Sunday NH arrives at Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart

This picture is on the Saint Lucie River on our way to Stuart. As you can see it is very shallow with lots of small craft, swimmers, etc

NH has done full circle. She has cruised in Nov 2019 from Annapolis to Stuart across the Okeechobee and up the Gulf Intercostal to Sarasota. Now she has cruised from Port Charlotte down the west coast, around the Keys and along the ICW on the East Coast to Stuart. 

Nana and Nandad are proud to fly the AGLCA flag- America’s Great Loop Cruising Association. NH still has a long way to go with lots of cruising and adventures ahead. She - along with Nandad - will stay in Stuart for a week. Nana heads back to Franklin to celebrate Easter with family and friends. Unless Nandad writes the blog there will be no new blogs until Nana’s return April 12th. Happy Easter to all. 

Reversal of roles

Now Nana and Nandad learned a lot this morning when it was decided that Nandad would take up the anchor while Nana’s role was to simply watch - I think the idea was to prepare for when Nana returns home for Easter and Nandad will be cruising on his own. Next time we will do a little discussion ahead of time to review what exactly reversing the roles really means ! Enough said on that. 

While cruising north towards the Port of Palm Beach lots of activity at Peanut Island and Singer Island especially as it was the weekend. Peanut Island is a park where one can visit JFK Bomb Shelter, the Palm Beach Maritime Museum or  have a picnic at the picnic shelters. Multiple small craft anchor off the Islands. Nana also noticed lots of different house boats.

It was a beautiful but slow cruise up Lake Worth and into the narrow section of the ICW passing Juno Beach, Loxahatchchee River, Jupiter Inlet, Jupiter Sound and finally dropping anchor at ICW mile 1000 at Hobe Sound. This area to the west has the Nathaniel P.Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and to the East the most magnificent manicured front lawns. An obvious change from the high rise and modern mansions. Nana and Nandad had a very peaceful dinner with the sun setting in the west - providing the most beautiful pink sky hovering over the National Wildlife Refuge while the light of the almost full moon shone down over the beautiful homes to the east. 

This picture reminds us to pay attention while cruising.

Friday March 26th Namaste

The International Boat show at Palm Beach was very entertaining. Nana simply had to take of picture of what was likely the most relaxed boat at the show. We had a very pleasant few hours of fun with a lovely - very noisy - lunch at E.R Bradley’s ( apparently Colonel Edward Riley Bradley identified himself as “ speculator, raiser of race horses and gambler” ). When we returned to NH it was fun to relax on the boat and watch all the boating traffic pass us by. In fact no need for a hammock in this area - the cruising boats provided all the swaying we needed! 

Just when you think you have seen all the big ones! This row of boats reminded Nana of her first time passing the grey mile in Norfolk where all the navy boats are all in a row.

March 25th NH anchors at Lake Worth

NH spent theee nights at Lighthouse Point Marina which was the perfect spot to get some boat work done and relax by the pool in between appointments. A new stern truster has been installed so Nandad is very happy to finally have both thrusters working. I guess on a single screw engine this is very important! The Puritan EX head system turns out to be a little more problematic. Parts need to be ordered and then Ray will come find us wherever we are. It will be a very efficient “Craper Masher”  when the project is complete. The best news of all was the engine fuel did not need polishing and Nandad drained the filter - finally some task that we could complete. 

This picture above is a Barefoot Mailman on top of the Hillsboro Inlet Bridge. Legend has it that during the late 19th century nearly 28 miles of the mail carrier route for South Florida was traversed by boat and by walking along the sand from Palm Beach to Miami. James “Ed” Hamilton who was the third Barefoot Mailman disappeared in 1887 near the Inlet. It is speculated that as he was swimming across he was eater by alligators! Nana took this picture while biking to Hillsboro/Pompano beach with Nandad. 

This picture is of Cap’s Place Island Restaurant and Bar which back in the 20’s was a rum-running restaurant and gambling casino nestled on an island in the Florida bush. Now Nana decided that given it was a Wednesday night the chance that we might get a table could be reasonably good. A small boat takes you over to the island and the dock is right beside the slip where NH is docked. In 1990 the restaurant was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once we arrived at the restaurant the wait was 90 minutes so Nana and Nandad had a drink by the old bar and enjoyed looking at some of the famous people who had in the past eaten there - Clinton, Churchill, Roosevelt - to name a few. Unfortunately , due to the fact that we did not have a reservation, we did not get to taste the delicious food nor were we given a look at the menu! However we were not at all impressed, there was a distinct lack of friendliness - may be related to COVID fatigue. The building itself looked like it could fall down any minute. An overall disappointing experience. We had a delicious dinner at our local restaurant on the dock The Nauti Dwag.

Thursday NH leaves Lighthouse Point Marina and cruises 22 miles up to Lake Worth to anchor for the night. Once again we cruised under several

bridges passing Boca Raton, Caribbean Key, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and find the perfect spot directly past the Lake Worth,Lake Atlantic Bridge to have a sunset dinner onboard. Tomorrow we plan to team up with Seneca and possible go to the Palm Beach International Boat Show. As with all boating plans we will see.

NH docks at Lighthouse Point Marina

Sunset at Sunrise Bay. One of the average sized boats passing along the ICW after the Sunny Isles Bridge opening , heading North.

Nandad has secured a slip for the next few days so that he can get a few issues taken care of. The stern truster motor hopefully will be installed on Wednesday. The Puritan Ex head system,in the Captains cabin, needs a service. The engine filter needs changing and of course it’s time again for laundry, pumpout, water fill and provisions. Just like the house - always something to pay attention to.

Today was a very interesting cruise. Many low bridges along the way made for a slow cruise -  NH can pass safely under Bridges 16ft. in the middle. Commercial Bridge at Lauderdale-by-the Sea, Atlantic Bridge at Pompano Bridge, and Northeast 14th Street Bridge at Hillsboro Inlet.

The Hillsboro Inlet Bridge is easily identified by the lighthouse. The lighthouse is 136-foot-tall with one of the most powerful beacons on the coast - according to Waterway Guide. There is no foot, vehicle or boat access to the Lighthouse however several times a year tours from the Sands dock will take groups. Next tour date is April 10th. The Lighthouse Point Marina is not on the ocean side and NH did not pass under the Hillsboro Bridge as she stayed on the ICW. We are now at SM 1053.5. There is a pool here, the Nauti Dwag Marina Cafe, tennis court, laundry etc. It is a four mile bike ride to the beach which means riding on the AIA which is really busy - so we will see. 

Sunday Morning passing Port Everglades

Well if you have wondered where all the cruise ships have gone some of them are right here. Nana had to take the helm as Nandad was overwhelmed with all the magnificent homes all along the way. Marina after Marina with boats everywhere and one bigger than the next. Not much of a recession going on here. Fort Lauderdale has hundreds of canals so it is no wonder it is called the Venice of America. Our only issue was the incredible decibel that the passengers needed to hear the wonderful Caribbean music. Lots of beautiful ladies and the occasional male dancer onboard. The most popular item was the cell phone for selfies. Nana and Nandad did indeed feel old and needed some of their grandchildren to cheer up the cruise! 

You know you are in Fort Lauderdale when you pass all the yellow taxi’s that simply pull bow up to the dock to drop off and pick up passengers. They also give you a tour of a many areas and will give you lots of local information. This area has many restaurants all along the ICW where smaller center console boats can dock - very cool. The Atlantic Ocean is just a block away so beaches are easily assessable. A fun buzz all around you. Passing Hallandale, Hollywood, Dania, and Las Olas.  NH approaches Sunrise Bay , which is directly opposite Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. We almost moved on due to the very noisy day trippers when we spotted our loopers Seneca tucked into the corner. The anchor was dropped and secured and we were off to the park.

Nandad , as you can see , was very busy under the Banyan Tree. This is a lovely park that you can walk, bike ride, and take your car. We found a beautiful Labyrinth, a very quite butterfly garden and lots of picnic areas. Just to top it off we also spotted a raccoon, two huge manatee and a group of Dolphins. It was well worth being tolerant of the day trippers causing lots of turbulence to the boat. When it was time for sunset most of them went home and we had a wonderful dinner onboard listening to Diana Krall - now that’s our kind of music. After this cruise Nana and Nandad will be familiar with all the latest rap songs!

Boats , Boats and Islands Everywhere

Saturday morning Nana and Nandad took a dingy ride over to Watson Island but were not able to dock the dingy to take a walk. NH continued to cruise along Biscayne Bay heading North. Our plan was to drop the anchor close to the University near the Oleta River however between Bakers Haulover Inlet and all the Bay Harbor Island’s the place was crazy packed - I mean Block Island on July 4th on steroids. Day trippers everywhere beached at the little mangrove islands all along the way and many appeared to be rental boaters who are not necessarily uptodate with protocol - lots of rocking and rolling. The picture below is not in Miami but when we were navigating our way to Indian Key. Nana promptly took her toes back in from the water when she spotted the stingrays and the nurses shark! 

Option two was quickly put into operation and NH anchored in the most beautiful spot called Maule Lake surrounded by homes and many high rise condos in the background. The holding wasn’t great but there was nobody there. This is a private lake down a narrow canal right off G55 on the ICW. Statute Mile 1076.5. To put that into perspective Norfolk is Mile Zero - a long way to go. 

Anchor at San Marino Island

Friday morning after Nana and Nandad took another trip to Publix , NH is provisioned , pumped out and ready to start cruising again. We decided to have one more night watching the bright lights of the city from a wonderful Anchorage spot at San Marino’s Island directly opposite the Miami Yacht Club. Nana had no idea that Miami had all these beautiful little Islands surrounding the City. The picture below is the very colorful sculpture at the entrance to Publix. TJ Max is on the fifth floor and Best Buy the third floor. Nana knows this as Nandad was on a mission to buy an electric kettle. 

This area is also know as SoBe - short for South Beach. The vibrant colors, Caribbean and Latin cultures are very prominent here and English is the second language. There is a very young vibe here with boundless energy and what seems to be incredible wealth. A very welcomed relaxing afternoon on NH reading and resting , watching everybody else cruise around. Lots of loud Latin music, laughter, girls having fun, guys having fun and all in between. 

After a wonderful dinner Al Fresco watching the Sunset over Miami Nana and Nandad are ready for a good nights sleep.

Miami Beach Marina

Thursday March 18th Nandad made several calls before being able to secure a slip for the night. After five nights on anchor it is time to head in and do some provisioning, cleaning, water fill, pump out, laundry etc. Nana was very excited that she might finally get to stroll on the beach. Our cruise along the Keys was filled with Mangrove views and low rise buildings now we will be surrounded by concrete! However the Miami Beach Marina is right smack in the middle of South Beach. If you look at the chart at the bottom you will see Dodge Island Port of Miami. Directly opposite is the USCG and right there is the Marina.

Now before we arrived into the Marina NH took a tour of Stiltsville. Our good friends Peter and Jane were here a few years back and mentioned that we might not miss this experience. It was well worth the tour. For many years it would seem like a lot of gambling, and perhaps some other illegal activity went on here! 

Now after the peace of anchoring and the slow pace of the Keys , Nana found entering Miami to be quite stressful. As NH approached the Port there was a radio call that announced a sailboat on fire! So as you can imagine this activated the USCG, the Fire Boat and the Police - so lots of alarms! Then NH was proceeding down the port side , where the cruise ships are docked , but the Pilot Police were on guard there so we had to turn around. When approaching Fisher Island - which you can see on the chart - more horns blowing , as there is a car ferry that goes back and forth. Way too much stimuli for Nana. The Marina has 400 slips with accommodations to 250 feet so you can just imagine. Nandad did an amazing job for taking NH into her slip B4 which was stern in and of course those dreaded pylons!! Thank goodness for good dockhands. Finally NH was secured and after a good scrub Nana and Nandad were rewarded with an incredible lunch at Texas de Brazil. Nandad took his bike to Ace Hardware to fix the anchor roller system and pick up some supplies at Publix while Nana did the laundry and took a long walk to the Beach.

This area has the most beautiful park surrounded by high rise buildings with lots of security in place. Smith & Wollensky have a beautiful restaurant right on the waters edge. If you are so inclined you can buy their famous dry-aged steak and cook on your boat. After well earned showers Nana and Nandad took a late stroll to the beach. The park is well lit up at night and so fun to see all kinds of different activities - couples doing yoga, groups doing meditation, couples and families picnicking. 

Miami , Miami, Miami

March 17th and Happy St Patrick’s Day. NH is all dressed up for the Irish on her way to Miami. No exact plan in place so Nana and Nandad decided they would explore NoName Harbor which is where a lot of boats ride out the weather before heading to the Bahamas. Nandad brought NH into Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park where you can tie up for the day. This is a 494 acre park , with easy access , to a great beach and a 19th century lighthouse,  right at the southern tip of Key Biscayne. It felt really great to stretch the legs however we needed to move on to find Anchorage which left little time to explore. 

These were our neighbors when we approached Hurricane Harbor to anchor. There is no doubt that whatever toy can be had is fair game here. A very busy spot especially with day trippers playing loud music, jet ski’s, etc. Also very choppy however by Sunset things calmed down, the day trippers left and NH was set for the night. Below is a view of Miami waiting our arrival.

Sunset Cove & Pumpkin Key on Key Largo

Nana and Nandad are really enjoying their escape during these few day of Anchorage. Nana was a little disappointed that she did not get to walk around the City’s Founders Park at Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina. Despite checking with the State Park office the Dockmaster stated that he did not have a dinghy dock. There is no other way to access the park if you are on Anchorage. We did however fill up with non ethanol gas - all of one gallon! 

The picture below is the pretty white and red lighthouse that marks the entrance into the Marina and for a bonus you can see NH in the background. 

Monday NH left Islamorada and continued to cruise the ICW into Buttonwood sound to anchor at Sunset Cove. Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys at 33 miles long. This cove is close to Snooks Bar & Grille which looked from a distance like a very fun spot. NH was right beside Pelican Key - a very tiny mangrove area where the floating KIKI bars liked to flock. There is a sailing center here so lots of sailboats out on a windy day. Another amazing sunset so Nana attempted to blow the Conch. A very determined look! As you might notice we finally pulled down the Bimini and Nandad was thrilled that we now have another room to explore- it really opens up the stern and provides lots of protection.

Tuesday March 16th NH leaves Sunset Cove and heads for Jewfish Creek. The cruise took us through many twists and turns and Nandad had to pay close attention to the markers. Bogies on screen cruiser the  African Queen  is dockside at the Holiday Inn Key Largo Resort & Marina. As you cruise along these narrow creeks you can visualize some of the scenes in the movie.

As we approached the designated area we decided that it was a little busy. If you were looking for lots of activity this was the place to be - Gilbert’s Marina and Anchorage Resort - one on either side of the bridge. So NH continued on until the perfect Anchorage was found at Pumpkin Key. This is a private Island which actually is for sale for a cool 95,000,000.00 - I think I got all the zeros! This is a lovely spot in Card Sound Upper Key Largo and right beside the Ocean Reef Resort which is a private membership only resort. Tomorrow on St Patrick’s Day we will cruise into Key Biscayne. We will miss our celebration of 31 years with family however Nana is looking forward to streaming the Celtic Sojourn. Happy St Paddy’s Day to all. 

Islamorada March 13th & 14th

Saturday morning Nana and Nandad were very excited to be heading out cruising the upper Keys. NH needed 250 gals of diesel before setting off and Nana decided it was her turn to take the boat from the dock. With our new intercom headset devices and of course an audience at the fuel dock, Nana was successful  (under  Nandads direction).  Finally on our way again and heading towards Cowpens Anchorage at Plantation Key. NH headed out into the Hawk Channel where the seas were 4 to 5 feet with wind 15 to 20 so a very uncomfortable ride. Just as Nandad was deciding to take an alternative route we received a NEBO message from Seneca, so we changed our course  to join them at Lignumvitae Key. This brought NH into the Florida Bay which was much more pleasant , although we had to watch the shallow waters. We picked up a free mooring ( a first for NH ) , watched another perfect sunset  with Maureen and Ross from Seneca. 

Now Islamorada is a village of six islands nestled between the Everglades and the Florida Strait. Lignumvitae Key, Indian Key, and Plantation Key are three of those islands. The picture above are the adventurous four who took a three mile dingy ride to visit Indian Key - which was well worth the visit. The island is the subject of an archaeological project to uncover the historic building foundations. The island was attacked and destroyed by the Indians in 1840. On our way back to NH we saw a Nurse Shark and several Stingray - this is why Nana likes to stay inside the dingy/ boat ! 
Nana and Nandad did not visit Lignumvitae State Park and made the decision to move on to Cowpens Anchorage - due to daylight change there is now an extra hour and sunset is not until 7.30pm.

The street signs on Indian Key were especially interesting. 

Sunset at Plantation Key. The cruise to Cowpens Anchorage was approximately 9 NM so we decided to drag the dingy instead of putting it up on the platform. It is a really lovely spot and after a wonderful sunset dinner Nana was surprised by the sight of the Moon. The Moon’s current phase is a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing  Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon. 

How cool is that. Tomorrow NH will continue cruising heading towards Key Largo.

Leaving Marathon and heading for Cowpens Anchorage in Islamorada

Saturday morning Nana and Nandad will leave Marathon and head for Cowpens Anchorage in Islamorada on Plantation Key which is about 30 NM towards Key Largo.

Now here at Marathon every morning on CH 68 at 9am the boaters get on the radio and communicate with each other to welcome new arrivals, touch base with existing boaters, review the weather, provide support, and is the perfect way to find advice, items , referrals etc. 

In order to communicate on NH , with the Captain , Nana was using her wireless ear buds ( this meant there was no raising voices) . We would call each other on the cell and speak into the wireless ear bud - very efficient. While anchoring at Key West , when Nana was assisting in raising the anchor , her ear  bud dropped out of her ear onto the deck - thank goodness it did not go into the water - which of course interrupted the communication. A resolution was needed. While listening to CH 68 Nana decided to ask the boaters for a recommendation regarding headsets.

 

We now feel very fancy with our new headsets which I believe are also known as the marriage savers! They are all charged up and I will let you know how efficient  they are tomorrow. Our plan is to leave around 10 am after fueling and if you have the NEBO app you can actually join us virtually. 
We have had a very restful time at Marathon Marina and are ready for a few nights on anchor hoping the weather will cooperate. 

March 12 The Turtle Hospital

Nana and Nandad were very excited to finally have both bikes in operation again so they went to visit the Turtle Hospital. This is a great story of innovation by the founder Richie Moretti who purchased this property originally as a hotel and after he built a new pool used the old one as an aquarium which over the years became the rescue home for turtles. It is now a small non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered turtles. 

We did not call ahead to make a reservation so unfortunately were unable to go inside however the gift and check in office was full of wonderful exhibitions and pictures. 

Below is a picture of all the items found in the belly of a single loggerhead.  One of the reasons why we ask everybody to play their part in keeping our oceans free from debris.

Next time we will make sure to make a reservation.

Wednesday March 10 a very windy Marathon

Nana and Nandad are relaxing at Marathon Marina due to the high winds over the last few days. Forecast was for winds 20 to 25 , gusting to 30 and that’s what we got. Wonderful to be safely tied and secured at our slip. Lots of loopers at this marina so plenty of chat to be had. Facilities include a wonderful pool area and the perfect restaurant called Lazy Days ( the best banana bread  ) where the sunsets every evening are just not to be missed. The area is surrounded by mangroves however once you head outside the marina the highway is very busy! Easy to be persuaded to stay on your boat or stroll around. 

There are lots of places to visit however most are three to six miles away so our bikes are essential. Now as I mentioned before, Nandad is somewhat restricted with walking due to his toe infection, so needless to say our bikes are even more essential. After a ride to Publix to stock up, Nandad noticed his tire was flat - yes a flat tire and of course the local bike store does not stock those small wheels! Amazon to the rescue and within 48 hours the bike is up and running ( lucliky our neighbor beside us has a car and offered a ride to the bike shop ). A wonderful visit to Crane Point Hammock  Museum & Nature Center  which is 63 acres of tropical hardwood hammock in the heart of Marathon. A great educational center with lots for adults and children , including a butterfly meadow, nature trails, wild bird center, Crane House, Adderley House and of course The Point. Nice job and thanks to the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust, Inc. Our grandkids would love it.

Nana really enjoyed reading about all the different mangroves, palms, and special trees. Learning to use her new 

Camera is also a lot of fun.

Nana thought everybody would like to compare and contrast the difference between alligators and crocodiles so she 

Took this picture to help you out.

 

Time to return to NH for lunch and what do you know - Nandads tire is flat again !!! I guess next time we will order 

a few extra. NH will stay at Marathon until Saturday when we hope to head for Plantation Keys. 

Friday March 5th Heading for Marathon

Although not very clear this is the view from the air flying into Miami. A bunch of high rise buildings all along the coastline. Now while Nana was away Nandad was very busy. He had the outboard engine serviced, the blower reinstalled for the engine, the AIS - Automatic Identification System - installed, and the stern thruster evaluated - which might be a project for another time. Following NH’s cruising now will be very easy, you can download Marine Traffic app.or NEBO app.  New Horizon’s MMSI - Maritime Mobile Service Identity - number is 338233811. Nandad was very excited when our granddaughter Emma sent him a message to say she had found him! 

Our cruise all along Hawk Channel was very pleasant and great to see the Keys from the water perspective. Nana really enjoyed watching the American flag flutter in the wind. It was the perfect day for the approximately 50 mile trip. The Lower Keys from Saddlebunch Key to Key West and Dry Tortugas are a stretch of about 30 islands. The ICW runs along this stretch with Key West at SM 1240. This section of the ICW is along the  open Atlantic coastline and Marathon is considered Middle Keys at SM 1195. NH arrived into Marathon Marina after the perfect crossing and is all tied up on Slip 7. We will remain here until Thursday Mar 11th as the weather forecast is for high winds for the next few days. Marathon Marina is at the entrance of Boot Key Harbor and it facilitates boats, RV’s, and vacation rentals. There is a pool, restaurant, a great view of the seven-mile bridge and incredible sunsets. We are also just a bike ride away from lots of amenities. 

Apologies for the picture but I have not figured out yet how to flip it! It should give you a good idea of the the reef all along the Keys so if you are a diver or like to snorkel, this is heaven. Nana is going to try to tackle her fear of being under the water so she can go snorkeling- will keep you posted. 

Advice from Cillian on how to avoid the Monumental Mystical Squid

Avoid the Cracken at all costs. A very detailed map to help Nana and Nandad stay away from this mystical sea monster. Cillian sent us a very detailed video describing this creature , along with the above map so NH will find a safe port. Thank you for thinking of us Cillian and we look forward to the time when you can join us again on NH. 

Saturday March 6th started off with a trip to the local ER - on our bicycles- to get treatment for Nandad’s toe that somehow got infected while Nana was away. Hopefully a few days on an antibiotic and some pain medication and all will be back to normal. We look forward to exploring Marathon especially Crane Point Hammock Museum, Sea Turtle Hospital, Pigeon Key Island, and Sombrero Beach.

Our first dingy ride up into Boot Key Harbor where there is a very large anchorage and also mooring ball area.

Directly under the bridge , unfortunately maybe the Captain of these boats did not follow Cillian’s map directions. The  Cracken’s tentacles may have caused the damage. We will watch very carefully.