Trying to Stay Ahead of the Weather

Day 280  |  Marathon to Key Biscayne  |  12 Hours  |  91 Miles    

We eased out of our slip, waved goodbye to Jeff and Terri (Change of Pace), pumped 125 gallons of diesel into our tanks, and then were on our way. With the view of Marathon Marina shrinking in the distance, we also got a final look at Seven Mile Bridge before turning left and heading north up The Keys. The Alligator Reef Lighhouse in Islamorada is a well-known snorkeling spot.

The historic Long Key Bridge glowed in the sunlight and every color of blue was on our doorstep. Megayachts sped by, seemingly oblivious to the amount of fuel they were consuming. We wouldn't want to fill those tanks every day. The area known as Hen and Chickens Reef is also a popular snorkeling site. It was a beautiful day to be on the water.

An occasional broadcast of a Coast Guard Weather Advisory was weighing on our minds, though. Their warnings of high winds and waves starting overnight had us exploring options. At 3:00 we had reached our intended destination of Rodriguez Key. Instead of pulling around and behind the island, however, we decided to continue north to Key Biscayne. It would mean a late arrival, but on a clear night with flat seas it seemed to be the best choice. For our perseverance we were treated to a beautiful sunset whose color lasted well beyond the sun's drop below the horizon.

We ended up in the middle of a four-boat convoy heading to No Name Harbor. The glowing skyline of Miami provided just enough light for a comfortable passage We all agreed that it was best to anchor just outside the harbor entrance for the evening and then seek a more permanent spot in the morning. We'll be here a few days. As it looks now, Friday will be the day to cross to The Bahamas.