We left Naples and traveled to Shark River where we anchored overnight. The next day we departed for Key West, one of our favorite places to visit. The weather forecast was not favorable, nonetheless we took off and encountered a storm which contained some strong winds. By the end of the day this turned out to be a good cruise. We were glad we made the decision to go as the winds became stronger over the next few days and crossing over would have been very difficult.
A great view of the cruise ship and sail boats as we enter the harbor of Key West
Passing Mallory Square where we will be going for a sunset view
The view from the back of SONATA in her slip.
"Fill'er up" ... Wouldn't want to pay that fuel bill!
Time to go sight seeing ... we board the Conch Train with our friends Dave and Sue from MANANA, and are off to see the sights of Key West
The houses are so unique along the streets..We have heard of gingerbread decorations but these truly are gingerbread men and they denoted that a baker lived in this house.
This is classic old Key West design with sloping roof and window up high to help with ventilation
Roosters Rule!!
Harry Truman's Little White House
Lunch at a favorite Thai restaurant
Back on SONATA, Charlie gets his "HOOKA" out and checks out SONATA'S props and bottom. Looks like we picked up some crab lines along the way, on both shafts, and they had to be removed from the props.
Sunset at Mallory Square ... it wasn't the best night for a sunset but the clouds were beautiful and we finally got a little peek of the sun just before it set. Each evening at Mallory Square brings new adventures, and reminders of old ones.
We met Bill four years ago on our last loop and were very impressed with the ministry he has on Mallory Square where he is surrounded by Buskers entertaining the crowds with their acts ... Bill is unique as he presents the Gospel so vividly using boats and local surroundings. Most people just walk by but he is faithful to tell his magnificent story to all who will stop and hear ... he is such a blessing and we respect so much his tireless enthusiasm!
Time to leave Key West. Such a fun place! We leave port with weather conditions predicted winds at 5-10 kts and 0-1 ft seas ... reality was found at, 20-25 kt winds and 6-8 ft seas, not a fun day on the Gulf and the Atlantic!
Our destination is Marathon ... we approach the Seven Mile Bridge
Our port for the night, a recommendation by Charlie Boucherle, Faro Blaco Resort and Yacht Club
After we dock, we are visited by a manatee who has been named "George" .. He is very friendly and enjoys nibbling on SONATA and Charlie playing with him with the hose ... he just lays on his back and says, More!
SONATA resting in her slip in Faro Blanco
We leave Faro Blanco and head for Plantation Key ... SONATA is giving way to a sailboat under sail when another power boat recklessly tries to pass both of us, and things get a little hairy, as he does not execute the pass very well! Cuts off the sail boat causing them to make a hard starboard turn and SONATA was required to come to a stop ... would love to carry a "cannon" on the bow!
The Florida Lobster...notice no big claws!
We can't seem to get away from the winds ... they have continued to blow 15-20 kts!
We arrive in Plantation Yacht Harbor in Islamorada. This is one of the best facilities we have visited as it is part of a wonderful city park that has baseball, tennis, pickle ball, Olympic size pool. The only marina in the Keys to have a beach. amphitheater, and much more ... we enjoyed 14 days here and Bonnie was able to play lots of tennis and pickle ball!
