Key West -Mile 0- ICW Mile 1240

February 17th, Presidents Day, we continued our trek southwest tacking down wind through Hawk Channel.  Our destination was Marathon approximately 45 miles from Key Largo.  Awesome dolphins racing alongside our bow - we could have touched them as they surfaced for air!!  Very exciting and definitely the highlight of this beautiful day.  That evening we anticipated a mooring, a great seafood dinner, Kaliks at sunset, and a visit to the turtle hospital.  Lo and behold when we arrived and tried to hail the city marina for a mooring, there was no answer (except for other confused sailors on the radio also trying to make contact!).  Since it was President's Day the city marina was closed!  Of course it was low tide and the wind was gusting over 20 knots!  We entered the harbor to find no room at the inn - the 200+ moorings were all occupied and the anchorages limited.  We decided to anchor outside the harbor behind Boot Key with 7 other sailboats.  A little rockin and rollin but it was a great night with another spectacular sunset and moonrise.  Needless to say we did not go ashore.

Next morning Key West bound!!  Wind direction was from the east/northeast and since we now were headed west (hence Key West) the wind was once again behind us.  Another day of tacking down wind with gusts of 15 but so glad we could sail!! Again we were visited by a playful dolphin- so cool to watch from the bow!!   We arrived at Key West channel around 3:00 and took in all the sites on the way in - Southernmost Buoy, the Southernmost Hotel we stayed in 5 years ago, Fort Zachary Taylor beach,  Mallory Square, Schooner Wharf, and more.  Could not wait to go ashore!!! So many memories of our wedding week!!  And so the adventure begins!!   First night - where do we safely moor Cats Paws??   With strong east winds and current, we decided a mooring would give us peace of mind versus anchoring in the current and wakes.  The only moorings in Key West are located east of Fleming Key in Garrison Bight which is owned by the city,  This meant we had to motor through a narrow channel 2 miles north, round the island, and continue 2 miles south.  The mooring field is at least a mile from shore. This was a long wet dinghy ride with a 4 horse engine!  Finally made it to schooner wharf and decided we deserved a dinner at A&B Lobster House - home of our wedding dinner 10 years ago!  We were planning a more formal dinner attire for this special occasion but the moment was perfect, and we wanted to celebrate our arrival.  I was in my hand-me-down Captain Tony's tee shirt given to me by Rachel, but it didn't matter -we're in Key West!!   After a great Florida lobster dinner, a few cosmos, and a mile walk back to our dinghy, the dark ride to our boat through the mooring field was not as bad as anticipated.  We found our boat!!  The real challenge was finding the marina office the next day - it felt like Miami all over again with everything spread out in different directions!

First day in Key West was delightful - BO's Fish Wagon for lunch (excellent conch fritters and cracked conch), Schooner Wharf ( listened to Michael McCloud who we discovered at this tourist town bar 15 years ago), and Mallory Square ( yes the Cat Man is still there and crazier than ever!!).                           

      Day two in Key West we decided to get a slip to avoid the long dinghy ride in.  Now we are in a beautiful resort marina enjoying the harbor, pool, and beach!  So much more convenient to be ashore! Tonight we took a stroll down Duval Street after half price appetizers and drinks at Alonzo's Oyster Bar - another one of our favorite places from the past which hasn't changed!  We walked to the guest house where we stayed for our wedding - it looks the same but the name has changed.  It still has that same quaint Key West charm - just love it here!!  Could not pass up a stop at Captain Tony's and attempt a try at tossing a quarter in the grouper's mouth.  I actually did it after many tries!  It was fun!! - Should have had that Captain Tony tee shirt on though!!
                        Plans are to stay at the Galleon Resort Marina through the weekend and possibly longer.  We still have a lot more to do and eat!!!