Key West

We left Marathon at the crack of dawn on Thursday, Feb 2nd heading for Key West.  The weather had been very poor for traveling and the window for good cruising to Key West was fairly short so we grabbed it.  We took Hawk Channel and the waves were 2-3 ft to begin with but built to 3-5 as we progressed.  Waves were on our rear quarter so we were rocking and rolling.  The trip was short, however, and we pulled into Stock Island Village Marina a little after noon.  We are rafted up to the boat of one of Kerm's old friends, Bill Collins.

Stock Island Village Marina

More boats in the marina

Bill and Melissa's boat ...they are enjoying the winter on their new boat

   

A great deal of work is being done in preparation for our trip to the Bahamas.  We are installing tip-up davits on the swim platform to hold the new dinghy.  This has taken a lot of trips to the Home Depot.  Kerm also had to order a new bracket from the supplier in Minnesota to ensure that it is good and stable when we are underway.  The bracket has still not arrived (as of 2/8). 

Things done so far include: 

1. New propane tank installed
2. Decal from US Customs and Border Control has been affixed (it facilitated re-entry into the US)
3. Leak in the water system fixed
4. Sink drain replaced
5. Flag pole mounted in new position since flag would be obscured by the new dinghy
6. Boat name letters ordered for the bottom of the dinghy.  Because our vessel is documented with the Coast Guard the name must be clearly visible and the new dinghy will get in the way of the transom.  EyeCatcher Signs is working on this and should have them for us soon.
7. Charts purchased

The weather has been windy and we had over  4.5 inches of rain one night, which is a record for Key West.  For the time being we stuck here waiting for parts and decent traveling weather... don't be too sad for us.

Signing off for now
Christie





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