In Port at Stock Island Marina

I am so far behind on blogging! Island time is even slower than retirement time! BTW, Pete recovered from his back pain episode thanks to steroids, pain meds and muscle relaxers! He also thinks having a full-time RN helped! Thank you for your kind comments and good wishes.

Stock Island is an island in the lower Florida Keys immediately east of Key West (separated from Key West by Cow Channel, which is only about 75 yards wide.) The island was supposedly named for herds of livestock formerly kept here. However, local lore suggests a more nefarious origin involving pirates stopping here to provision their ships. There are many stories circulating around Key West (one of the most haunted cities in the country) involving pirates, shipwrecks, ghosts and other spirited topics.

Stock Island Marina is relatively new and accommodates boats of all sizes and people from all walks of life! Many of these folks are dog owners so Cody had been our “icebreaker” in the designated Dog Park. It is not unusual to see exotic birds perched on their owners’ shoulders out in the evenings.

I would say most of the more memorable personalities are live-a-boards on the pier known as Coconut Row. It is worth a walk down the Row to see the colorful little community these folks have cobbled together. Some have creatively expanded their living space as you will see in the Stock Island gallery photos.

Shrimp Road Grill (permanent food truck) and surrounding patio is the onsite “Cheers” bar and more for the marina. Many of the Coconut Row residents gather here in the evenings for a cold beer and surprising delicious food especially the hogfish tacos. A darling little 10- year girl is the resident pool shark (mom minds the bar). Pete and Cody enjoying “liming” in the hammocks.

The finale to a great day is taking our dinghy out to watch the beautiful Key West sunset. Or we might appreciate the sunset from the comfort of the cockpit with “dock tail” in hand grilling on the new “barbie”.

We enjoyed Stock Island Marina particularly since Key West was easily accessible by marina shuttle or our trusty boat bikes. Publix grocery store and Hogfish Grill were also within biking distance. Next posting: Exploring Key West.

Click on Photo Gallery to see pictures of Stock Island.

Cheers, Barbara,Pete and Cody