Keys Trip 2026

[crazycarl]

Peaceful night with a slught breeze. Awoke about 1am and sat in the cockpit listening to dolphins nearby. With a light rain falling thisorning I attempted tobscrub the road filth off the deck but it needs a power washing. Breakfast was oatmeal, a granola bar and coffee. With the boat closed up the tea kettle heated the inside, but I had installed a 12v computer fan on the lower drop board and with the mushroom vent on the forward hatch open, the steam was removed from the cabin. Rain is predicted to stop in an hour or so. I'll do a little more organizing and then sit on the cockpit and enjoy the rain.

[crazycarl]

After a lazy morning of reading and snorkeling waiting for some wind, we sailed to Tavenier. With NE winds I went tobthe east side of the island, while Chris went west. Chris found good anchorage long before I made it around the island. I dropped the hook about a mile south of Chris and because of the shallows, far out from shore.

If you have never visited the Keys, there is no east or west here. By land or water you're alwyas traveling north or south. Ask a local how to get to Key WEST, and they'll tell you to head south.

Day 2 anchorage

[kickingbug1]

wish i was there. too much going on here

[passagesfromtheheart]

Loving this so much, Carl -- I am getting a serious case of 'adventure goosebumps' as I read this thread -- absolutely thrilled for you and Chris -- and the boats look absolutely gorgeous! Please keep the posts coming -- such a wonderful read!!!

[crazycarl]

We anchored close in at Indian Key and waded ashore. I was hoping excavating of the old village since my visit 16 years ago had progressed some, but it all looked the same. We moved the boats to deeper water just before grounding with the low tide. A very windy night made it difficult to remain asleep worrying about anchor drag. We got an early start this morning and sailed south crossing under the channel 5 bridge and stopping at Fiesta Key RV resort for fuel and ice. From there we sailed south on the bayside until I got confused looking at 3 gps's and ran aground. After freeing the boat I dropped anchor to look for a way around the shallows when once again I found myself stuck. The anchor had dragged. Chris had made it through with his Sunday Cat and proceeded to a small bay. I sailed out and around before catching up with him, but I didn't care to anchor in seagrass and kept going. After several hours we located a nice secluded, mud bottom cove to drop the hook. I must add, it is somewhat disconcerting when you are out on large water and all the weather reports are predicting strong overnight winds. Good sandy or mud bottoms are far and few between here and one must plan accordingly.

We did have a dolphin encounter, and they came so close to Chris I thought he would hit them. Then, as I was dropping anchor for the night, a large and small sea turtle swam in front of me.