Not Again? Yep!
Phyllis Atha
04 May 2012 | North of Little Shark River, Everglades, Florida
Left Tavenier Key at 7:00 this morning and sailed the 15+ miles to Channel Five bridge. However, to go under the bridge we would be going directly downwind, so we doused the jib and started the motor. We motorsailed from the bridge and most of the way across Florida Bay (the body of water between the upper keys and the mainland of Florida). We had to meander around some shallow areas and the wind was either too much on the stern or not strong enough to just sail. Once clear of the shallow shoals, we were able to turn more north and again put out the jib and turn off the engine. Sailing again! Running along Cape Sable, Middle Cape and Northwest Cape, the winds were great, water calm. Charlie listened to the weather and the forecast called for similar winds all night, but dying tomorrow. Our options, sail tonight or motor tomorrow. Yep, we chose to do another overnight sail and take advantage of the winds. We passed the Little Shark River, our normal overnight spot, about dark. So far the winds are still good, maybe already a bit lighter. No speed record here, we are running between 3.5 and 5 kts. The seas are a tiny bit bigger now that we have veered away from the shoreline to make the run over to Cape Romano light. But, not the least bit bad. Just a little roll.Today as we were crossing Florida Bay, Charlie heard DJ's Casa calling the marina in Marathon, so he gave them a call. We last saw Danny and Joanne in Nassau almost a month ago. They said they would give us a call when they made it up to Charlotte Harbor. They are heading to Bradenton, just north of Port Charlotte, to put their boat up for sale. While we sailed, on flat water, this afternoon, I finished cleaning lockers, wiping down the fiberglass and wood in the v-berth. Charlie had put teak oil on the wood that I had cleaned the other day, so I finished up the woodwork I cleaned today. The v-berth is looking spiffy. That is until I started piling bags of stuff that I was packing up from the lockers in the v-berth and galley on the v-berth bed and floor. But, its clean! Charlie polished the lifeline stantions while he kept and eye on Otto, the autopilot, which was steering. They look all shiny and pretty. Weather was beautiful today. Mid eighties, sunny, and a nice breeze. This evening is clear. The moon is almost full and Orion is about the set in the west. Temperature is a bit cooler, but not cold.