A Few Hours on Lighthouse Beach

Day 282  |  Key Biscayne      

Growing skeptical of the experts' prediction of stormy weather, we packed up all our "stuff" and walked down to Lighthouse Beach. When we reached the sand, the sky was blue, the sun was warm, and there was a nice sea breeze. It was, however, definitely blowing harder on this side of the island than in the harbor. It was a challenge to get our towels spread out, but after a few "Olés" we were successful. We took a nice walk in the surf to the base of the Cape Florida Lighthouse. This is a beautiful park and one of the nicest areas we've encountered on our trip. We came back to our spot in the sand for a nap and some ray-catching, but quickly realized that renting beach chairs would be our best option in this breeze. For today, renting was better than carrying.

We didn't get much sleep last night (more on that later) and both fell asleep listening to the lapping of the waves. When we woke up an hour or so later, the sky was completely overcast, the breeze was stiffer, and it was a tad bit chilly. We packed up and headed back to Crossroads. We followed the same path we took yesterday and found the raccoons fending for their own meals and plenty of iguanas along the seawall. When we got to the mothership, the party on the frat boat beside us was going strong. This boat with four twenty-something guys onboard came into the anchorage this morning just after midnight. They pulled up within twenty feet of our bow and dropped anchor while shouting at each other and shining their spotlights in our master ports. Needless to say, we didn't get much sleep after that adrenaline rush and with the subsequent worrying about them dragging or swinging into us. All it takes is one ship of fools to ruin the peaceful experience of an entire anchorage. Hopefully tonight will be quiet and restful. Barry and I spent the afternoon planning for our departure to Bimini with all our trusted guides pulled out. We think we've got the phone transition all taken care of, a marina to check into to clear Customs, a buddy boat, and comprehensive weather reports. All seem to agree that Friday will be a great day to cross. Once in Bimini, another front will roll through that may somewhat delay our progress to the Exumas. Any delay is unwelcome, but all is subject to change and part of the process.