Key West, the southern most point of the mainland. Left Marathon the afternoon of April 3rd and sailed the length of 7-Mile Bridge and two small keys to get to Bahia Honda State Park. One of it's main attractions is the old railroad bridge that Henry Flagler built to run to Key West. The bridge was built in the 30's and is still standing except for one section that was removed so sailboats can get through to the park. After the railroad's demise, the bridge was used for auto traffic. However the track area was too narrow for two lanes so they built the roadway on top of the trestles. Now the bridge is a historical monument and is slowly rusting away.

The rest of Bahia Honda State Park is nice but was a bit to built up for me. I expected the nature trail to be more than scenic overlooks and a butterfly garden. Where you anchor to visit the park is between the railroad bridge and the currently used Overseas Highway. I was anchored in 16 feet of water and there was a 3 knot current running that pushed you toward one bridge or the other depending on the tides. I decided I didn't want to worry about dragging anchor at night with the tide change and left for Newfound Harbor off Big Pine Key. Total trip that day was 21 miles and with the late start is was twilight when we anchored for the night.

Up the next morning to continuing strong winds from the East. Made for a fast sail down Newfound Harbor, past Key Lois, Saddlebunch Key, Boca Chica Key and to Key West. Sailed up Key West harbor past the Disney Magic liner and anchored toward the south end of Fleming Island, just north of the Coast Guard Station. Sailing was great, averaging 5 knots for the 27-mile trip. It is a long, wet 3/4 -mile dingy ride in to dingy dock at Turtle Krauls in the old seaport area. Walked the seaport, Duval St, and Mallory Square and didn't find anything I couldn't do without. Had a great blackened mahi sandwich at the Old Schooner Bar where Mike McCloud (a Jimmy Buffett type singer) plays in the afternoon.

From where we anchored, we receive about 15 wifi connections but most are encrypted or pay as you go type so I haven't been able to get email or update the blog. Even if I wanted to leave Key West, the winds are such that it would be a battle heading into 3-6 ft waves with 15 knot winds on the nose. Hopefully a cold-front on Thursday may bring a change in the winds. In the mean time, I can work on the boat and hike around Key West.

Spent Wednesday riding my folding bike around Key West. Bought a piece of aluminium to make a mount for my HF radio which I'll need for weather forcasts in the Bahamas. Spent the rest of the afternoon listening to Mike McCloud. It has been a long time since I sat in a bar for 4 hours drinking beer and listening to a singer. He must be OK since I bought a CD and he is on Itunes. Seems like Key West go a hold of me. Good thing I'm leaving Thursday.

Left Key West as a cruise ship came in. Outside the harbor it was blowing 25 Kts and 4-6 ft seas. Once I got the sails set and on the right heading, Serenity settled down and did a nice job. We tacked out a mile and then took a heading back up the keys. Sailed all but the last hour, as the winds died a bit and I wanted to get anchored before dark. Tomorrow off to Long Key and then we will probably go up the Gulf side of the keys due to strong winds expected from the NE next week.