Boot Key Harbor to Miami

Our mooring at Boot Key Harbor was right at the end of the row where we enjoyed a clear view to the mangroves on Boot Key.  Though we had a couple wet dingy rides, it was nice to be in a spot mostly protected from wind and waves.  Marathon is always fun.  We fit in our favorite bike ride along the bike path north to Grassy Key where we stopped for fried tomato BLT's at the Grassy Key Outpost - yum!  On our way back, the treat was at the airport watching the small jets and prop planes land and take off.  So fun!  We stopped by Harbor Cay Club, where we spent two months last Spring, and said hi to a few friends.  Greg was pretty busy at work and the cellular signal was strong, so he was a happy guy!  The north wind finally ceased and desisted and we were able to head north.  A quick fuel stop at Burdine's (also a favorite burger spot) and we were on our way.  Our first day was mostly motoring in light winds, but the scenery and sunshine were fabulous and we made 50 miles to our anchorage behind Rodrigues Key on the east side of lower Key Largo.  A quiet night and we were off again the next morning, but this time there was enough wind to sail.  Another gorgeous day, and by afternoon we cut into Biscayne Bay just south of Key Biscayne, motored over to the harbor area and dropped the hook amongst all the other boats enjoying the afternoon.

Marathon City Marina 

The Fried Green Tomato BLT - Pretty Good!

By 2pm the next day, we settled into a slip at Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove (South Miami) where we have been since. We immediately scooted off to Boca Raton to spend time with Courtney and Paolo (daughter and soon to be son-in-law), hanging out at their backyard pool and catching up on Oscar winning movies.  We love sharing time with them and do our best to help out with house projects, cooking and laundry so that we get invited back again.

As mentioned, Greg has been very busy with work.  Sharon has also been doing a bit of work, so we are somewhat tied to the internet and phone.  Thus, the reason for hanging in the States again this winter.

About a year ago, Sharon got tired of carrying around her boring black Nike string bag.  String bags are great for toting things on a bicycle or just walking around town because you hardly know they are there.  She kept saying to herself that she was going to make one that looked good.  So, she set to work and created a string bag just for her.  She has been toting it everywhere since then, filled up with bread, chips, grocery sacks, wine, whatever!  A friend saw it and wanted one.  So she made a couple more.  When another friend came to visit, she was coaxed into making even more and sending them up to Massachusetts for her to sell!  Since then, the sewing machine has been stitching away, creating new, fun bags for her friends and their friends.  Here are some examples of Sharon's bags.  If you are interested, you can email her at islandstringbags@gmail.com and tell her what colors you like and let her create one for you!

Sharon's first handmade bag

Other bags she has made

She is having fun and hopes to continue to sell them.

A couple weekends ago, we threw our bicycles in the car and drove over to Miami Beach's South Beach.  After unloading and unfolding the bikes, we took off down Ocean Drive (runs right along the beach).  It was closed to vehicles due to the Pride Parade, but the parade hadn't yet started, so we rode a good long way on Ocean Drive and then switched up to the brick path right along the beach, dodging walkers and other cyclists, all the way to North Beach.  Pretty fun.

Two of the lifeguard stands on Miami Beach

Click to make bigger

Pride Parade

The walking path along the beach - so nice!

There's lots of people watching in Miami.  All kinds of things you wouldn't see in say - Chelmsford, Massachusetts!   In addition to the people, here are some other things you wouldn't see -

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

A Great Egret having breakfast

Some cool artwork made entirely of shells

A frog stuck to Courtney's sliding glass doors

Boat-ominium

An iguana swimming near our boat

Yesterday, we took a break from work and went over to Whisky Joe's on Key Biscayne for a beer and fish tacos.  Pretty nice!

Greg enjoying the afternoon

Miami remains a unique and diverse city.  We have probably only scratched the surface, but expect we will return again soon to wander.  For the next few days, we are doing our running around in preparation for an offshore run to Charleston and living without a car for the next couple months.  Heavy purchases at Walmart, Publix and the ABC liquor store.  Propane tank refills.  Car storage for the next six months.  Last minute laundry.  We hope to get out of here sometime next week so that we can celebrate Greg's 65th (!!!) birthday in Charleston.

Wish us well 'til next time.