We were very ready to leave after the unsettled overnight & left even before Neverland. They had a fun evening based on the music, conversations, etc. we could hear so maybe no one is stirring early...

Took the longer (more depth!) route around the Marquesas for the short leg to Key West & we're in the outer channel by 10:30, with cell service for the 1st time in 4 days! We were able to reserve a slip for 1 night at the new Stock Island Marina. It's about 4 miles from main Key West, but means we don't have to find a spot in the midst of the boat races. Oh well, that much closer when leaving. Would you believe the main harbor closes to ALL traffic for this - 2+ hours on 3 race days? There are Coast Guard vessels staked out from Mallory Square, complete with inflatable buoys which force us even more out of the way!

Well deserved, good reviews for the marina; new, clean, great staff. The approach makes you wonder exactly what's in store, but all good! Our slip assignment is the closest in & w/wind & current, takes 3 tries before we are secured. Just a little tight! Hoped to catch the marina shuttle into town for 2 specific errands: Key West Distilling and Ted's cigar maker on Duval Street! (Unfortunately, the shuttle schedule posted on the website had been changed & we ended up with a $35 taxi ride - yikes! We can catch the return, thank goodness.) Ted wandered in to Key West Distilling right before he & crew brought Another Life across the gulf in March 2013. The business was just opening & didn't have any product at the time except t-shirts! He was happy to find out that it's been a success, even winning some awards for their rum & vodka. It's a tough sell for Cap'n Honey to do a tasting...

No bread left at the fabulous bakery we discovered on our last Key West trip, and barely had time for a Cuban sandwich & yummy coffee outside at Cuban Coffee Queen before the shuttle arrived to take us back. Very interesting conversation with the other 16 passengers - 1 couple from Texas now living in Punta Gorda plus a big flotilla of boats in for a month or so taking in the races. All are big fans of the marina!

Neverland is here (we really aren't stalking them!), & everybody's dressed for dinner; taking the 7:30 shuttle to town. Ted's filling water tanks tonight in prep for leaving; visits w/the shuttle driver & her kitty 2 slips over & the young couple w/a boxer on Wanderlust. Margo gave that dog the stink eye!

Old people are headed for bed & a nice, smooth night w/air running. To Marathon tomorrow - wind & weather on the way & this is one of the safest harbors around. Guess we'll find out why cruisers seem to love the place & never leave!