Dry Tortugas-Key West-Marathon, FL

We had a pretty rolly ride from Dry Tortugas to the Marquesas Keys, so we decided to take a rest and anchored at Boca Grande Key for a night. The anchorage is nice but can get very lively when the current is running strongly against the wind. We dinghied ashore for a walk on the beach, a favorite hang-out for beach goers from Key West on weekends, that is 16 miles away.

Sunset at the Marquesas, Boca Grande Key Beach

Boca Grande Key water swing
We came into Key West harbor the next afternoon, anchored by Fleming Key. A fun place to watch all the boat traffic in and out of the harbor. To our amusement a sport fishing boat came by to fish about 100 yards from us, they hooked several big fish, it took them more than 40 minutes to bring a fish in.

Big cruise ships at Key West

Sport fishermen fishing by anchorage, Tarpon waiting for scraps in the Harbor
We spent an afternoon walking around the shops and waterfront of Key West. It's hot and there's not as many tourists around as when we have been here in the winter. The streets are quiet and well kept, the bars offer bargain price drinks, beers on draft at $1 each, so one doesn't have to walk to far to get thirsty.


Eye catching display, Local favorite hang-out

Quiet time to visit Key West

We had a nice cruise on Hawk Channel to Marathon. Boot Key Harbor is one of our favorites, There's plenty of restaurants and shops within dinghy distance, nice beach and reefs near by. We took a mooring ball from the City Marina. For $100 per week, it includes dinghy landing, showers, pump out, etc. a very well run operation.

Quiet time at Boot Key Harbor mooring field, Sombrero Beach
My niece Jill and friend Michael came for a visit. We went to the Sombrero beach and took the boat to Sombrero Reef to snorkel. The reef is beautiful with many fish, picking up a mooring ball on the reef can be a challenge if the condition is rough. But we had a good time snorkeling and a rolly time to get there.

Picking up visitors and snorkeling at Sombrero Reef
Cruising in the Keys at this time of the year has many challenges; one is the unexpected thunderstorms. Often they come during the night, and sometimes a water sprout would develop; then you pray that it won't get too close. Another challenge is the heat; so long you are in shade, the sea breeze keeps you cool, otherwise, it's hot! The pluses are many too, like having the place all to yourself, really quiet and peaceful.

Water sprout