Anchored By the Venetian Islands

We have spent the past three days anchored between the islands by the Venetian Causeway that connects Miami with Miami Beach. "Charmed" is here too; and the four of us have been enjoying it all - South Beach, Lincoln Road Mall, Great breakfast at the counter at the Cuban Grocery Store, The completed Flagler Monument on Monument Island, The Holocaust Memorial, and The Botanical Gardens. And of course great dining on "Charmed" and "Kismet". Today we got caught in a rain storm heading back to the boats in the dinghy - at least the boat got a good rinse! Tomorrow we head for Hollywood, Fl for a visit with Mom.

Friends - Shel & Elaine

 

View of Stiltsville From No Name

 

The Manatee

 

No Name Harbor To Crandon Park

We left Boca Chita on Monday and sailed in a very brisk wind to No Name Harbor on Key Biscayne. The winds are still blowing in the 20s, so folks are staying tucked in. No Name is a beautiful harbor with great protection - there are laundry facilities and a Good fish restaurant. It is in Bill Baggs State Park - lots of trails and a beach to walk. Yesterday we had lunch with Shel & Elaine Krasker - dear friends from Portsmouth NH. Today we had a short sail to Crandon Park where we picked up a mooring ball for $16.00. Jim saw a manatee at the fuel dock - he was amazed at how big they are. We will stay in the Miami area for the weekend and then head to Hollywood for about 5 days to visit Mom.

View From The Lighthouse

 

A Fun Time Snorkeling

 

"Kismet" & "Charmed"

 

Boca Chita Palms

 

Beautiful Boca Chita - A Perfect Hideout From the NE Winds

We arrived at the entrance to Boca Chita precisely at the same time as Craig & Debbie "Charmed". We knew that the wind was going to blow fairly strong for the next several days; so this was the perfect spot to sit it out. Boca Chita is a National Park where there is a 1000' foot wall to tie up to. The fee is $20.00 a night - there are restrooms; but no water, electric, or trash disposal. Folks from Miami come here for weekends; so it does get crowded. Fortunately, we arrived early enough to find ample space. It is wonderful spending time with the Rosers - fabulous dinners, walks around the island, playing "Mexican Train", & some great snorkeling!

Really Heading North

We had a great time in Boot Key Harbor - Jim and the guys actually did go snorkeling an a calmer day, we went to the 33rd Annual Seafood Festival in Marathon; great live music, dinners on Incognita II & Swan, and new friends Don & Diana on "Re Metau".
Yesterday we left the harbor via Sister Creek at 0830. The wind was pretty much on our "nose" so we tacked our way to Indian Key in the Hawk Channel until the wind died - then we motored the rest of the way. They maintain 4 mooring balls that you can pick up for free - very nice! Today the wind was "on the nose" again. We didn't even attempt to "tack" because we had a 40 mile trip to make to get to Pumpkin Key at the northern end of Key Largo. Our plan is to meet Craig & Debbie from "Charmed" tomorrow at Boca Chita Key.

Finally Found Carol & Lynton - Incognita II

 

Anchorage Off Indian Key

 

Back to Marathon - Boot Key Harbor

On Thursday, March 11th, we sailed to Little Shark River to prepare for our Florida Bay crossing. We anchored just outside the River; so that we wouldn't have to worry about leaving in the AM at low tide. We attempted to weigh anchor at 0715 - the anchor was sooooo stuck - at one point Jim thought he might have to jump in to investigate; but with some (actually more than some!) help from our engine it finally broke loose and we were on our way by 0800. The sail started out rather slow (3 - 4 knots)- then the wind picked up in a perfect direction and we took off at 6 - 7 knots. We arrived in Boot Key Harbor and were anchored by 1600. This was a 40 plus mile trip. We decided to come back here to spend time with friends from Grey Hound, Swan, and finally Carol & Lynton from Incognita II (we have been trying to find them since last August! Today we had a robust sail to Sombrero Key on "Three Cheers" with Chris, Dick, & Carol & Lynton. We had planned to snorkel; but it was toooo rough! But it was a fun sail on the trimaran. We stopped by Sombrero Beach; dropped the hook and had lunch.

Sails At Work

 

Our Hitchhiker

 

Someone Wanted To Trade Kismet For This!

 

Gone Sailin'

Been awhile - but we have been sailin' south! And the days are flying by!
Saturday, March 7th - sailed down Pine Island Sound and anchored at St. James City - a little rough from wakes of weekend power boaters; but we dinghied into The Waterfront Restaurant & Marina for good wings and American Red Beer.
Sunday, March 8th - crossed the "Miserable Mile" early in the AM to avoid the onslaught of Sunday power boaters. It wasn't bad at all! Had a great sail to Naples, FL. Entered Gordon Pass and were delighted to find a serene, roomy, anchorage amidst gorgeous homes. We were the only boat anchored.
Monday, March 9th - After a leisurely start, we sailed to Marco Island, FL. Not impressed! We motored into Factory Bay - tried to anchor in the designated anchorage; and just stirred up mud in 4 - 5 feet of water. After finding a better spot enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. Dinghied to the Marco Island River Marina for ice, etc.
Again, we were the only boat anchored.
Tuesday, March 10th - The weather has been incredible all week - temps in the high 70s with winds around 5 -10 knots. Today we left Marco at 0830 and sailed/motored to Indian Key; near Everglades City, FL. Nine dolphins assisted our anchoring here. We also gave a ride to a little bird for about 8 miles - he/she even flew into our cabin for a rest!

Whatever You Say

 

The Beach Road

 

 

The Gang at Webbers

 

A Fun Farewell Evening & New Adventures

We spent our last night in Burnt Store with Robert & Laurel and Doug, Peter, and Brian from "Aliikai". The Webbers invited the whole gang to their home for a great dinner. We left Burnt Store Marina at 0800 and had a wonderful downwind sail down Charlotte Harbor to Pelican Bay off Cayo Costa. We dinghied to the State Park and walked the Gulf side beach. Today we went to the beach again, and hung out til about 1330 when the tide was high enough to leave Pelican Bay. We sailed about 4 miles (WOW!) at about 2 - 3 knots to anchor sans motor between Useppa and Cabbage Keys. It was a beautiful warm, cloudless day. Tonight we cooked filet mignon wrapped in bacon, whipped potatoes, fresh broccoli, and fresh baked brownies (our oven is finally fixed after 2 months)! Life doesn't get too much better than this!

Burnt Store Marina

 

New Table

 

Still Hanging Out in Burnt Store

It is now Wednesday - and in my last post I said we would be here til Monday! After staying here four days; it was only $35.00 more to stay three more days at the weekly rate; so we decided to! The temps are finally moderating into the 70s & the winds are settling. We have been doing boat projects - Jim built a coffee/laptop table (picture to follow), washing the boat, visiting with Bob & Laurel, and new friends Doug, Peter, and Brian; dockmates that are starting their journey to sail 'round the world! Tonight we are all invited to the Webbers for dinner. We will definitely leave tomorrow to sail Charlotte Harbor to Pine Island Sound. We had considered motoring across the okeechobee waterway but now we are thinking of sailing down the west coast - to the keys - and up the east coast. It is more miles; but there is much more opportunity for sailing.

It is March Already

Can't believe it is already March - and it is coming in like a lion even in Florida. We are having a great time in the Punta Gorda area visiting with Bob & Laurel. Visited the Island Packet Factory on Friday. Karsten escorted us through the numerous buildings; to view the various stages of construction. The newest model; The Estero, was ready for sea trials. Then had a fun lunch with friends; Charlie & Terry at The Pub in Indian Shores, FL. We had originally planned to leave here on Saturday, but an approaching cold front will keep us safe & sound at the Burnt Store Marina until Monday. The winds are supposed to be in the 30's today; with temperatures going into the low 40s tonight. Not a bad place to hang out! Very pretty spot.

A Fun Evening On Kismet with Robert & Laurel

 

The Alligator Behind Robert & Laurel's House