Fri 3-5- The winds have finally shifted to the east and we headed out early across Florida Bay to the Little Shark River. Trip of about 50 miles, left with 4 other boats that were also waiting out the winds. We are now in the heart of the Everglades coastline. Unlike the inland portion the shoreline here is heavily forested although only about 2 ft above high tide. Anchored about 2 miles upriver in a very secluded and beautiful spot. Spent Saturday messing about and enjoying the peace and quiet. After Marathon and Key West this is a welcome change. Birds everywhere but still no alligators!
Sun-Headed north motor sailing with light winds. Todays destination is the Barron River, Indian Key. Anchor up river in protected cove. This area is called the 10,000 islands and they mean it. Don't leave home without your GPS. Monday we ventured about 6 miles upriver to Everglades City. A true fishing village with a large working fleet of trawlers. Wanted to spend the night but River was very narrow and tidal current swift so we returned to the coast.
Tues-Another sunny warm day, light winds so we motorsailed north to Marco Island. Anchored in Factory Bay surrounded by Condos and marinas. Quite a change from the past few anchorages but we once again have cell service and wifi. Fresh caught amberjack for dinner. Have had luck lately trolling and so have been eating a lot of fish.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Key West pictures
These ships would go out for out for sunset cruises and sometimes shoot cannons at each other!
Key West back to Marathon
Sun 2-22 thru Fri 2-27- Key West, We have spent the past week playing tourist. Temps have been in the mid to upper 70's but winds have been strong out of the north and east. Chris loved all the activity, there have been 2 cruise ships in port most days and the old city has been really hopping. We have been biking about and spending lots of time at the beaches.
Sat 2-28- Winds finally veered to the east and we headed out early for Marathon. This is a 50 mile trip and we pounded into wind and waves for much of the day. Stormy weather is expected Sunday afternoon so we wanted to get to a protected harbor. Arrived Boot Key Harbor late afternoon as the wind died and we enjoyed a peaceful evening with another beautiful sunset.
Sun- Sunny and warm winds now south @ 10, temps near 80. Front barreled thru as predicted mid afternoon but harbor provides great protection from any wind direction. Winds around 35 kts all night, Chris is bothered by all the noise even though the waves are slight. Temps dropped to 50's by evening but very little rain.
Mon thru Thurs- Sunny and cool. North winds 15-20, Spent time shopping and biking about. It's amazing how busy we stay doing nothing. I guess we really are on island time.
Sat 2-28- Winds finally veered to the east and we headed out early for Marathon. This is a 50 mile trip and we pounded into wind and waves for much of the day. Stormy weather is expected Sunday afternoon so we wanted to get to a protected harbor. Arrived Boot Key Harbor late afternoon as the wind died and we enjoyed a peaceful evening with another beautiful sunset.
Sun- Sunny and warm winds now south @ 10, temps near 80. Front barreled thru as predicted mid afternoon but harbor provides great protection from any wind direction. Winds around 35 kts all night, Chris is bothered by all the noise even though the waves are slight. Temps dropped to 50's by evening but very little rain.
Mon thru Thurs- Sunny and cool. North winds 15-20, Spent time shopping and biking about. It's amazing how busy we stay doing nothing. I guess we really are on island time.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Pictures Dry Tortugas
Beach at Fort JeffersonSailing into the sunrise
Goliath grouper with our reflection.Loggerhead Key lighthouse as the fog rolls in.
Dry Tortugas
Thursday 2-12- Left Key West with lite N wind, beautiful hot sunny day. Motor sailed to Marquesas Key, where we spent a bumpy night with shifting winds. I have read that this group of islands makes up the only known atoll in the Atlantic. Shallow draft boats can enter inside the lagoon and be nearly fully protected, unfortunately our draft limited us to anchoring offshore. Beautiful beaches and many shipwrecks to explore and we hope to spend time here on our return trip.
Friday-Fogged in, but a long trip ahead of us across open water. Headed out under full sail in heavy fog much of the day. Anchored at Garden Key in Dry Tortugas late afternoon. Protected anchorage off of Fort Jefferson. We are now 75 miles west of Key West, the waters are crystal clear with great beaches.
Sat,Sun,Mon.- Warm but fog keeps rolling in and out. Spent our days snorkeling in magnificent coral reefs and shipwrecks and exploring the islands. Colorful fish and corals abound in the shallow reefs. Goliath Groupers at least 5 ft long hang around the boat whenever we are cleaning fish. Apparently these protected fish have become like pets to the divers. Have been given numerous fish by the commercial boats that spend the night anchored here. Wishing for shrimp or lobster but no luck there, next trip we bring rum to trade. The fisherman won't take cash but a 6 pack got me a bucket of Yellowtail Snapper today. These boats come out of Key West and this is the only protected anchorage for nearly 50 miles.
Tues,Wed- A cold front with strong N winds came thru Mon afternoon. Skies have cleared but the Waters are much rougher today, and until winds subside we plan to stay put. Spending our time wandering around Garden Island, Finding spots out of the wind to snorkel and hang out on beach.
Thurs 2-19, Today we get a break from the strong winds before the next cold front arrives this evening. Headed out at 5:30 am under moonlit starry skies. As we were leaving the harbor schools of flying fish were leaping all around us. They actually look like they fly as they skip across the surface. Wouldn't make much of a meal though as they are only 6 in long. Great sailing with winds 10 to 12 kts from the south with temps near 80. Arrive Key West late afternoon. Todays sail brought us 75 miles, our longest stretch to date.
Fri,Sat- As predicted winds strong again from North. Much cooler but sunny with a high of 70. To town for lunch, shopping, internet and biking about. Dingy ride across harbor very wet with spray from wind and waves. Moved to north of city as wind shifted, better dingy ride and protection.
Friday-Fogged in, but a long trip ahead of us across open water. Headed out under full sail in heavy fog much of the day. Anchored at Garden Key in Dry Tortugas late afternoon. Protected anchorage off of Fort Jefferson. We are now 75 miles west of Key West, the waters are crystal clear with great beaches.
Sat,Sun,Mon.- Warm but fog keeps rolling in and out. Spent our days snorkeling in magnificent coral reefs and shipwrecks and exploring the islands. Colorful fish and corals abound in the shallow reefs. Goliath Groupers at least 5 ft long hang around the boat whenever we are cleaning fish. Apparently these protected fish have become like pets to the divers. Have been given numerous fish by the commercial boats that spend the night anchored here. Wishing for shrimp or lobster but no luck there, next trip we bring rum to trade. The fisherman won't take cash but a 6 pack got me a bucket of Yellowtail Snapper today. These boats come out of Key West and this is the only protected anchorage for nearly 50 miles.
Tues,Wed- A cold front with strong N winds came thru Mon afternoon. Skies have cleared but the Waters are much rougher today, and until winds subside we plan to stay put. Spending our time wandering around Garden Island, Finding spots out of the wind to snorkel and hang out on beach.
Thurs 2-19, Today we get a break from the strong winds before the next cold front arrives this evening. Headed out at 5:30 am under moonlit starry skies. As we were leaving the harbor schools of flying fish were leaping all around us. They actually look like they fly as they skip across the surface. Wouldn't make much of a meal though as they are only 6 in long. Great sailing with winds 10 to 12 kts from the south with temps near 80. Arrive Key West late afternoon. Todays sail brought us 75 miles, our longest stretch to date.
Fri,Sat- As predicted winds strong again from North. Much cooler but sunny with a high of 70. To town for lunch, shopping, internet and biking about. Dingy ride across harbor very wet with spray from wind and waves. Moved to north of city as wind shifted, better dingy ride and protection.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Key West
Sun Feb 8- Finally leaving Marathon, skies are partly cloudy, cool with winds NE @ 15. Great sail to Newfound Harbor, (Big Pine Key). After exploring harbor and bumping bottom a few times we decided to move to a more sheltered and deeper anchorage. Sailed on to Saddlebunch Harbor where we found good protection in deep water close to shore. Beautiful evening following a great sail.The highlight of the day was having schools of Dolphin swim with us 2 different times just playing in our bow wave. (See attached picture)
Mon- Sunny and warmer, 62 in morning. Water still cold at 60. winds ENE @ 13-16kt. Great sail to Key West. Harbor which was much busier than I expected, 3 cruise ships at docks, lots of activity with at least 5 schooners giving tours, and dive boats coming and going. Anchored north of downtown off Fleming Key. Great spot with this wind direction.
Tues- Played tourist, biked about- lots of activity in city with 2 cruise ships in port.
Wed- Back in town playing tourist again, some grocery shopping as we plan to head west tomorrow. First stop the Marquesas, then on to Dry Tortuga if weather permits. total distance of 70 NM. Much warmer today lo 80's, winds e@18.
Mon- Sunny and warmer, 62 in morning. Water still cold at 60. winds ENE @ 13-16kt. Great sail to Key West. Harbor which was much busier than I expected, 3 cruise ships at docks, lots of activity with at least 5 schooners giving tours, and dive boats coming and going. Anchored north of downtown off Fleming Key. Great spot with this wind direction.
Tues- Played tourist, biked about- lots of activity in city with 2 cruise ships in port.
Wed- Back in town playing tourist again, some grocery shopping as we plan to head west tomorrow. First stop the Marquesas, then on to Dry Tortuga if weather permits. total distance of 70 NM. Much warmer today lo 80's, winds e@18.
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