We left Venice Wednesday morning. Randall and Jake spent the morning replacing the alternator while we were anchored in the ICW north of Venice. The alternator didn’t go out but the tachometer kept spiking up so Randall decided to go ahead and put the new one on. As we approached the incoming waves at the Venice Pass, someone hails us. She wanted to find out if she had read our hailing port correctly. She and her husband hail from Norman, OK. They now run a charter boat out of Venice. So fellow displaced Okies wished us safe travels as we departed.
We sailed the entire way to Key West, only running the motor about two hours. We had 20-25 knot wind through the night and sailed 5 – 7 knots. I was actually for reefing in a little but Randall and Jake were enjoying the speed. The next day, we had a Brown Pelican come beg for fish. Lily tossed some bread, cucumber and pineapple peelings his way which got his interest only long enough for him to discern that it wasn’t fish. After fifteen minutes of these undesired offerings, he crapped on our solar panels and left in disgust.
We got to Key West around 4 p.m. and made out way past the para sailors, the cruise ship and into the crowded anchorage. Coming in, the water was a beautiful turquoise banded with dark blue from the scattered clouds. Jake and Lily jumped in once we got anchored but, the sky was getting cloudy, so they got out shivering. We are going to shore later to day so Lily can burn some energy. Right now, she is burning it by picking fights with Jake. Tomorrow, we will start looking at the weather to determine if we can go over to the Dry Tortugas.
Just try it. You might like it.
Many shades of blue
Studying the water
Cruise ships waiting departure
The water looks inviting…I can see why Jake and Lil wanted to jump in!! Love your stories!!!
hope you guys make it to DT. they’ve always intrigued me and i can’t wait to see pics and hear the stories. i wonder how tasty are bonefish?
Yeah, Jan, the water is so clear here. Thanks for reading, too! Toni, I was so excited to get there but we headed the other way for now. ERRR. Not sure now when we will make it there. Key West has a little museum about DT which sort of got me worked up to go. Hopefully some day….
Hi Tam it does look like the water is beautiful. Safe travels!
The water is beautiful! Left overs from pelican not so pretty.
Love ya’ll, Vicki
how beautiful. Water is like the Bahamas,Belize,Roatan and so many other wonderous places that i know you will get to!! I noticed from your spots that you had turned away from the Tortugas??? I was sad to see that but know you WILL get there. I want you to go so bad. Marathon will be glad to see you. If Larry Joe is there,Randall, you be sure and give him a big hug for me.
That is great you got some good sailing in. Am sure missing you guys,but more glad you are doing what you’ve been trying to do for a long time. Be safe and enjoy. Love you bunches
Susie – Thanks for the well wishes and hope you are having some fun travels too. Can’t wait to hear about your European vacation. Vicki – Thought about you while passing up Destin! Still hope to get there some day. Hope you are doing good. Maybe you can come done when Michelle comes to catch up with us?? You would have to teach a day or two, thought. haha. Michelle – will have to drop back by Larry Joe’s to see if R will give him a hug. what a good pic for the blog, huh? I could tell he wouldn’t have minded a Lily hug but I am not sure how the Randall hug will go.