The Upper Keys

We left Miami and entered the Florida Keys January 9^th. We have slowly worked our way south, mostly sailing from place to place. The 10^th was very warm, and the first time that we actually went swimming during this whole trip. We were having a crocodile debate. There are salt-water crocs in the upper keys, so Sal and I were a bit worried. My dad assured us that there were none around but we were very cautious. The water was quite clear so we were able to see the bottom. It was early morning so we just jumped in quickly to cool down. Sal didn’t partake this time but ‘kept watch’ for us. We had to motor that day because there was hardly any wind around. It was the hottest day yet! We anchored in Buttonwood sound with protection from the north winds as we knew that the calm warm weather was about to end overnight as another cold front was forecasted to come through. After we anchored we took advantage of the hot weather to do some swimming and snorkeling. This time Sal came in with mom and I. We put on the fins and goggles and did some underwater exploring. Nothing much to see, a few small fish, seagrass and some small jellyfish. It was so great to be finally swimming. I was worried I had brought all those bathing suits for nothing!

(Fishing for dinner, but no luck so far)

That night as we were having dinner aboard Chautauqua (pasta with tomato sauce and a salad) there was a definite thump on the boat. Dad climbed outside and yelled ‘hello, is there anyone out there?’ Sal also went outside to explore a bit further and yelled for us to come out. He had the flashlight shining in the water and on a humongous manatee swimming around and eating sea grass. He must have bumped the boat with his tail fin. The water was so calm and clear that we were able to see him/her under the water. The manatee must have been at least 7 feet long and very wide. We all were out on the boat watching until he swam away. There’s always something going on which makes the trip so neat.

(Pizza made in a frying pan on the stove. Mmm)

That night a cold front came in and brought the wind and cold air. We spent the next two days cooped up in our boats. One day Sal and I made dinner for my parents (yes all 4 of us were cramped into Second Wind, it was quite an intimate affair). Friday the 14^th: we all had a touch of cabin fever, the wind had died down so we moved over to the Upper Keys Sailing Club and got a berth for the night. It was our first time being on land in almost a week! We walked down the streets of Key Largo for probably 4-5 kilometers and our legs and feet were so sore! We decided to get some groceries before heading back and then opted for a cab because I was pretty sure I would not have been able to walk back. We’re a little embarrassed at how much muscle we have lost being in a boat. Dad took us out for dinner as a treat and then we all came back to the boat and shared a key lime pie.

(The picture does not do justice to the gorgeous colour of the water)

The sailing club was hosting a regatta so we enjoyed watching all the small sailboats and catamarans zoom around. We left the following day to slowly make our way south. We are having a debate whether to turn back and wait for a window to cross to the Bahamas or to head south for Marathon (Boot Key) for a week or so then make our way back. We are really enjoying ourselves here, it’s warm and we are doing some sailing and the water here is so beautiful and in every shade of green. We can’t believe how fast the winter is going by so we’re going to spend another week or two in the keys and then maybe try to get to the Bahamas.

(Just drifting along, not in any hurry to get anywhere)

(Southward bound)