12/27/13

Christmas in the Florida Keys was warm. Shortly after we arrived I (Elaine) came down with strep throat which resulted in two trips to the ER for medication. Finding a DR on the Islands is well impossible. People say they exist but I think its an urban legend. So I  have been somewhat limited on the activities I have been able to do. But we have managed to some some things so all is not lost and it appears as if I am on a good road to recovery.

If all goes well I should be out and able to play later this week!

Lots of people decorate their boats for Christmas. 

 These are a few of the charter boats all decked out.

 A dock party - pizza & beer after all it is the keys. Kaye & Al, Marsha & Joe, 

with Russ and Elaine.

We rented a car and drove down to Key West for the day with Al & Kaye.

The Lorelei Cabana Bar & Restaurant are right next door to us providing us with food, music, & beautiful sunsets.

Sun goes down moon comes up.

We have taken the dingy out & checked out the miles of mangroves. So neat.

On 12/10/13, after 485 NM & 34 Days we arrived at Islamorada, Fla. Hard to believe we are in the Florida Keys but the clear blue waters of the Keys confirms our arrival.

Here we are sitting at an outside restaurant with our toes in the sand. So far this has been an amazing adventure.

Gulf of Mexico - Ft. Myers to The Keys

We left Ft. Myers Yacht Basin Marina on Sunday 12/7 head to the Keys. We were with three other boat: Kaye & Al- Knot Home, Marsha & Joe – Morning Star, Donna & Terry – Meridian.

Gulf of Mexico – CALM SEAS!

The Dolphins played in our wake as we cruise the Gulf.

The seas were calm so we were able to go past our destination of Naples to Marco Island. Two of us anchored out and two went into the marina. We got there just in time for the Christmas Boat parade which came right by where we were anchored. We were able to dingy in for a nice dinner at the Tiki Hut Restaurant.

The next day took us way out into the Gulf past Cape Ramono to miss the shoals. On this day we anchored at Lulu Lulu Key in the Ten Thousand Islands. This was a perfect anchor. Swim suits on, dingy down, we celebrated happy hour on our own private beach. Marsha load their dog into her dingy and we towed them to shore. BEAUTIFUL view.

Early out of our private beach haven we charted a course for Middle Cape. The Gulf had other plans for us. The water was rough and we changed our course to Shark River. Our day went from 50 NM to 38 NM.  Knot Home ran point and picked the perfect spot. We tucked in safe from the rough seas. When we entered an Otter greeted us. We saw him several more times but never got a picture.

Shark River is deep inside the Florida Everglades which meant no cell phone or internet access. A good nights sleep and ready for the Keys the next day.

KNOT HOME, MERIDIAN, & MORNING STAR our traveling buddies.

Tuesday 12/10/13 we had three route plans and we would select one depending on the weather.  Since we had no internet or cell reception we were unable to get a good report other than our NOAA radio. Which by the way NOAA is one we rely on the most.

As we exited our shelter hole we discovered a calm Gulf. GREAT NEWS! About 8 NM out Morning Star said goodbye as they headed to Marathon Key. Knot Home went ahead to run point. Twelve Stones and Morning Star set a course and headed to our next stop Islamorado, Fl.

.

Heading South from Ft. Myers

We left Ft. Myers on Sat 12/7 heading south to Naples. Three other boats joined us. This was our first time in the open ocean with Twelve Stones. The weather was perfect so we continued on to Marco Island. Two boats went into the marina and two of us anchored out.

This morning we are headed to Ten Thousand Islands where all 4 boats will be on anchor. Planning a beach party at one of the islands.

Seas not as good as yesterday but pushing on.