Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
Just another day in paradise. The bikes are now off the boat, cleaned and ready to go.
I have posted the third installment of pcitures from the trip, St. Augustine to Maraton at this location:
ICW Pictures-Set 3 Enjoy.
Just another day in paradise. The bikes are now off the boat, cleaned and ready to go.
I have posted the third installment of pcitures from the trip, St. Augustine to Maraton at this location:
ICW Pictures-Set 3 Enjoy.
Monday, December 01, 2003
Monday, December 1, 2003
Winds actually picked-up overnight at our anchorage off Metacumbe Key. By early morning there was a good chop even in the protected anchorage. Winds measured about 15 from the NE. The sunrise temperature was 68 degrees. We left for the run down Florida Bay to Marathon. I made the decision to stay inside instead of crossing over to the ocean side. In hindsight, it was probably the same on the ocean side and about 5 miles shorter. The run was a little rough and as we got further down the Keys we had more open water and waves were probably 2-3 feet. Lobster pots were the big problem, hundreds of them. They are not boat friendly!!!! At least I know how to handle them, they look just like my home water’s Crab Pots!!!
Finally, about noon we made the turn towards the entry to Boot Key Harbor in Marathon. The harbor is large and filled with boats at anchor and on moorings. The town of Marathon is making a big effort to clean up the harbor and it appears to be working so far. We made a quick stop to top off the fuel tanks and then on to our slip. It was 12:30 when we pulled in, made the lines fast and stepped off. After securing all the lines Sandra and I walked to the nearby Publix Grocery store to restock for dinner. For those from the north Publix is an exception chain; their stores are always well stocked and very clean.
Winds are expected to remain strong for a few days so I will probably put off scuba diving until it calms down. Tomorrow we will start our landside routine and readapt to land living.
Today’s stats 39.20 miles, running time 5.25 hours 7.47 mph ICW MM 1195
Winds actually picked-up overnight at our anchorage off Metacumbe Key. By early morning there was a good chop even in the protected anchorage. Winds measured about 15 from the NE. The sunrise temperature was 68 degrees. We left for the run down Florida Bay to Marathon. I made the decision to stay inside instead of crossing over to the ocean side. In hindsight, it was probably the same on the ocean side and about 5 miles shorter. The run was a little rough and as we got further down the Keys we had more open water and waves were probably 2-3 feet. Lobster pots were the big problem, hundreds of them. They are not boat friendly!!!! At least I know how to handle them, they look just like my home water’s Crab Pots!!!
Finally, about noon we made the turn towards the entry to Boot Key Harbor in Marathon. The harbor is large and filled with boats at anchor and on moorings. The town of Marathon is making a big effort to clean up the harbor and it appears to be working so far. We made a quick stop to top off the fuel tanks and then on to our slip. It was 12:30 when we pulled in, made the lines fast and stepped off. After securing all the lines Sandra and I walked to the nearby Publix Grocery store to restock for dinner. For those from the north Publix is an exception chain; their stores are always well stocked and very clean.
Winds are expected to remain strong for a few days so I will probably put off scuba diving until it calms down. Tomorrow we will start our landside routine and readapt to land living.
Today’s stats 39.20 miles, running time 5.25 hours 7.47 mph ICW MM 1195
