Home again

We spent our last day in Key West grocery shopping and getting the boat ready for our trip back. After dinner we went to Schooners Wharf for one last visit. We made it to Venice in about 25 hours and on the way we were surrounded by about at least a dozen dolphins swimming all around and under the boat. It's those moments that make this life irresistible. It was a very warm day and the captain was very cooperative in keeping his crew comfortable by stopping the boat 3 times so I could take a dip.
We arrived in Venice just on time as it rained the entire day. It was a perfect day to be stuck on the boat at a marina. We read and rested up from the long trip. I even did an hour of yoga on the boat.
We left early this morning as I am anxious to get to our new house and see Jacob. He arrived home last night after completing his Junior year at UF and I felt bad that I wasn't there to welcome him to his new home. He and Josh had dinner together and you can see by the picture, did quiet fine without their parents.
So another Key West journey closes and this time the march down Duval and the visit from Ali and Josh were definite highlights. As the country western song goes, "I love this boat."

Almost locals

We have been here a week and we feel like locals!
I played a wonderful concert at Key West High. The kids also played (there was an amazing percussion ensemble) with us and it was fun. Got a ride back to boat on a scooter and about 20 band members followed for a party on our boat. Eric poured drinks for hours and the fisherman on the boat next to us brought over pounds of freshly caught tuna which was devoured. The party was a hit.
Saturday at noon we met the Key West Express to pick up Ali and Josh. First stop was lunch at Fishermans Wharf, followed by an afternoon of bar hopping on and around Duval. After a swim and shower we went to Blue Heaven for dinner and Ali and Josh partied on exploring Duvals night spots. Yesterday we took them to Harpoon Harry's for brunch and we spent the day walking and listening to music and of course eating and drinking. They left at 6 a little more sun tanned and exhausted from too much fun.
We head to Venice tomorrow.

March down Duval

I think last night was o once in a lifetime, thanks to the Second Time Arounders. I boarded the Conch train with my fellow band members, and we did cheers and yelled with excitement like we were back in high school or college. We marched from the Southernmost Hotel all the way to Sloppy Joes. There were hundreds of people cheering, dancing and really loving our music. A real thrill!

Enjoying Margaritaville

Arrived safely yesterday about noon. The overnight trip was in in eventful. The cap gave me a couple of Dramamine and I slept a lot more than he did.
We had our ceremonial margarita, ate lunch and slept.
Out boat is right next to some big fishing boats and we are surrounded by very large Tarpons. Like an aquarium here. At the end of the day we get to see the fishermans catch and its awesome.
Went to our favorite spot for dinner last night (schooners wharf). Today I race walked around town, and watched the cruise ships empty anxious tourists into Key West. Ate lunch ate Pepes, another favorite hangout that makes really good bloody Mary's. We get around town on our bikes and we love pretending to be locals.

On our way to the Conch Republic

We untied the lines this morning for a straight shot to Key West, after a nice stay overnight in Venice. We walked on the beach, ate a delicious dinner at Crows Nest restaurant, filled our gas and water tanks, all in preparation for 26 hours at sea. We expect calm seas. Already saw dolphins following our boat and I could see them clear as day in this clear water.
Omi asked how we fill so many hours aboard and I told her it is a great treat to be able to just relax, read, sleep, daydream, etc. and not have to be anywhere or do anything. We all need more time to do nothin!
Will be in touch when we reach land tomorrow!

Sailing is like life

Like life, our cruises are totally unpredictable. We woke up yesterday at DeSoto Point to cannons going off, people in costume on horseback and in a boat. They were re-enacting the invasion of Florida by Hernando DeSoto in the 1500s. Fun to watch and totally unexpected. A dolphin swam by which we always take to be a good omen for our journey.
We sailed to Longboat Key and after lunch and a nap, jumped into our kayak for a 20 minute trip over to Coquina Key for a walk on the beach. We were surprised to see a large gathering of people doing a one mile walk to benefit homeless children. There were many families picnicking and enjoying a beautiful day. The surf was a bit rough and I decided to take a dip and ride the waves which was fun. Eric chose to be a spectator and I later learned he didn't like how close the jettys were to the narrow swimming areas. After returning and while making our happy hour drinks we were surrounded by helicopters, police boats, police jet skis and announcements on the radio. A 5 year old boy got caught on the surf and was missing. He was swimming on the beach where we had come from. He was possibly one of the little boys we said hello to while on our walk. Our mood changed instantly and we both silently prayed he would be found but the skies grew dark and the sun set without any good news. The police boats continued to patrol around our anchorage as the current would bring the boy our way. The police looked discouraged and sad.
We woke this morning to the sounds of dolphins blowing air. Our boat was surrounded by 6 dolphins feeding, jumping and playing. A patrol boat came by. No body found.
We are off to Venice now under blue skies and praying for the family that lost their 5 year precious boy yesterday in the surf.

Key West or bust

We are off on our long awaited annual cruise to Key West. It was with great relief that we untied the lines today. When we bought our new house, listed Bardes Ct. , packed up for two months, moved and unpacked I often wondered if we would actually make this trip. But we look forward to this all year, and this year in particular, it is a trip much needed.