Day 250 - 251 February 25 - 26, 2023

Day 250 Saturday,  February 25, 2023

Marathon Florida to Key Largo Florida

7am start from Marathon, heading for Anchorage Resort and Marina in Key Largo.  It is our stop for the night, then Biscayne Bay to stage for our Bahamas crossing to Bimini.  Every day I ask myself  "Are we really doing this?".  We have made it so far since we left the dock at Mooney Bay on June 20, 2022.  I can't believe we've made it this far.  

There was a beautiful sunrise this morning  - a definite plus for getting up early.  We had a choice of the outside route, possibly quicker but rougher seas, or the inside intracoastal route which is shallow but calmer.  We chose calm. 

Jerry laid our mast down since our first challenge would be to cross under the 7 mile bridge.  We could have passed under at the center without a problem but that would have added a lot of time to our trip.  We knew we should make it without problems but the bridge passage isn't marked and the water is low.  Chance of hitting bottom or top of boat.  We watched the fishing boats to see where they went and I stood on the summer kitchen to watch our air draft.  Jerry had the most fun -- the current is swift and the passage narrow between the bridge supports. It was like the water was boiling.

We saw lots of crab pots but the day was beautiful.  We knew we were near Key Largo when the boat traffic started to pick up.  We arrived at 2:20pm, a 7.5 hour day.

 

Anchorage Resort and Marina shouldn't really be called a marina.  We arrived and asked for our slip assignment, directions and help coming in.  We waited for "maintenance" staff to catch or lines.  They looked like staff from the kitchen - they still had their food safety gloves on.  They didn't know how to tie the lines and weren't smart enough to hang around for a tip (they wouldn't have gotten one anyway). Poorly maintained docks too and all for $4/foot.  Luckily they waived the resort fee.

We did enjoy dinner at Blackwater Siren, the restaurant next door.  Looked like a local favorite.  I had a Mahi Reuben recommended by our server that was excellent.  Best part of our stay here.  Back at the boat we filled out our Bahama's Cruising application online using "Click2Clear".  

Scenery included 2 derelict boats.  Osprey had built a nest in the mast and were calling back and forth to each other as they tended their babies. 

 

Day 251 Sunday, February 26, 2023

We were underway at 8:45am for travel to Biscayne Bay Florida, near Miami, anticipating a 5 hour day.  Beautiful day with very calm waters and dolphin escorts. 

Kathy captured us on a video cam crossing under the Card Sound Road Bridge!!

We were unsure exactly where we would end up today but knew that we would be one day closer to our Bahamas departure.   Biscayne Bay marinas and anchorages make for a shorter crossing to North Bimini Island.  We were going to refuel as well.  

 The water is so beautiful.  Miami skyline

After several phone calls we landed a slip at Matheson Hammock Marina.  We were lucky - they put us in a spot where the boater wasn't returning until the next day.  Nice marina near a state park and beach but obviously had security issues in the past.  We were gated in and would not be able to get back in if we left the marina. 

 Sailing regatta.

Matheson Hammock was also the cheapest fuel in the area at $4.75/gal plus tax.  We met Corbin and Patti on Donna Lynn, also on the Loop, and also headed to Bimini!  After some discussion we agreed to touch base in the evening about doing the crossing together.  They were at anchorage for the night' traveling with Tom and Mary Ellen of Anna Dee (in a Mainship 400 like ours) who would also be crossing.  

 Locals cleaning their catch.

Consultation and a double check of the weather, we all agreed to cross to the Bahamas tomorrow!  We topped off our water tanks, grilled a nice dinner and anticipated our next day.  It's awesome to have buddy boats.

 Sunset over the marina.