Little Shark River to Naples

The route shown above is for yesterday and today, as recorded by the APRS system. Temp was only 70 at sunrise this morning in Little Shark R. Once underway, saw two large Loggerhead turtles out in the Gulf. Took the 'outside route' around Cape Romano, past Marco Island and into Wiggins Pass, Naples. A very nice conclusion to this 460 nautical mile jaunt around the Keys and Everglades. - JSH

Key West to Little Shark River

Decided to go to Shark River instead of further north to Indian Key / Everglades City due to storms and the possibility of stronger winds from the East. -JSH

In Stormy Key West

The winds are down generally, but staying on the mooring ball until the t-storms clear. -JSH

Marathon to Key West

Blues and greens were jumping out of the clear water everywhere on today's "back way" to Key West. The bottom was visible for much of the meandering 60+ mile track. Started by going west in Hawk Channel on the ocean side, then turned north under the 20' bridge at Bahia Honda. Then up Big Spanish Channel, past Big Spanish Key and then west at Harbor Key Bank for a 28 nm run in the Gulf to the Northwest Channel entrance to Key West. -JSH

Fine Dining In Marathon

One of the select fine dining establishments here in Marathon - had to try it. And it is true, upon leaving I felt like a..... When not eating, spent the day touring on foot trying to regain pre breakfast dimensions. -JSH

Duck Key to Boot Key Harbor, Marathon

Interesting to note that slack current runs about 3 hours after each tide shift at Duck Key! Nice ride in Hawk Channel to Boot Key Harbor in Marathon. Seas 2 ft, winds and waves from the east pushed Nellie on her way. - JSH

Islamorada to Duck Key

Headed West from the Islamorada anchorage to Duck Key and the Hawks Cay resort. Nice place where you can even swim with bottle nose dolphins.

Adam and Bobbie Mink, original owners of #56 B.J. Stone, (now Our Villa) live here and stopped by to say hello. They took delivery in Annapolis, MD came down the ICW and lived aboard for several years cruising the keys and Bahamas. They have retired from cruising and now own a flats fishing boat and enjoy playing tennis.

Ocean Reef to Islamorada

A small fleet of these guys came zooming by today just off the coast of Key Largo. Nice run today from Ocean Reef via Hawk Channel to Islamorada. Went through Snake Creek to get back on the inside. - JSH

Nellie's new GXM 51 Sat WX

-JSH

At Ocean Reef for a few days

Staying at the Ocean Reef Club for a few days with our friends from the NYC - a great resort with restaurants, hotel, tennis, golf, a beautiful protected marina. - JSH

Islamorada to Ocean Reef

The dolphins were playing in Nellie D's wake today (some on video). A nice ride up the inside ICW channel from Islamorada to Ocean Reef. Strong winds from the E but water is calm and clear. Depth sounder produces some false readings from grasses that grow up several feet from the mostly sandy bottom. Through Card Sound to pretty Angelfish Creek and then back S in Hawk Channel for two miles to the well marked but narrow Ocean Reef entrance. - JSH

Little Shark River to Upper Matecumbe Key (Islamorada)

Arrive in the Florida Keys! Nice sunny day. Windy from the E @ 15-20. First time through "yacht channel" which is the northernmost marked route around the southern tip of Florida. Mostly shallow the whole way but no problem. Anchored near Little Basin and the World Wide Sportsman Marina/Rest. in the lee of Upper Matecumbe Key. Dinghied in for dinner. - JSH