Marathon to Key West

 
April 28,2009

     April 24, 2009 we left Marathon, Fl mid morning after fueling up.  The wind was blowing 20-25 knots out of the east so we were sailing in front of it. I'm just glad we were not sailing the other way into the wind.  The waves were 3-5 feet by the end of the day.   We sailed only to New Found Harbor which is by Big Pine Key were the miniature deer live (20 inches high).Palm Is. Key is at the entrance of this harbor.   Unfortunately, the wind was so rough we could not get to shore.  The depths charted were higher than it actually was so we had to anchor quite far from shore.  The wind howled at 20-25 knots all night long but our anchor held.

     April 25, 2009, a saturday found us leaving New Found Harbor at high tide progressing further south to Key West.  the winds were still 20-25+ knots and still from the East.  The waves were a little less that day, but it was a comfortable ride as we jibed across our course line.   we arrived at Key West Bight about 3  in the afternoon.  since the City Marina there was full, we went to Conch Harbor Marina.  After we got the boat docked and shut down, plugged in and hatches open, we went ashore to explore. We walked down Caroline Street to Duval which was really hopping.  It reminded me a bit of Mardi Gras.  I guess it was especially crowded because it was Saturday.  We stopped after a while at the Flying Monkey to rest our feet and have frozen drinks.  We proceeded on to scope out Mallory Square which looked much like a circus with various acts and kiosks selling art, jewelry etc.  we went back to the boat to clean up and then went out to dinner at Turtle Kraals. 

     Sunday, April 26, found us doing chores.  I cleaned the boat washing all the salt away.  We ate lunch at Dante's Bar and Grill which is at the head of our dock.  while I washed clothes, Charlie enjoyed watching the bikini-clad beauties at Dante's pool.  I joined him later.  We ate in that night.

     Monday, April 27, 2009,  we did some more work on the boat.  Charlie ordered a replacement for the lower bilge pump which has been giving us problems, but also discovered that the diaphram for the pump was split.  He found a replacement and it is working OK for now.  We cleaned the Strataglass of the Cockpit surround and worked on polishing the metal.  We ate lunch at Pepe's on Caroline St.  It was opened in 1909 and specializes in oysters.  We also ate dinner out after working most of the afternoon.

     Tuesday, April 28, 2009.  I went to a local grocery quite far from the harbor, but took pictures along the way.  I went by a place that claimed to be Hemmingway's first residence here. It is now the largest private residence here, but they allow tours of their garden.  We still have not been to the Hemmingway Bar or house yet.

     I leave tomorrow to return to Charleston for my mammogram and an appointment with the surgeon's assistant.  My surgeon is on bed rest due to her pregnancy.    Maybe I'll see some of you while back in Charleston.  I fly back on Saturday morning.  We hope, if weather allows, to leave Sunday for Bimini.   Charlie will be on his own here to explore while I am gone.