We left Marathon after topping off the fuel on Tues., Feb. 5 and motor sailed most of the way east to Rodriguez Key. The wind was just off our nose to starboard and the seas were a bit rolly from the starboard beam. We raised the main to help with the rolling from side to side as the waves hit us on the beam (raising the main sail has the effect of damping the roll. Because it provides resistance against the air as the boat rocks back and forth it lessens the amount of roll and makes for a much more comfortable sail). Shortly later the wind began to clock just enough around to the south that we actually got a little bit of lift from the main sail and increased our speed by a fair amount. Nonetheless, we just made Rodriguez key about a half hour before sunset and dropped the hook in 10 feet of water on the north side, protected from the southerly wind and rolling seas. We had a beautiful sunset and a wonderful and comfortable night on the hook.
Wed. morning--up and at it again. This time we were able to sail without engine assist most of the way to Biscayne bay and the Dinner Key Marina, ariving at around 3 in the afternoon. After securing the boat and hooking up the power at the marina we took a walk into Coconut Grove. (The main reason we like this marina is that it is contiguous to the Coconut Grove area--a very quaint, neat part of Miami with lots of sidewalk cafe's, bars and restaurants--shopping for those who are into that--and fairly close to the Publix where we plan to provision before being joined by our son and his friend on Friday. So, we walked around C.Grove awhile--good to be able to stretch our legs a bit--stopped at Johhny Rockets for a sidewalk rootbeer float and fudge sundae, a stop at the CVS and spotted a nearby nail bar where Diane can get her much needed pedicure---honestly--those nails were 3 inches long and sharp as a knife. She really needed a pedicure after having one in Ft Myers before we left (Sarcasm added)
Today, (after the pedicure) we'll walk to the Publix and carry back some groceries for the next several days--enough to feed us and Scott and friend.
Speaking of Scott and friend--they're supposed to fly out of NYC on Fri night--just as that huge storm is scheduled to strike. So we're concerned they may be delayed a day or two. In the meantime we are to meet our Kingwood friends, Ed and Teresa Dormer here either Friday or Saturday and are having lunch with some local friends Ann Sheldon, Randy and Judy McKean (friends from Vail who live here). But mostly, today, we're just hanging out and relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather. Well, the toe girl just got back and we're heading off for a walk and our provisioning run.
See ya later...
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