Keys Trip 2026

[crazycarl]

Today is 2 weeks from departure for the Florida Keys. The boat is ready and all the gear is assembled in the garage. Next week comes the hard part. Shopping for provisions. My new IPhone saves pics in jpeg, not jpg and this site doesn't take jpeg, so pics may or may not be posted. I still have my android, so maybe?

I will try to post updates HERE as Chris and I progress on this little adventure.

[crazycarl]

Test to see if i can post a pic from old phone.

[bruce]

I was going to offer to post your photos for your upcoming trip, but I saw that it might be better that your accomplished daughter, who you can proudly recommend for her sewing skills, and/or her sister, who I'm sure you're equally as proud of, consider taking on this job for their sins in recommending that you should go with an iPhone!

[kickingbug1]

   gotta say that is one fine 19---merry christmas to you and joan

[crazycarl]

gotta say that is one fine 19---merry christmas to you and joan

Thanks Steve! Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah to you and Sara and all Compac 'O Nauts.

[crazycarl]

Truck is loaded and the boat is attached. All I need to do is pack my clothing.
The second pic shows a sleave my daughter made to protect the foresail while trailering.

[kickingbug1]

spare tire i hope?

[crazycarl]

Left this morning and just outside our neighborhood I had to slam on the brakes for 2 deer. Then right at mile 1 the strap securing the boat to the trailer popped off. At mile 72 the right wiper blade tore. At 112 miles the strap came off again. Except for the rain and constant slow downs for no apparent reason on 95, the trip has been mostly uneventful. Stopped for the night about 5 and just north of Savana. Taking 3 days to drive 13 hours gives me the chance to stop if I see anything interesting. Although Joanie will be with on the return so I can't stop anywhere she would like.

[crazycarl]

Made it to Florida without a major incident!

[passagesfromtheheart]

Thanks for the update and for sharing the pics, too!

[crazycarl]

Made it to Homestead, but not without incident. Just south of Miami a fender let loose. I was able to pull over and remove it before anything was damaged. I'm not happy about this. I paid over $300 last summer to a trailer company to install them. Looking them over, no lock washers were installed. They'll be seeing me upon my return home.

[crazycarl]

Chris and met up at the Pelican Resort in Key Largo. If you ever come here, I highly recommend this "resort". It's old Florida. I have stayed here 6 times since 2005.
Tomorrow we will laun h at John Pennecamp State Park on the oceam side. Low 80s predicted for this week.

 

[alsantini]

So cool guys.  I am going to miss this sailing adventure this year.  Enjoy the great weather I ordered for your Keys adventure.  Be safe and Sail On.    Al

[crazycarl]

After a restful night we launched at John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park and drove to the outdoor storage where Bob let us wash down our trailers before he graciously drove us back to the park. We had planned on anchoring in Largo Sound, but they dont allow overnight anchoring so we motored through the mangrove cut out to the Atlantic and headed to Rodriguez Key. With a late start we had to motor to arrive before sunset. Upon arriving the entire area is a grass seabed. 4 times I tried to set the anchor and 4 times it dragged. I finally found a sandy area behind a derelict sailboat and set the hook. Chris is some distance from me as he had better luck anchoring. With a nice breeze ventilating the cabin I'll spend the evening organizing the boat.

[Fastdoc98]

I'm watching this thread with great interest and jealousy!