Key West Continued



Sunrise in Marathon, as we head off for Key West

 Barry and I arrived in the Key West mooring field late Thursday afternoon, after sailing for about 9 hours from Marathon. The water was rather rough at first, but eventually we go used to it and then the winds calmed down. We chose to use the mooring field, because of the wind direction and speed--but as you can see from previous post (haha) the water was not calm when we rt'd from our day trip to Key West today :)


View as we sailed to Key West

  While in Key West we visited the historic cemetery in which you can see the headstone that reads: "I told them I was sick!"


A hungry fowl

 For brunch, we went to a funky, popular place called Blue Heaven and ate outside in the garden. Roosters joined us--plucking pancake bits right out of our fingers! (Lax regulations from the FL Health Dept, I guess)

We did a little shopping and walked along the historic wharf district before heading back for our dousing in the dinghy. Did you know it takes FOREVER for things to dry out when they are covered with salt water? So I did some hand washing in the galley sink tonight....never take washing machines for granted. Never.

Key West fun



The old-timers warned us! If we chose to moor in Key West's mooring field, the trip by dinghy to Key West would be long and we would get WET. Did we listen?!? NO!!

An exaggeration, but we did get soaked to the skin!

Key West



30-year old Hemingway




  Monday was a windy, cloudy day so Barry and I took a 50-mile bus ride to Key West. Public transit here is cheap and fairly dependable--and without a car, we need it! We caught the 10:15 a.m. bus and returned on the 8:40 pm bus with each trip taking about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. While in Key West--whether walking to the museums or to the bus stop--we figured we walked 5+ miles!! We took in the usual tourist attractions--Hemingway's home; the Mel Fischer museum; Duval Street window shopping; Sloppy Joe's for a late lunch; and Mallory Square for the sunset and the street performers. We watched the Catman and his performing cats--who bite anyone who dares try to pet them. Also caught the act of a local Houdini-like escape artist who escaped from a chained and padlocked straight-jacket!! Key West is filled with 'characters'--6-toed cats, roosters, care-free tourists on mopeds, and hawkers. We had a terrific day and plan to return by sailboat in a couple of days to moor at one of the local marinas and take in some of the sights in Old Town off the beaten path.

Lighthouse near Hemingway's home







Hemingway's home

  


What's wrong with this picture?





The Catman



Unexpected Pleasure



Palm Path





Makes us want to snorkel!



Crane Point Creek



Yesterday, we planned to take a bus to a flea market about 20 miles from here. We had met some friendly people on the beach who were vendors of metal sculptures at flea markets on the East Coast. But....we missed the bus (that's a whole story in and of itself). It just so happened that the bus stop (with no bus in sight) was right across the road from Crane Point Nature Preserve--so we decided to visit. What a wonderful place--the pictures don't do it justice. We walked the trails through palm trees out to the point where we looked out over clear water where colorful fish nibbled algae off of the rocks. Much better than a flea market!

Marathon, FL



Another breathtaking sunset




Barry at Marathon Beach




Linda at Marathon Beach




Park at Marathon Beach




Sunset at Marathon City Marina from the deck of the Mardi Gras

       Greetings from Marathon, FL. We've been here for 4 full days now and are enjoying this cruiser friendly town. We've found the local grocery store (only a 1 mile walk or a $4 cab ride); Home Depot; an outboard motor repair shop (we need a new fuel pump); a bus schedule; and a LOVELY beach (only a 1 mile dinghy or kayak ride). In the harbor, we've enjoyed the company of Mick and Sue--world travelers from Wales--who shared some funny stories with us over drinks and appetizers. I've also participated in a yoga class--outdoors, under the marina's tiki hut, overlooking the water. Wow!
      Today started with a greeting from a pair of dolphins, one of whom jumped out of the water right in front of me four times as if to say good morning. Around 9a.m., Barry and I took the dinghy (towing my kayak) up Sister Creek to Marathon Beach--one of the most pristine, well-cared for beaches  I've ever seen! Barry headed back to the marina to work on the outboard (he can't sit still). For the first time since arriving in Florida, the water was warm enough to enjoy some swimming. I met some friendly folks at the beach, including a couple from Missouri with roots in Kirkwood. Small world! Around 3pm, I decided it was time to kayak back to the marina. Unfortunately, the wind was in my face so the trip back was challenging. Just when I thought I couldn't paddle another step--Barry came around the bend in the dinghy to tow me home! What a great guy!



Mick and Sue--new friends from Wales



Midnight Sail to Marathon

Greetings from Marathon, FL--part of the Keys! Barry and I sailed here overnight--leaving at midnight Monday and arriving at 4pm on Tuesday. This was my first overnight trip--and it was amazing! The stars were brilliant, with canopies of stars behind the familiar constellations. The stars helped us navigate--our auto-pilot was down, so we used our GPS and found landmarks in the sky to help guide us. It was pitch dark--like sailing into black ink. I ran the helm for an hour or so alone, while Barry napped. I listened to my favorites on my ipod, dancing while hanging onto the wheel and watching the sky. Loved it!
Now we're anchored next to a huge mooring field at Marathon City Marina--we pay for dinghy priviledges (laundry, restroom, community room, etc). Tonight we joined a bunch of people at a potluck dinner and met a great couple from Wales who have cruised for over 30 years all over Europe and the East coast of the USA. We learn so much from people we meet in harbors. We'll stay here about one week, before heading further south to Key West and the Dry Tortugas.

Indian Key



What more can I say?



Mangrove island



Front row seat for sunsets on the Gulf





View from the dinghy on the way to Everglades City

 

Along the banks of the Barron River--Everglades City



Rod and Gun Club--1864



Mardi Gras at anchor--Russell Bay at Indian Key

  Barry and I motor sailed Saturday, Jan. 21st,  for about 8 chilly hours to reach a beautiful anchorage called Indian Key. As we entered the anchorage, we passed by a spit of sand with about a hundred white pelicans--birds we used to see on the Mississippi. One other sailboat shared the anchorage--but we kept a respectful distance. As soon as the anchor was set, I set off in my kayak for a bit of exploration--the pelicans didn't mind me. The sunset was spectacular--we had an unobstructed view of the Gulf. Sunday, we 'felt our way through' the mangrove waterways to a different anchorage in Russell Bay. (We only ran aground a couple of times--no big deal!) This is part of the Everglades National Park--and it is deserted for the most part--other than lots of birds and fish. From this anchorage, we took the old dinghy up river to Everglades City and enjoyed lunch at the Rod and Gun Club--built in 1864 and host to presidents and dignitaries. It's Old Florida at its best! As we left, our outboard motor was cantankerous--we were the afternoon entertainment for several outdoor bars along the Barron River. Barry had to "hammer the carburator into submission".