Key West was awesome and we were in deep need of some rest, while it amply provided. The anchorage was calm and we were on the outer edge of Westeria Island (close to Tank island). Each evening a few dozen boats would parade out to the harbour showing its guest the gorgeous sunsets this location displays! The water was warm, but the current strong so our dips kept us close to the boat.
Our rendezvous into town consistently included the bookstore (used and new), west Marine and Key West Marine and the grocery store called Fausto’s. We also walked the main streets through the town that lead to the water (Duval and Whitehead)… the southernmost point of USA and the beginning of Route One. Lots of roosters, key lime pies, police on horses, and tourist roamed the streets. We bought some new shorts and shirts, and each shore visit also meant an oyster feast and the blazing sights of Flamboyant (Royal Poinciana) in full bloom.
We did lots of boat chores, including the most harrowing, changing the stuffing box/ stern gland flax while at anchor. The bilge pump did its job while we worked as quickly as possible deciding to only replace the bottom pieces with something bigger.
For 5 days I was illegal in the country… wanting to wait before setting the clock ticking again! It was such a relief to check in and get the notification. Grateful for NEXUS as I suspect it helped expedite the process. I was truly concerned, as leaving in November my exit from the country was denied, but I was already 24hrs offshore by this time.
The most exciting part of Key West was seeing a Manatee for the first time…. at the dinghy dock (that was $15/ day). The most shocking was gas price at $7.20/gallon.
Off to No Name Harbour, Key Biscayne outside of Miami next. It was an easy 24hour trip riding the Gulf Stream adding an extra 2-3knots of current.Read more
May 9 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Traveler👍👍👍