Mile 1084 Miami to Key Largo Mile 1145

We departed Las Olas Marina, Ft Lauderdale at noon on February 13th.  Just as the cold front passed through and skis cleared, we were able to take advantage of the  strong west winds that followed and raised our sails.   With a reefed main and jib we sailed the  20 miles to Miami.  Amazing wind gusts of 30 + but Cats Paws handled it well.  Fastest cruising speed yet - over 8 knots! We arrived at the Miami inlet at 4:30 then had to hail 2 bridges - Venetian Causeway West  and Venetian East to navigate Biscayne Bay to a secure anchorage.  Our plans were to go to the boat show on Valentines Day and South Beach on Saturday- which we did.  Have to say Annapolis Boat show tops Miami all around.  No dinghy access to the sail show - not to mention it was totally spread out in three different directions!! The convention center is in Miami Beach and the in water shows are in downtown Miami west of the ICW.  To get there we had to dinghy to the Miami Yacht Club where we purchased a temporary membership for one day dinghy dockage.  From there we got a ride to the show only to find out we had to take a bus to the convention center and wait for the 2 bridge openings to get across ( over an hour ride!!).  Needless to say it was an adventure!  Finally made it to the sail show after a late Valentines lunch of  Cuban cuisine.  At sunset we walked over the causeway back to the Yacht Club for a few oysters and drinks.  Happy Valentines Day!!

                                         

 

Next day to our surprise we saw the Schooner Yankee - the schooner Fred captained in Cape May!!!  For the past few years he had no clue where Yankee had been.  Last we knew it was in Key Largo but heard that it sold and he could not locate her.  Lo and behold there she was not far from our anchorage and her name is still Yankee!!!  We had many a memory on Yankee back in the Cape May days!!!  The new owner replaced all the rigging and gave her a new color but kept her name.  Yankee now does Boy Scout charters - the new owner hinted he could use another captain!! Who knows!!

That same moment another small world wonder occurred when Fred spotted Shenanigans, a Pearson 40 that he raced back in the 80's!!  He was in his glory!!  After visiting ex-boats we made it to South Beach!! After yesterday we discovered a canal that is navigable by dinghy all the way to the center of Miami Beach and a pleasant walk to South Beach.  Got to see the beach, put our feet in the crystalline water, explore the art deco district and take in the sites of the old hotels.  Very cool!!  Back to the boat for a delicious dinner and a moon rise over Miami!!

February 16th - day 21 on the water!!  Key West bound.  Sailed Biscayne Bay and entered Hawk Channel just south of Cape Florida - southern most tip of  Key Biscayne.  Hawk Channel parallels the Florida Keys (Atlantic Ocean side).  Wind died down to less than 5 knots so we had to motor sail.  Seas less than 1 foot and beautiful emerald green water color!!  We saw bottom the whole way - I wanted to jump in!

Stilt House Biscayne Bay

Destination - anchorager near Key Largo behind Rodriquez Key.  Anchored in 8 ft of clear water and watched anchor set!  Sitting in the cockpit enjoying the sunset, a glass of white wine and listening to sunday mass recorded by our dear friend Carl Granieri.  Thanks Carl for the music and mass!