Feb 18 - 19th Key Largo

We left Marathon going down the Gulf Side and besides shallow water we had wall to wall crab pots to zig zag through. We have found them all over as we have traveled but this was un believable they were everywhere, which makes it even harder to stay in the channel. When we started the day before trying to find a marina in Key Largo we had the same problem. All were full and taking reservations for next month so we had decided to go around the back as East winds today had the Ocean up to 7-9 footers and we decided that we weren't doing that but on the Gulf near shore it was sunny and almost smooth. We found a small marina on the backside of Key Largo called Mangrove Marina with only a 3-4 foot deep channel going in so we got to churn up some mud as we went in. Lots of Liveaboards in here and the docks are not very good for wheel chairs but it is a dock. We have now been here for 2 nights as the North wind has made the Gulf very rough. Last night winds at 35 MPH most of the night made almost 2 foot waves in the marina. Everyone is adding lines and not sleeping well.
Weather forecast says 3-5 footers with 20+ MPH north winds on the Gulf  for the next 3 days and with channels that are only 6 foot deep I think we are here for a few more days. Oh Boy!

Forgot their boating course?

As we left Marathon and traveled down the Intra coastal on the Gulf side the water is much shallower so you need to watch the charts for shoals. The deep water today was only about 6-8 ft. deep with many shoals just under the surface. But this sailboat didn't remember which side of the marker to go on! There are now new live aboards instead as the vultures took over. But I bet you could buy it right!

Marathon Feb 17th

Finding dockage on this trip is getting more difficult as we go, sometimes we can spend 3 hours calling marinas for a dock and they are all full but maybe we can get you in 3 weeks from now.
We finally found this brand new marina in Marathon on the Gulf that had just opened and had spots but it was the highest we have paid since Chicago. $ 4/ FT. plus electric, almost $ 250 for the night.
They had many amenities pool, sauna, massage but we didn't use any of them since Ray keeps us pretty busy. We wondered if they would mind if we did his bath in the pool but we decided to just do our hillbilly shower on the back of the boat like usual instead. Boy do we fit in with this classy crowd!

Feb 17th Headed to Marathon

Leaving Key West headed for Marathon We went out on the Ocean Side for about 55 miles as it was suppose to be 1-2 footers but instead it was 3-5 footers. Ray wanted to ride on the fly bridge today so Dad and him were up there for a wild ride. Took a lot of spray over the top with both of us soaked in salt water. We then went under the 7 Mile bridge that goes from Key West to Marathon to cross back to the Gulf side for some smoother water. When we got docked we both needed fresh water showers as we had pounds of dry salt crystals all over us. The cabin was all rearranged to the floor and Fran and Buddy were enjoying the ride from below. Buddy is becoming more of a sea dog as we go running all over the boat, and up and down the side decks even where there are no railings until the motors start then he gets scared and runs inside for cover and shivers until we dock again then all is well.

Streets of Key West !

You never know who you will see on the streets here in Key West. Just look at this character and his dog Buddy cruising around. We walked over a couple streets and found that 2 cruise ships were docked over there with many more tourist style places and gift shops full of high end jewelry (HaHa!) and trinkets.

Chikens run loose in Key West

Why does the chicken cross the road, Well it is Key West so they go where ever they want, they are probably heading for the bar or restaurant as the doors are open and they just walk right in.



This one had a few too many beers last night at the bar as he was still there the next morning drinking out of the cans on the front porch. But boy at 7 Am you should her all of the Cock-a-doodle-doos, it is not something anyone is going to sleep through!

Ray Getting Off the Boat, Going Up !

Ray's elevator is working good as he is up and down all day either going for a walk or up to the Fly bridge to have a nice sunset dinner over looking the harbor. Something to look at in every direction.

Key West Feb 12 - 16th

We have arrived at the southern most part of our loop, Key West! Sort of a different style place with just about every walk of life here. Homeless people and Millionaires sharing the docks and town, many people living on boats anchored out off the harbor. We met one couple around 80 years old that have been living there on anchor for 8 years and dinghy back and forth to shore. Many people dinghy back and forth daily on some boats that don't even look like they would stay floating, many of them at night with no lights and even in rough weather! Lots of charter boats coming and going all day and night.

Marco - Key West Crossing Feb. 12

We Left Marco Island for an 85 Mile Gulf crossing to Key West, a little over 5 hours on a sunny day but with 2-3 foot seas. Only saw a couple boats out there, we were passed by the Ft. Meyers - Key West Express and saw some commercial fisherman too.