"Monday, 2004 March 22 - A Mad Dash up the Keys" Top 5 Page for this destination Biscayne National Park Travelogue by grandmaR

Leaving Indian Key 0747

I finally give in and tell Bob that we can go. We get underway about 7:45 a.m. which is a bit later than usual if we expect a long day. We get to Tavernier at 1000. It is way too early to stop. Where can we go for the night? I'm considering the options.

Rodriguez from Hawk Channel

We can see Rodriguez ahead. I suggest that if we are willing to anchor after dark, we might be able to get all the way to Miami tonight. Bob is really happy with that idea.

We are past Rodriguez by 1130. The wind is only 4-6 knots and getting lighter and is about 30 degrees off our course.

The engine has really perked up and we are now doing 5.5 knots. I call and have the Marathon phone disconnected (I couldn't do it yesterday because it was Sunday).

Sailboat and BOB boat against the sun

I call our SIL at his office (our daughter is flying) and tell him what we are doing. Bob puts all the sails up, but has to pull the jib in because the wind direction is a little flaky.

By 1410, the wind is about 12 knots and we have gone 40.5 sm. We see the BOB boat. I'm not sure what BOB stands for, but it is a boat where they take people out snorkeling and in addition give them a half hour ride on an underwater scooter with an air helmet.

6:25 pm Sunset over Biscayne Bay

At 1656, we are opposite Sands Key and we have done 58.4 sm which is more than we usually do in a day in the ICW even starting earlier than we did. We are averaging 6.4 mph.

Now the wind starts to really pick up speed (as predicted) and is right on the nose, so our speed really slows down and we are getting a bit of water over the bow.

6:32 pm Entrance to Biscayne Channel marker

It's rough until we turn into Biscayne Channel, at which time the waves subsided. Also we now have a better angle on the wind. It's about 1830 (6:30 pm) The sun is setting, but it isn't completely dark yet.

I try to get pictures of the houses in Stiltsville as we go past, but it is difficult. The flash on the film camera reflects off the lifeline stanchions (stainless steel) and the digital camera pictures are blurry because it's almost dark and the boat is moving all the time.

6:38 pm Stiltsville - Digital photo

An hour later, we have come up Biscayne Bay to Miami, and it is dark. I have picked out a place to anchor in an indentation off Hurricane Harbor which is at the west side of Key Biscayne. Bob has prepared the anchor, taken in the sails, and handed the helm over to me to find a spot to anchor.

I motor in watching the ATON (aids to navigation) on the radar and our position on the electronic chart. Bob is standing in the forward companionway trying to pick out the flashing lights on the marks.

Stiltsville and lighted marker

Finally about in the middle of the area (I really want to be closer to shore, but I'm chicken to go any farther in), I'm ready to have Bob drop the hook. It sets quickly and firmly. We have done 73.6 sm (64nm) at an average speed of 6.2 mph.

It is now really windy. We have dinner and go to bed.

Picture is a film photo taken at 6:48 pm

Next, a week in Miami