We departed Black Fin a little later due to the fact we didn’t have too far to go and the winds looked to be decreasing in the afternoon. The day before the harbormaster had told us we could stay longer if we needed to which was a reverse of when we had arrived. I had inquired about a longer stay upon arrival due to the weather, but I was told there is someone else coming so it wasn’t possible at this time. Now they said we could stay, but we had already made reservations at Skipjack and put a deposit down, so we felt we should be going…
As we pulled out, it wasn’t so bad. We were on the north end of the island, so it protected us from the southeast winds. As soon as we cleared the island though it became clear that the wind was going to be a force to be reckoned with. We had to go almost two and a half miles down the ‘Seven Mile Bridge’ to reach a point where it has a sixty five foot clearance; Smaller boats can go under before that, but it is only a nineteen foot clearance, which we cannot fit under. Once we got to the point where it is only bridge separating the north and south sides of the island, the waves started picking up. Now, we didn’t have too far to go, but it was definitely uncomfortable. We came under the bridge and turned east toward Boot Key. The harbor was another two and a half miles back down the bridge and then our marina was another couple of miles in. It was great once we entered the harbor as the waves disappeared. We had to make our way through several mooring fields before getting to the marina. The mooring fields are quite a sight- there are boats of every kind, in every size and in different states of disrepair, as well as the occasional well kept and newer yachts.
We found the marina and there was someone there waiting for us to help with the lines. We docked without issue and went about our way securing the ship and getting plugged in to shore power. We met our neighbor, Bruce, and I had to go check in before starting a much needed boat scrub down. As I was checking in, the front desk manager was telling me and a few other guests that the Tiki Bar was going to be closed today as they had no bartender. I offered my assistance and experience, but they never got back to me. Oh well- I tried to do it for a free night stay. Upon return to Klondike another neighbor boat next to Bruce stopped by to say hello and introduce themselves- Deb and Carl. They invited us to the evening dock-tails that takes place in front of Bruce’s boat. I thanked them, but didn’t commit right away. Lauren had gone to the pool, so we had time to decided. By the time I finished with the boat cleaning, Lauren was returning. It was also getting to be about 5pm and we were both starving, but the neighbors were gathering out front on chairs, with beverages in hand, waiting for sunset. We decided we would join them for a bit before going to eat. We met a few other people, including Claudette- Bruce’s wife, and some others. We all enjoyed chatting about our trips as everyone else has come here by boat from up north. They spend a few months here, then go back home, some leaving their boats, some captaining them back. The sun set and Lauren and I departed down the dock to a local place called Dockside Tropical Cafe. Turns out a band was setting up too, so we decided to hang out here a bit longer. The band was good and they put on an enjoyable show. Afterward we made our way back to the boat and retired for the evening.
Day 2- We hung out at the pool all day. We decided we needed some items for dinner, so we biked to the Publix supermarket and picked up some supplies, as well as a movie to watch, and as a bonus- there were Girl Scouts selling cookies out front! Score! As soon as we got back Bruce handed me a thumb drive of all the charts we will need coming up the east coast! I couldn’t thank him enough! They were going to a friends birthday party, but Carl stopped by and said dock-tails are still on. Great! We all sat around again chatting while dinner was cooking. Eventually it was time to eat, so everyone went their separate ways. We had received some information about an anchorage half way to Key West which we decided we will stop at: Bahia Honda. It sounds somewhat protected although I did read about strong currents, so we will have to make sure the anchor is dug in tight. We researched the destination during dinner, then watched a movie. We do not have too far to go again, so we can take our time in the morning before we depart.