of turquoise and green. Add to that a couple of dolphins and a large turtle.

Modern Lighthouse?

Waterfront living, Miami style

     The Miami cut was just as busy as Port Everglades, but the boats were much smaller, head and pleasure boats. We passed Greg’s former USCG Station, which appears to be undergoing some major renovations. His former boar, the Dolphin, happened to be in port today.  There were many ferries moving construction workers and their vehicles from Fisher Island, while another was bringing a school bus to the Island.

Sailing lessons

Colorful end of day

      We continued pass the bridge to anchor just south of the Rickenbacker Causeway. There were a couple of colorful rental sailing catamarans making way; some successfully and others in leaning mode. There is an area Pete was able to use for walking the dog. We even had some time for reading before dinner.

Another way to enjoy the sunset

     

     Looking at the forecast, we are very concerned about a severe cold front that will bring winds in excess of 30 mph on Sunday. Pete called all the marinas in Key Largo and Marathon.  Everyone is full.  The mooring field in Marathon has been full since Thanksgiving and the wait list is 35 boats long. Sombrero Marina, in Marathon might have a dock. We are on the list and need to call tomorrow. Pete reached out to a couple of friends who are experienced cruisers for additional suggestions. Keeping our fingers crossed.

Biscayne Bay Sunset

Twilight over Miami

      

    We had another wonderful sunset and enjoyed some TV. The satellite unit is working perfectly, even at anchor!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

What’s that Saying, “The Best Made Plans….?”

      We were up at 5:45 to make sure the dog was walked and the last-minute things secured so we could leave at Nautical Twilight, 6:15am. 

Sunrise over the West Palm Beach Inlet

     Ummm, Nautical Twilight didn’t appear until 6:30! As we were entering the inlet cut, we could see the cruise ship, Grand Celebration, waiting for the harbor pilot.  It was a beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, those predicted winds from the ESE had shifted to the SSE, creating rollers that were tossing us around, slowing our forward speed to less than 5 mph, and no possibility of raising the sails to help. Within a half hour we made the decision to turn about and travel the ICW.

Large estate with outdoor chandeliers

     Our first bridge south of the inlet is undergoing construction.  The Flagler Bridge, which should open a quarter after each hour, omits the 8:15 AM and the 5:15PM opening. As a result, we dropped anchor for the hour and a half as we waited for 9:15. Apparently, this caught 8 other boats off guard as well.

Holiday decorations

          Since our last foray through this part of the ICW (2011), there are a lot less homes on the water for sale, but also a lot of new home construction.  Many of the homes are in the 5-6,000 square foot range, while others take up 3 lots and must be close to10-12,000 square feet! Who could possibly use all that space?!?

One of today's many bridge openings

     Some of the bridge openings were timed just right while we had to wait for others. Spanish River Bridge was missed by 3 minutes and there was another 25-minute dance in the current.  We were the first of the 3 sail boats we spent the day traveling with to break off to anchor.  We knew that there was a place to walk Bailey here in Boca Raton, so we stopped around 2:30 after only 30 miles (and 14 bridges!) Pete was able to make his two conference calls after we anchored and I chilled out before dinner.

     Pete is planning for tomorrow. If we continue the ICW, we have 21 of the 35 bridges ahead; 2 of which are fixed at 55 feet. We should be ok with our mast height at 52 feet, but it’s also another 45 miles! So, should we venture out from Port Everglades and do the last 21 miles on the ocean with the winds 4-7 from the SE or hope we find a pack of sailboats that can clear the 55 foot bridges on the ICW. Traveling in a pack helps with bridge openings (the accordion effect.)

    We’ll let you know tomorrow how it goes!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P

WOW! What a Month!

Frost on the Windshield

Happy Riley

     The saying, “Time passes when you are having fun,” has never been more true. My dress for the wedding was ready when promised and looks fabulous! We packed for 2 weeks in the cooler, and possibly snowy, north; wrapped the presents, emptied the refrigerator, and did the last-minute cleaning and laundry, before headed north on December 20^th.  While Pete finished up some work projects, I had a couple of medical appointments to keep before Christmas.

      

    We stayed with Chris, Kel and the girls. Hadi’s excitement was wonderful to watch, especially while her Elf on the Shelf, “Bubbles,” kept a watchful eye. She even had a number of encounters with Santa (on the fire truck, at school and at a breakfast.) Her biggest concern was that she might have omitted a few items, but Bubbles knew to report back to Santa.

    Riley continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Her happy personality survives even when she is sick, which was most of the time we were with them.

Little ladies in their Tutus

     Christmas Eve, we took Pete’s mom to dinner and stayed the night. The 3 of us headed north to Chris and Kel’s for Christmas breakfast.  Heather and Kel’s family rounded out the gathering. Needless to say, a great time was had by all!

Hadi examining Nana

     Well, almost all…Pete came down with an intestinal bug Christmas night that laid him flat for the next two days. I took Mom back home on Monday, completed some errands for her, then returned to keep tabs on Pete. Oh yea, remember Riley’s cold? Well, guess who she shared it with!

Kids with wrapped up leftovers

    Friday before the wedding, was busy. We had to drop Bailey for boarding, continue south to Seaford to pick up Mom, drive to the hotel in NJ (6 hours of driving since leaving the house in Pa), and host the rehearsal dinner at Rats, a fabulous restaurant located on the grounds of The Sculpture Garden outside Princeton.

We gather for the Rehearsal Dinner

     

      The wedding was memorable in every way.  Greg, in his dress uniform, and Jenn, in a magnificent, embellished floral, mermaid dress and tiara with a vail of red, white and blue were married by a celebrant who shared their love story and play to the crowd!  Their love of all things nautical was the theme throughout the venue: her rings, the tables of foods for cocktail hour and the tables for dinner. Before dinner, Greg changed into his suit (more comfortable and Jenn's dress loss her mermaid's flounce. The food was yummy and the dancing non-stop (great DJ!) Guests held sparklers out on the patio creating a roadway for the newlyweds and everyone donned hats and created noise as we danced in the New Year.

First Dance

Bobbi Jo celebrates Jenn & Greg

Chris' Toasts his brother and his wife

Chris & K

Jenn and her "Babes"

Steiner Side getting Craz

The Bruzik Ladies welcome 2017 

Hadi, our dancing Machine!

Love Sparkles!

   














     New Year’s Day, we were able to spend time catching up with family and friends before everyone headed home.  Ann, Howie, Carolyn, Mom and we said our good-byes after a great dinner and stayed the extra night.

      Monday, we drove Mom back home and continued on to Florida. Unfortunately, Tuesday, she was admitted to the hospital for the next ten days. As of this writing she is doing better; out of the hospital and improving in in rehab.

      Since returning to Riviera City Marina, time has flown. Pete has been busy with work. We were able to visit a bit more, as well as catch a few movies and dinners with Ann and Howie. Over the last couple of days, I did some heavy-duty cruise prep: For 5 hours, Rug Doctor and I cleaned all the upholstery, shades and rugs. After defrosting the freezer and fridge, there was a trip to BJs, along with dividing, then vacuum sealing all the meats. A couple of loads of laundry were done, which meant a number of trips, as I also washed all the bedding. (The marina only has two, somewhat decent dryers and I had 4 loads of laundry!) Then, taking inventory of the fridge and dry goods, replenished was needed.  I did steal away for a few hours by myself at Butterfly World, south of Delray. Had a great time and managed a few good photos!  Now, I just need time to process the wedding photos as well as my butterflies and birds.

Rainbow Lorikeet

Common Sailor Butterfiles

   

Amazon Parrot's Tail Feathers

Painted Birdwing Butterfly

     Sunday, we dropped the car off in Marathon. We left early enough (7am) so that we missed all the traffic that occurs later in the day.  We were back at the marina by 3. We joined Ann and Howie for a great Italian dinner and said our temporary good-byes. I’m sure we will see them on the return trip or may be while we are in the Keys.

     Monday, fuel and water tanks were topped off and holding tank emptied, paperwork completed with the marina and did the last of the laundry. As I was returning to the boat, I noticed the catamaran behind us had a yellow line in the water. I knew that the owner was away, to I climbed aboard, found a paddle to retrieve the line and began pulling the line from the water. I wound up pulling up the diver, whose yellow air line was attached to a hookah and was cleaning the bottom of the boat!

     Just before closing, we moved to the fuel dock to top off the tanks, and stayed for easy departure for tomorrow’s nautical dawn. Tomorrow, we hope to do an outside jump from here to Miami and avoid the 35 bridges!  It will mean a long day to cover the 80.5 miles.  As we head to bed the forecast is for winds 10-15 from the ESE with seas 4-6 feet.  Hopefully, we will be able to sail.

     Well, it’s time for our beauty rest, so we wish you all good night!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~  K & P