Almost Lost

Flat Waters Light Winds

My husband has lied to me.  He told me that when we left Corpus Christi, we would not see winds like those that blow in CC anywhere else we travel.  I had been counting on that!  But perhaps we’ve brought the winds with us to Florida… because it seems that ever since we reached the Keys, we’ve had a LOT of wind!  Just like home!

Fishing the Mangroves

But today we finally got a break.  The winds were light.  We worked all day yesterday changing oil in the engine and generator… and today… we will play!  There are mangroves lining Boot Key Harbor that look like the perfect place to go kayak fishing.  Bruce brought his fishing pole ( I have no license so I can’t fish) and we took off towards Boot Key to try our luck. 

When we checked into Marathon Marina, we were given a map of the wonderful kayak trails that wind their way through the actual Key named Boot which is just a few paddles away from our mooring ball.  I’m pretty sure it was intended to get us to RENT kayaks but we’ve got our own, and it has had woefully little use.  We packed lightly, fishing gear, one dry bag with the phone (so that we could find our way out should we become lost), drinking water and the map.  

If you're still, the fish come out.

We headed for Sister Creek with one or two fishing stops… caught no fish.  We did see some action but nothing was biting our lures… typical.  The water was a clear clean green so at least we could look down into the depths and SEE fish lurking in the shade along the water’s edge.

All Smiles!  This Totally Beats Working!

Eventually we gave up on fishing and concentrated on kayaking.  There were a few other kayakers and paddle boarders out on the water, but we really didn’t see much of them.  It was like having the place all to our selves to explore.  We started out on the really easy trail, wide open space with plenty of room.  Then we came to a crossroads and went left.  This took us to a more narrow pathway that narrowed even more as we progressed.

It was quite exhilarating to forge our way through the clutching mangroves like great explorers from another era… er, well maybe not… There were obvious orange painted branches indicating that we were on a designated path, not to mention the fact that someone had come before us and lopped off the branches that dared to be in the way…  but it seemed like exploring to us!

This doesn't look like a lake to me...

Especially when we realized that we were probably lost.  The lake that was supposed to be in this spot, was not… I got out the cell phone to see our position on Google Earth.  Oops… it thinks we’re at the Publix a few blocks away.  Guess the signal isn’t great here.  What was plan B?  We kept on paddling!

Still doesn't look like a lake to me...

We finally found that lake and enjoyed the quiet of the wide open secret space…  I wouldn’t have called it a lake.  It was about a foot deep but whatever.  We drifted quietly across the sea grass beds and I was able to take pictures of the sea creatures living there.  I think they're upside down jellyfish.  Very cool looking.

That little break in the trees is the trail entrance... I think.

We moved in the direction of where we had seen another kayaker disappear... somewhere into the mangroves…  Where IS that trail!!!?  A small opening in the mangroves suddenly presented itself.  We knew this was the trail because it was the ONLY opening in the mangroves, and because there was a current pouring out of it into our lake.  This MUST be it!

Might as well fold 'em in.  Paddles useless!

We entered the dark mangrove canopy into another world.  There were calling birds and silence.  The mangroves grew in a close jumble and the pathway was so narrow we couldn’t use the paddles.

Handing our way along the trail

No worries, we easily moved ourselves along by grabbing and pushing off of the limbs.

A "Limbo Limb"

We even had to duck under a few limbs… a real “LIMBo”.  Ha.  Aw, c’mon… it’s funny!

Low Tech Map

At one point, I think Bruce was thinking we would never get out.  He insisted that I get the map back out and see if the compass on the iPhone worked.

The "Gauge"

It did… and we realized as we passed a “gauge” that was on the map, we were not on the trail we thought we were on… again.  But, we were able to devise a plan of escape and confirm the direction we were traveling.  

The light at the end of the tunnel

I guess we weren’t as lost as we thought, because it seemed like only minutes until we were back on a trail we had previously seen.  Funny, I would have thought it all looked alike.  But no, we recognized where we were and started paddling like mad until we were out into Sister Creek and headed towards home and freedom… and lunch!

Home and Freedom!

I think the day would have been less fun had we not had that little bit of “out-of-our-comfort-zone”.  It made it less tame, more exciting.  I won’t admit to being lost… but I can highly recommend being almost lost!

Bruce about to strip down to his skivvies!

Showing The Kids How We Live

Hoofin' it to the Publix

I had been watching the weather forecast for days with my fingers crossed that we would have warm temps and light winds for the time my daughter and her husband would be here.  We wanted to show them a good time and let them see how life on the boat really is… but not be stuck on the boat by unpleasant weather.  We were due for some rain with the passing of a cold front right in the middle of their visit… but I was still hopeful that we could find something fun to do.  

It was pretty warm on their first day here.  We slept with all of the windows and hatches open and after breakfast, we took advantage of the cooler part of the day to get some groceries.  We took the dinghy ashore and set out on foot for the mile or so to the Publix.  Bruce and I were glad to have two additional backs to carry stuff home!  Hey!  It isn’t glamorous but it’s how we live!  If you wanna eat, you’ve gotta haul groceries!

Melissa and Michael on Sombrero Beach

By the time we arrived back at the boat and put away the food, we were all pretty much dripping in sweat.  I promised not to complain about heat after the cold winter we’ve endured… but I was very interested in finding a beach at this point to spend our afternoon hours…  We piled all four back into the dinghy for a ride up Sister Creek to Sombrero Beach.  

Sadly no fish were caught...

We beached the dinghy and set off across the beautiful white sands to find our spot.  Michael brought along a fishing pole and I pointed him to the spot where we watched a fisherman haul in a nurse shark on our last visit here.  The rest of us settled in for some relaxation in the sun.  

Enjoying the water with my firstborn

Unlike our last visit here… it was now warm enough to enjoy the water.  Bruce, Melissa and I took several dips in the seaweed soup, but it was refreshingly cool…  

The sand was warm as we spent the afternoon soaking up rays…  It was nice having some Mother-Daughter time while Bruce got in his swim.  The fish were uncooperative and we would be forced to find food elsewhere… so as we began to feel crispy from the abundant sunshine, our thoughts turned to fried key lime pie…

Maybe I should drive more often... it was evidently photo worthy...

We dinghied over to Burdines and once again, were weakened by the delicious smells wafting from the kitchens…  

Still looking like newlyweds...

We had cold drinks and snacks while we enjoyed the view from the cool upstairs patio before we ordered the one piece of fried pie to share.  I’m SURE we’re ruining our dinner… but we didn’t care!

We were all ready for showers and it became a race against the weather.  Would we make it in time?  Or would the frontal passage hit us with rain before we could make it back to the boat.  I checked the radar and we decided to dash.  I was dismayed to find that the bank of clouds was right on top of us as we emerged from the showers.  The winds hit as we boarded the dinghy and we clambered back aboard the boat in the whipping winds.  Once again, I was glad we were on a mooring and not anchored out somewhere…

We relaxed in the cockpit and watched the storm pass.  We were all safe and dry inside the enclosure with only a few sprinkles.  The worst of the weather passed us by, but we did get a gentle rain out of it and a free deck wash.  The rain passed in the night, leaving behind cooler temperatures to make sleeping very comfortable.  Hopefully it wouldn’t halt the next day's outing to Bahia Honda Park. 

The next morning we had a relaxed breakfast and prepared for our day at the beach. The winds were up, but we weren’t deterred.  We packed a lunch and took off for the bus stop for the short ride to nearby Bahia Honda State Park.  Once again, the bus spit us out and we hoofed it to the park entrance.  

This was new to all of us and we marveled at the gorgeous beach just beyond the tree line.  We were now glad of the cooler weather as it made the walk very comfortable.  

The winds were coming from the other side of the Key so our beach was very calm and protected.  I followed Melissa as she headed straight for an exposed sand bar with every intention of claiming it as our own private island for the day…  

That's what I'm talkin' about!

Heading for "our island"

We reconsidered as the sand was wet and it looked like we had an incoming tide… so we waded back to shore and found a spot that wasn’t covered in a mound of stinky seaweed for our blanket.  

We parked it there and prepared for our individual pursuits… Mike took off with his fishing pole, Melissa and I waded.  Bruce guarded the stuff, then upon our return to the blanket, took off on a scouting mission.  

Delicate floaty things on the sand

Sweet smelling bushes were everywhere1

Delicate Floaty things in the shallows.

I (and my sandwich) were popular with the birds

The afternoon unfolded with the peace of knowing that we had nothing to do and all day to do it.  We had lunch and I was very popular with the gulls…  Bruce and I took a walk, he wanted to show me the other side of the park, where there was hand dipped ICE CREAM!  

We chose our scoops and braved the crazy winds outside briefly as our ice-cream melted everywhere!  Maybe we’ll come back here to check out the bridge when the weather is more calm…

The Bridge looked like fun, maybe next time...

We returned to the blanket and pointed the kids to the ice cream…  then packed up to leave when they returned.  We could have stayed forever soaking up the beauty of this place… but we had a bus to catch!  Tomorrow morning the kids would be leaving.  Tonight we had a date with a sunset.  Bruce and I left the kids in the cockpit after dinner to enjoy some “alone time”.  

A schooner sailing majestically by offshore

In the morning we would pack them off to the bus stop, the visit has come to an end.  Bruce and I were happy that the kids seemed to have enjoyed themselves.  The boat was plenty spacious for company and we enjoyed the time with family.  We had lots of laughs and it gave Bruce and I a chance to show off our way of life.  I was a little sad to see them off in the morning, but my attention was soon diverted by the many chores that must be done…  I can’t wait until the next time and wonder where we’ll be then...

Key West - Take Two

The Key West Express out of Ft. Myers Beach

Our second visit to Key west was quite different from our first visit.  Our oldest daughter and her husband were due to arrive on the Key West Express at just after noon.

Mike and Melissa disembarking from the boat

The Lower Keys Transit bus would deposit us about a block away from the landing terminal at just about noon.  Bruce and I got to see a different part of town as we hopped off the bus and easily found our way to the water’s edge.  

Palm lined streets and white picket fences...

We took advantage of the terminal seating and watched expectantly until the Express came in and docked.  The crew sprung into action keeping the boat in pristine condition while the crowd of passengers began to pour out and make their way ashore.  The kids had driven to Ft. Myers Beach to catch the ride to Key West instead of driving some eight hours to get here.  They were thrilled with their choice as the boat ride was an event in itself.  

Cobbled streets and the obligatory "foot" picture

Beautiful old buildings like this City Hall...

Typical seaside town...

Key West is many things.  There are parts that remind me of Hawaii, and of  the BVIs, and even a sort of tropical New Orleans…  Perhaps that’s why it’s such a popular destination for so many people.  We heard people speaking many different languages as we walked the streets.  There were shops lining the docks and streets and the ever popular bars…  This place reportedly comes alive at night… but we would be long gone by then.  

BO's came highly recommended

The kids arrived fresh and ready to explore.  I, however, was ready to find some lunch!  Bruce consulted his KW Expert, Chuck to see where we could find a good meal.  

This bird carried off the entire french fire...

BOs Fishwagon…  my kind of place.  We were warned that it “looks like a dive, but the food is good”, and all of this was true.  I wondered as I sat at the rickety mismatched tables and benches… if I would ever feel comfortable at a shining, candle lit table covered in white linen with hovering, snooty waiters again.  I much prefer open air and birds hovering in hope of snatching my offered french fry…  

Pretty unique paint job on this car outside...

The food was good and really hit the spot.  We left with renewed vigor, forgoing the tourist train that would take us around the town, for a long and winding walk to the other side of the island.  The bored looks on the faces of the passing train and trolley passengers was enough to put me off even if I wasn’t so cheap!  We each had things we wanted to see… First on my list was Duval St. and then Mallory Square.  

Malory Square was completely empty, even with a cruise ship in port

I must say, that in the light of day… Mallory Square left a lot to be desired.  It was completely empty as we emerged onto the square and kept on going…  It wasn’t important enough to us to warrant a stay into the evening hours.  Maybe next time. 

We watched this stately cutter take tourists for a sail.

Quaint homes and old style neighborhoods

Standing room only at the Green Parrot

We enjoyed the sights and the old homes along Whitehead street as we went in search of our next stop, Ernest Hemingway’s Home.  We walked many blocks and passed the Green Parrot Bar.  The place was jumpin’ even in the middle of the day.  There was standing room only and people spilled out into the streets as the live music pounded.  Bruce wanted to go in and have a drink, but it was just too crowded.  

We found Hemmingway’s and the kids went inside while Bruce volunteered us to watch their baggage.  We sat on the sidewalk in the shade like vagrants and watched the world go by.  Key West would be a great place to come and spend a weekend away.  There are so many cute little B&Bs and it would be fun to have a place to get away from the afternoon heat in preparation for a night out.  There are SO many things to do here, it would be worth coming back when we had more time.

Seriously... a line!  Beats a free-for-all!

The kids came out of Hemingway’s home with stories of the pool and the cats and the gardens.  We continued on down Whitehead to our next point of interest… in fact, a Southernmost Point.  I was amused to find that there was an orderly line of people waiting patiently for their photo op at the Point.  

Her "derisive" look.  Photo with Southernmost Garage...

Along the way there were businesses boasting of being the “Southernmost Dentist” and the "Southernmost Bar"…  I got “the look” from my daughter when I offered to take her picture in front of the “Southernmost Garage”…  

Hopefully not OUR Southernmost point...

Very soon it was our turn to get the obligatory photo…. tick that one off the Bucket List, now we still have time to find something cold to drink before we have to find a bus stop.  

Bruce taking the lead...

We found not only a cold drink, but a beach as well for our viewing pleasure... at where else?  But the Southernmost Beach Bar!  And it was happy hour!  We enjoyed beers and rum runners until it was time to head for home.

Our Southernmost Happy Hour!

And roosters... lots of roosters!

We found the bus stop and watched the roosters squabble until our bus came to take us back to the boat.  It had been a fun day but we left a lot un-done for future visits to Key West.

Please enjoy this slide show of the rest of our Key West Pics!