The 26th we'll weigh anchor and sail to Ramrod Key or Newfound Harbor.

Friday the 25th was a recharge day for Serenity, I ran the generator all morning to properly charge the batteries. Then got fuel and went back to Schooner Wharf to listen and have a late lunch.

The evening was fun watching the Conch Republic Battle of Independence on the waterfront. Most of the old sailing ships were there firing cannon or water hoses. The Coast Guard joined in and 12 to 14 airplanes circled the harbor dropping rolls of marine toilet paper on the boats. There has been some sort of parade or celebration everyday this week for the 32nd anniversary of the succession of the Keys from Florida.

The 24th I went back to listen to Michael and then walked Duval Street. It is better than I remembered. A lot of nice shops and art galleries. Saw some paintings I would like but would have to sell Serenity to afford them.

Spent most of the 23rd at the Schooner Wharf Bar listening to Michael McCloud. He has been singing there for 5 days a week 5 hours a day for 26 years. He calls himself an underachieving drunk but I think his drinking days are long past. He is so laid back that you almost wonder if he really is singing, until he coughs.

There were about 10 folks just sitting there drinking and listening all afternoon as the restaurant filled and emptied around us. I joined a couple from northern California while at the next table was a sailing couple from Punta Gorda. Think I'll go back again but for few songs and beers.

Decided the autopilot needed to be trustworthy if the trip is to continue. So I ordered a replacement drive assembly from our Punta Gorda West Marine store. It should be there next week which is a good excuse to get my allergy shots at home on schedule. I'll leave the boat in Key Largo and rent a car for 24 hours and make a mad dash home.

In the mean time, got to do Duval Street but may wait until the cruise ship leaves.