Key Largo and on to Islamorada - riding out Hurricane Sandy!

On Monday morning (October 22) we left Boca Chita after spending a very nice “quiet” night all to ourselves.  We were itching to get going and we had a fairly nice day of travel although we did have quite a bit of wind.  It was from the NE and behind us most of the way.  That’s a good thing.

We anchored just out from Gilbert’s Marina and Restaurant in Key Largo.   We went sightseeing in the whaler  - and on our way back we stopped at the TIKI Bar – great “greasy” nachos and cold beer!  Good Happy Hour!  We were back in the boat just after sunset.  Nice night!

The next morning we had breakfast out on the sundeck and watched the dolphins play.  There must have been a dozen of them off our stern.  We decided to move the boat over closer to a canal where we could take the dinghy to Pennecamp Park.  However, it was just too windy – and we ended up just ditching the whole plan.  Instead we headed on to Islamorada about 25 miles away.  It turned out to be a very good idea although we didn’t know it at the time.  It was pretty windy and we had a lot of skinny water – we saw less than 4 feet several times.  Finally we made it to a good anchorage just outside Coral Bay Marina in Islamorada.  It was very windy and we had to get a little closer to the leeside of land farther from the marina.  We had planned to take a dinghy ride into the marina and see if any of the boaters were there we had met before.  However it turned out to be too windy for that.  Damn wind!

We are only 35 miles from Marathon.  We saw on the internet (yea, for my phone!) that there is a tropical storm Sandy causing quite a stir.  We decided that we probably shouldn’t try to make it on to Marathon.  They are calling for strong winds, rain and 8 foot waves on Florida Bay – right where we would be.  SO we decided to stay a few days at the marina.  Very good idea!  We luckily got one of their last slips!  It’s a small marina and safely tucked away.  The tropical storm now has become a category 2 Hurricane!  Luckily it will not make landfall here in Florida.  We will just suffer the winds and rain.  Wreaking havoc on our plans!  Oh well, we have over a week to get to Marathon – at least our reservations are for November 1 - not really a big deal.  Looks like we’ll be here for about a week until Sandy moves on. 

Thursday was a complete day of burrowing down in NautiNell – riding out the wind and rain.  The temperature has dropped to 72 degrees!  Really getting tired of the wind………..  not much we can do about it though.  I’m just really glad that it worked out where we could get in to a marina.  It wouldn't be any fun out there on anchor right now!

Friday turned out to be better – still windy but not much rain.  The winds have blown the water in though and some of the docks are flooded.  It’s a little precarious trying to get to the office and then off the docks to go to town.  We hung out most of the day visiting with other boaters.  Some of the ones we met back in March that stay here for the winter are already here.  Others are spending a few days like we are – tucked in safely from the storm.  It’s been nice to see some old faces and hear what has been going on with them.   We did manage to walk over to the Shrimp Shack across the street and have dinner.  Mike got his fill of oysters and I got my key lime pie!  I love being back in the Keys!

We will be staying here through Tuesday.  The storm should be way past us then and the waters will have had time to lay.  It’s only a short day to Marathon so why be in a hurry. 

Till next time!

Admiral “C”

 (Sorry no pictures  - not really much to take a picture of except wind and rain)

 

Our Weekend at Boca Chita Key

Our view across the harbor

One of the beautiful sunsets this weekend

Can't you just hear the sizzle?

The sun setting set the palms to blaze

Nice beach - beautiful water

NautiNell peeking thru the palms

tied up along the wall

Another evening - another sunset

yeah, three 300s - nice Donzi

three 250s = 750

this guy couldn't sneak up on anyone

entrance to the harbor

Our weekend stay at Boca Chita Key (Keyhole Harbor) was again quite an experience.  We had stayed there about six months ago over the Easter weekend.  At that time we were looking for a refuge from the wind while we staged our crossing to the Bahamas.  We really enjoyed it so we wanted to spend some time there again on our way south.

The area is a local hangout for Miami boaters.  Several come here to either spend the day or the entire weekend – all come to party!  Most are Cuban - speaking Spanish and playing loud music.   I must say though – although we did feel we were in the minority - we were surrounded by friendly fun-loving people.  We all had one thing in common – boating.  We spent most of the weekend sitting on our sundeck watching the boats come and go in and out of the harbor.  We also spent time watching the kids play – things never change.  We also hung out at the beach on the eastern side of the island.  It’s really beautiful.

If you want a beautiful setting – safe from the weather - you’ve got to try this place.  You tie up on the wall – no power or water – cost of $20 a night – only $10 for us old folks!   BUT I highly recommend if you want a quiet setting – DON’T plan to stay here on the weekend.   From what we can tell – it’s quiet during the weekdays.   We were by ourselves Friday morning when we arrived and again found ourselves completely alone after sundown Sunday evening.   But in between that time – look out!

Monday morning we are heading to Key Largo.  We plan to anchor near Gilbert’s Marina.  It’s an interesting little place with a great TiKI Bar.  Should be a nice trip – less than 30 miles.  Another rather short day.  It’s nice being able to take our time.  Our next stop after that should be Islamorada and then on to Marathon.   We will then stay put for awhile – three months to be exact.  Wonder how we’re going to be able to do that!  Ha!

Till next time!

Admiral “C”

Riviera Beach - Miami - Key Biscayne

Miami skyline

Ft Lauderdale - boat show preparations

Colorful skyline




Lots of yachts and yachts.......

yes, it's a boat!

And it goes on and on......

One of the bridges opening for us

Did I mention the skyline?

Can you say concrete jungle?

Corner lot

I'll take this one!

Or maybe this one?

Maybe I'll take this one..........

One of the many canals along the way
the houses and boats just go on and on......

Ft Lauderdale getting ready for the boat show

What can I say?

Taxi anyone?

one of the many freighters along the way

Lots of cool designs

Just a little house by the water.......

 

(October 15)  Our plans were changed on Monday morning.  We had planned to head to Lake Boca Raton for an anchorage; but when the Captain checked the engines and generator, he found the generator was leaking water.  The pump that was rebuilt back in the Bahamas only about 100 hours ago had failed again.  Mike was able this time to find a part close by – well about a two mile bike ride anyway – that’s close…. At least he was able to get another repair kit and then he installed it himself.  It did take most of the day but at least he got it fixed.  This time we didn’t have to pay Basil from the Bahamas and also have the part shipped overnight. 

I took advantage of having some “spare” time so I caught up on the laundry and cleaned the boat.  What fun!  Ha!  After all the work was done, we headed to the TIKI Bar for dinner.  Had a great prime rib!

(October 16) Finally, Tuesday morning we were able to leave.  Once we had everything loaded we were on our way down the ICW.  We only had about 30 miles to go but we had several bridges.  Several of these bridges are too low for us to clear so we have to wait for them to open.  Most of them open on a schedule.  We really only missed one – the first one. We had to wait about 25 minutes.  That wasn’t too bad.  The others went rather quickly. 

The scenery along our way today was awesome.  You wouldn’t believe the homes that are built along the waterway.  Huge homes with beautiful pools, well-manicured lawns and enormous boats moored beside them.   You definitely wouldn’t believe the economy is in trouble by the looks of this area.  And we’re not even to Miami yet!

We made it to Lake Boca Raton in about 5 hours.  The anchorage here is beautiful and quite calm.  We had a great evening sitting on the sundeck and admiring the cityscape - lots of condos and lots of huge boats.  The water is also slowly beginning to get clearer. 

Tomorrow we should get an early start.  There are several more bridges from here to Miami.  If we time them right – we should have no problem making it to No Name Harbor.  We stayed there last April when we were trying to stage our crossing to Bimini.  It’s a very well protected harbor – looking forward to spending time there again.

(October 17) – A slight change in plans – we didn’t get all the way to No Name Harbor – we anchored in Sunset Lake in Miami just north of West Venetian Causeway – more on that later.

We did leave early enough from our anchorage in Lake Boca Raton.  We made the first bridge and off we went like a herd of turtles.  It’s hard to make any time when you are restricted by so many bridges.  Between the bridges and the no wake zones – we just putted along. 

You wouldn’t believe the homes along the ICW.  Like I mentioned yesterday the homes were truly beautiful – however, once we were in Ft Lauderdale, they became truly unbelievable.  Then we hit Miami – between the homes and the insanely huge mega-yachts – wow!!  It’s amazing  - but it is strictly a concrete jungle on water all the way to Miami.  I kept thinking about how different our voyage had been just a few months ago when we traveling to the Abacos.  I had felt so small in that dark almost black water with no land in sight.  Now here we are among all this abundance.  What a difference!

We decided that we should get fuel and we had been told about the Peterson Fuel Delivery out of Ft Lauderdale.  They have two barges that they run in this area – and the fuel is supposed to be cheaper than in any marina.  We called them and found the location of one of the barges.  Just down a little ways from where we were in the Dania Cutoff Canal.  We headed down there and found Carlos without a problem.  Carlos was rather interesting and made for a fun fuel stop.  He was an old surfer dude that was avid about cleaning up the waterways.  He said that he had already collected about a ton of garbage whenever he is out on the water.  Good luck Carlos!

We decided to stop a little short of our planned anchorage in No Name Harbor.  It had been a long day.  We found this amazing anchorage in Sunset Lake.  For those of you that might want to know – it is just north and east of the West Venetian Causeway Bridge.  We turned to the east and went past six islands that would have been fairly good anchorage areas – but kept going past them and then making a turn to the north.  The first canal that didn’t have a bridge to contend with you turn back east.  Go a little ways and the canal opens to a beautiful lake.  It is well protected from all directions.  There is room for at least 12 boats to anchor here – and we were all by ourselves.   For those of you using Skipper Bob Anchorages book – check out MM 1088.4 (2) - Venetian Causeway.

Tomorrow we again plan to stop at No Name Harbor where we will be able to unload the bikes.  We can then get to Winn Dixie where we will be able to do a little re-stocking.   Depending on the time and the weather – we will either spend the night there or move on to Boca Chita Key.

Another update – Thursday – (October 18)  - We ended up with a great anchorage last night in Sunset Lake.  It was so quiet and peaceful.  We waited out a short shower this morning and then another 30 minutes for the bridge to open (last one!) and we were on our way through Miami.  It was a little confusing once we got under the bridge – markers going in all directions.  One thing we knew we didn’t want to do was to go out the Government Cut.  That was obvious.  We figured in out and didn’t have any problems. 

More concrete – skyscrapers – it’s amazing.  We had a very short trip today – made it to No Name Harbor in about 1 1/2 hours.  Perfect!  Tied up to the wall – had lunch – unloaded the bikes and off we went to the local Winn Dixie in Key Biscayne.  It’s only about a mile or so ride.  We were back in a couple of hours – then we moved the boat out to anchor.  You’re not allowed to stay on the wall all night – only for the day.   We sat on the sundeck and watched the sunset – we also saw some leopard stingrays.  Finally, we’re back in the “tropics” again!  We even saw several iguanas on our way to the store.

Tomorrow we are going to travel another 10 miles or so to Boca Chita Key.  We spent last Easter weekend there waiting for the winds to subside so we could cross to the Bahamas.  Now we’re just taking our time going to Marathon so we thought we’d stop in.  Maybe all the crazy Cubans will be back.  Who knows!

Till next time!

Admiral ”C”

BTW  GO CARDS!!!

 

 

Manatee Pocket and on to Lake Worth

Manatee sculpture - Manatee Grill

Beautiful sky at our anchorage

Jerry and Jenny of "SweetGrass"

The gang back together!

SweetGrass leaving our anchorage and heading north

Ferry boat taking passengers to Peanut Island

Welcome to Peanut Island

Beach along the Island - what a view!

Another view from Peanut Island

View of the Inlet from Peanut Island



The Lagoon on the Island
Museum in the background

Always a smile on the Captain's face when
we're riding in the Whaler

A whole new meaning to the term
"House boat"

The "Bahama Celebration" heading out from port
What a sight!

SweetGrass and NautiNell
on anchor

We spent four nights on the hook in the Manatee Pocket near Stuart.  It was a great anchorage – both holding and location.  It did take us a while to find the best spot though – there are two anchorage basins #1 and #2.  First we planned to stop at #1 but wanted to check out #2 first because it was closer to the town.  Boated over to #2 only to decide it was too crowded and a little short on water.  Back to #1 – and then back to #2 only to end up at #1.  Finally!  Glad we got that straight!  HA!  Glad the spots were only about one-half mile from each other!

Like I said it turned out to be a good anchorage.  We unloaded the dinghy and did some exploring.  We managed to stop at Shrimpers for Happy Hour.  Big surprise!  Great place – we made plans to definitely get back there for dinner before we left. 

The next morning Mike took a boat ride (fishing) but first he fixed the float switch on the bilge pump again.  Darn thing!  At least it pumps!! 

The “Chapman School of Seamanship” is located here.  They must have been having “hands on” classes today in towing.  It must be kind of like our Franklin Tech – wow – getting school credit in boating! Anyway there were several boats out here in the basin towing other boats and vice versa.  All the crew had on their orange “mae wests”.  It was fun watching them.  I kept trying to get Capt. Chappy to tell them “he wrote the book” but we wouldn’t do it.  We checked out Manatee Island Grill for Happy Hour this afternoon.  Met some nice locals – all watching the baseball games. -  Rooting for Giants – sorry, but I’m true to the Cards.  Most seem to be Yankee fans anyway. 

SweetGrass (Jerry and Jenny) made it here late afternoon on Thursday.  It was really good to see them.  We met along the Loop.  We really got to know them when we were in Delaware City.   They are heading north back home to Charleston where they will cross their wake.   We literally were two ships passing in the ICW!  We had a few drinks on our boat and spent the evening catching up on each other’s new adventures and reminiscing about the old ones.

Friday morning we all dinghy-ed over to town and checked out the Fishhouse Art Center.  It would have been really nice but not all the stores were open yet.  Guess it’s a little early here yet – according to one of the artists everything will be open in a couple of weeks.  Snowbirds haven’t all returned yet….

Anyway, it still was nice – we also found a nautical consignment store.  The guys went crazy in there.   Jenny and I ventured on – but didn’t find any real bargains.

Jeff and Linda (Jeremiah) made it here around 5:00.  Mike picked them up in the dinghy.  We all had drinks on the boat and visited until dark.  All six of us then went over to Shrimpers for dinner - (told you we’d make it back there for dinner.) We had a wonderful dinner.  It was just like old times – all Loopers having a great time over a great meal.  I laughed until my side hurt!  Finally Jeff and Linda headed on to Vera Beach to see their grandbaby.  Both SweetGrass and NautiNell planned to leave in the morning. 

Saturday morning about 8:30 or so – SweetGrass headed on up North.  It was great to see them.  We really hope to see them again.  We should go through Charleston this Spring on our way up to Norfolk.  Hopefully we will get to spend some time with them. 

We headed out (south) about 9:00.  It was so windy!  We thought about staying one more day but the weather forecast included winds for the next few days.  It wouldn’t be bad on the ICW and the winds were coming from the NNE so they would be behind us most of the way.  It wasn’t really pleasant but it wasn’t bad. Everything was fine until we finally got to Lake Worth.  We had planned to anchor somewhere close to Peanut Island.  The wind was so strong – we couldn’t find a good place to anchor.  Either it was too crowded or we just didn’t think we would hold.  SO we decided at the last minute to try Riviera Beach Marina.  We had quite a time getting the boat in to the slip.  The wind was really blowing and we decided that morning to tow the dinghy rather than put it on top.  NOT AGAIN!  It was not a bother to tow and we thought we were anchoring.  We figured we would just have to unload it again when we got to anchor at Lake Worth.  What we didn’t figure was that the wind would be so bad that we would go into a marina and try to get in to the slip with the dinghy getting in the way.  It tried to pull it up close to the boat but I just couldn’t get it close enough.  No damage though – just frayed nerves and maybe some “yelling”.  Just a little – but some.  J  Cory, the kid at the dock did a lot to help. We got in safe and sound.  The wind continued to blow the entire night.  We sat out on the boat and listened to the music coming from the Tiki Bar at the marina.  Happy to be in the marina.

Sunday morning the wind was still at it so we decided to stay another day.  We rode our bikes up to the local Walgreens – Yea! They have a liquor department!  We were able to stock up on a few things.  We had lunch at the Tiki Bar – music all day.  Neat little place.  We watched the live stunt on TV by the guy – Felix Baumgartner – parachuting from outer space!  A little crazy don’t you think?  Why would someone want to do this? Highest manned  balloon flight and then he jumps out of it!  Oh well – it was cool though seeing him land on his feet after falling over 23 miles from space sometimes at over 700 mph!

After that we went by dinghy over to Peanut Island.  It's just across from the marina.  Peanut Island is really a very nice area.  The facilities there are very well maintained – there is a maritime museum there that includes the JFK Bunker used during the Cold War.  We walked all around the Island – I really enjoyed it.  We would have stayed longer but it was starting to look like rain. 

We relaxed on the boat and made our plans to leave in the morning.  We are planning to anchor out in Lake Boca Raton.  Hopefully the winds have died down!  AND we will be putting the dinghy up on the roof before we leave!

Till next time!

Admiral “C”

 

 

 

Change of plans - and more pics from Ft Pierce

Neat "Ft Pierce, FL" sign - recycled items

Mr. Manatee putting the finishing touches on his landscape.....

More sculptures - they are so cool.

Traveling along the ICW

This little shrimpboat is not going anywhere
Just outside Shrimpers Raw Bar and Gill

Inside Shrimpers - very cool place

Here are some more pictures from Ft Pierce - we really enjoyed our stay there.  Hopefully we'll make it back next Spring and hit the Farmers Market.

We have another change in plans - like I always say - our plans are always made in sand.....

Anyway, we changed our minds about traveling the Okeechobee Waterway and then going down the west coast of Florida to the Keys.  Instead, we are going to continue down the east coast of Florida on down to Marathon.  Due to time constraints and in order to save a little money - it's the best way to go.  We had hoped to make it over to the west coast and then on up to Venice for a week or so.  Sorry, Jeff and Linda - we'll have to wait to see you guys in December when you make it to Marathon.

We still plan to be at Sombrero (Dockside) Marina for November, December and January.  We look forward to meeting up with some old friends.  We also are looking forward to making new ones.

We left Ft Pierce this morning and are currently on the hook in the Manatee Pocket near Stuart. We had a great day along the ICW.  We took the dinghy over to Shrimpers Raw Bar and Grill for Happy Hour.  Neat place. 

We are going to stay here on the hook for a few days.  We spoke to Jerry and Jenny of "SweetGrass" who are currently in Miami and are heading north back home to Charleston.  It looks like they will be able to meet us here in the Manatee Pocket on Thursday.  It will be really good to see them and catch up on everything. 

Till next time!

Admiral "C"