We are grateful to resurface into the cyber world of people who may actually care where we are. I know my kids don’t worry. They have experienced this for five years. Parents dropping off of the map, and then reappearing when it suits us. The last two days have been a combination of wonderful sails on nearly flat seas and a learning experience of how much work it is to steer this boat for hours at a time when the autopilot malfunctions. We alternated one hour shifts steering and navigating Caprice through less than challenging waters with light and variable winds most of the day. Along the way we observed several sea turtles, lots of playful dolphin, and quite a few flying fish. Despite that entertainment, it was still a long day, and these old folks are not in much of a party mood when we arrive at our daily destination.
Last night near sunset, we parked at Shark River on the southernmost coast of Florida, just inside the Everglades. It was as expected, very quiet and secluded. There were around five other boats quietly anchored. The mosquitos weren’t too annoying and we nodded off just after dark. We awakened at 6am, then again at 7 am to dense fog. Fortunately today’s trip was only 25 miles to day so we were able to delay departure until we could SEE. At about 8:30 there was enough visibility to safely navigate out of the river into the gulf and not be a hazard to ourselves or others. We were accompanied by a couple in a sleek trimaran with no protection from sun, waves or wind, who immediately raised their sails and valiantly attempted to sail on wind power alone. Bless their hearts, they are true sailors with great optimism and 5 knots of wind in the wrong direction.
We soon lost sight of them as we motor-sailed towards the Keys. As it was, with strong currents and lackluster wind, we did not cross under the 7 Mile Bridge until 3:30 pm and picked up our mooring about 4:45. We felt fortunate to acquire the last available mooring ball in a harbor of about 250 moorings. With some repairs to accomplish, it will be convenient to be close to shore and can take advantage of all the dockside services available. When we dropped our dinghy to go to shore to check in, a cute little seahorse decided to latch on to our painter (the rope which connects the dinghy to the mother ship). It is a new wildlife phenomenon for us. Fortunately for the seahorse he let loose before we motored off.
Too pooped to party, we decided to dine on leftovers beneath a beautiful sunset on a glassy harbor. We can t.c.o.b. tomorrow. All is well and we are happy to be here.